Page 83 of Thorns of Desire

She shook her head. “I do what I must sowecan survive.” I tensed, something about her tone creeping into my veins with a warning. “Why did you keep this big secret from me?” she demanded, easing back to see my face. “And getting married! Why the rush?”

I flinched like I’d been struck. My mom’s words cut deep, and I found myself reverting back to the little girl starved for approval.

But today was aboutmydecisions,myfuture with Manuel—a man who treated me right and who would be patient with me. I steeled my heart and raised my chin in defiance. We rarely didn’t see eye to eye, but it didn’t mean I was willing to let her dictate my life. “I’m a grown woman, and I’m doing this.”

I trusted Manuel to protect me. Yes, the baby wasn’t planned, but I knew we’d be safest with him.

“I’m going to catch up with Isla,” I finally said, giving her hand a final squeeze before slipping away. “Are you coming?” I called over my shoulder.

The light footsteps told me she was right behind me. “Athena, it’s not like you to be impulsive.”

I wheeled back around to face her, but my best friend cut in before I could reply. “Athena has spent her whole life playing by the rules, keeping both feet firmly planted inside the line. I’d say it’s time she let loose,” Isla said, winking. “Besides, now we’re going to be family.”

“But isn’t he a bit old for you?” Mom insisted, her eyes darting to Isla’s husband. “Just like yours is too old for you, young lady.”

I didn’t get to answer before Manuel’s possessive hand slipped around my hip.

“Alexandra,” he greeted my mother.

“Manuel,” she retorted back stiffly. “Eleven years ago I thought I’d never see you again, and now I can’t shake you off.”

“Is that the last time you saw him? At the opera house?” I asked innocently, knowing she’d seen him mere weeks ago in Spain during my visit.

Mom realized she slipped, but she wasn’t about to let that ruffle her feathers. “That’s beside the point. I don’t like this, Athena. You need to reconsider. He’s simply too old for you.”

That couldn’t be the only reason. After all, the man she was sleeping with was thirty years her senior.

“Athena can decide for herself who she chooses to spend her life with,” Manuel stated, his voice colder than Siberia. “But if my age and affection for your daughter bothers you, please feel free to skip the wedding.”

Before I realized what I was doing, I leaned into him, not caring what my mother thought about it. Or perhaps I was staking a claim, knowing full well she’d always found Manuel attractive.

“But we hope you won’t,” I added.

“You ladies should change.” Manuel pressed a kiss to my temple, his masculine scent wrapping around me like a protective cocoon. He turned his head toward my mother and asked, “Are you staying, Alexandra, or should I arrange for your transport?”

Mom’s shoulders slumped, resigned. “I’m staying. Athena is my only daughter. Of course I wouldn’t miss her wedding day.”

Relief washed over me and I smiled, taking her hand in mine. “Thank you.”

She still didn’t look ecstatic about it, but she gave me a nod and the slightest of smiles. “Anything for you.”

Isla clapped her hands. “Just wait until you see the gown.”

“Can’t wait,” I said, grateful for Isla’s enthusiasm.

“I will see you at the altar shortly,amorina.”

Releasing me, he strode toward the house along with Enrico. I wondered when he’d had the time to organize everything.It pays to be rich, I guess.

“One sec,” I told my mom and Isla, then ran after them. Once inside, I grabbed Manuel’s hand, pulling him to a stop. When heshot me a confused look, I blurted out in a breathy tone, “What do you mean you’ll see me at the altar?”

Enrico chuckled. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Neither of us turned to look at him, our gazes locked in a wordless exchange.

“Manuel?” I breathed. “Thank you.”

“Of course. I’d pull stars from the sky for you,amorina.”