Page 64 of Nico

“I know this is a temporary arrangement,” I murmured. Something crossed his features, but he quickly masked it. “But you can’t just erase my entire life. John is a friend. I already told you that. I wouldn’t dream of telling you to get rid of your friends.” When he didn’t say a thing, I continued. “I’m pissed off you threw this on me without consulting with me, and I’m pissed off you hit my best friend, but please remember one thing. I willneverdo something just to piss you off. I sensed yesterday you didn’t like him. Even if I knew about the wedding and sent the invite, I wouldn’t have invited him without talking to you about it.”

Our gazes locked, my voice was firm, but my insides shook. It felt important he understood I’d never manipulate him. He sighed and held out his free hand.

“You are going to break me, aren’t you?”

Something shifted and I wasn’t sure what. I chuckled softly.

“I certainly hope not.” I looked at his profile. “So you agree that John can stay?” I asked softly.

“Yes, your friend can stay.” It was like getting a gift on Christmas morning.

“Nico?” I squeezed his hand gently.

“Hmmm?” The ruthless man was gone and the man that got under my skin was back.

“No more surprises like today. Okay?”

I swore regret, or something like it, passed his expression. My instinct told me to push him about it, ask him if there was anything else he needed to tell me but before I opened my mouth, he beat me to it.

“Good plan.” He pressed a kiss on my cheek. “You look gorgeous.” My body warmed at his compliment and the heat in his gaze. “Now let’s get married, Cara Mia.”

“Okay.” Like a dolt, when he looked at me like that, I was in danger of doing anything he demanded.

Nico nodded at Bear, I guess an unspoken signal that John was good to stay.

“All good?” Cassio asked, glancing between the two of us.

I nodded and John approached. “You’re going to get cleaned up?”

“Yeah. Your bodyguard,” he tilted his chin at Bear, “demands it.”

John glared at Nico, and I quickly reprimanded him. “John, don’t start any more shit. Or I’ll call your mother.”

He rolled his eyes. “That only worked ten years ago,” he grunted but headed into the house. Nico left to take his spot at the end of the line decorated by red roses on each end.

“Now, let’s get you married,” Grace fixed the train in the back, while Ella instructed the kids to go ahead and throw flower petals on the ground. “Before another fight breaks out.”

I wholeheartedly agreed. Today couldn’t end soon enough. And then… Jesus, I couldn’t think about tonight, otherwise I’d melt into a puddle.

“Pachelbel’s Canon” resumed and Cassio offered his arm.

“What’s your full name again?” I asked Cassio, looping my hand through his arm.

Everyone’s eyes were on us, as we made our way down the makeshift aisle, surrounded by flowers. The day started off rough. But it could only get better from here. Right?

“Cassio King,” he replied. I lost my step and would have stumbled if not for Cassio catching me.

Oh my God! Did they catch me, and I didn’t even know?

ChapterTwenty-Three

NICO

Ibeat up Bianca’s best friend on the day of our wedding.

She forgave me.

I forced marriage on her.