Page 16

Cillian

Once the ceremony that seemed to be never-ending was finally over, I grabbed Bia’s hand and got us away from all those peering eyes as quickly as possible.

After we have put enough space between us and everyone else, I turn and face Bia.

“Hope you're ready to play the role as the perfect Mafia wife. You will not embarrass me.”

“I promise I won’t,”

she whispers as she looks down.

“Look at me,”

I demand. I wait a moment for her to look up. Luckily for her, she does, but her eyes don’t meet mine. I grab her chin until our eyes meet.

“You do not look down when speaking to anyone. It makes you look weak. When you look weak, it makes me look weak, and you will not be the reason people view me as weak.”

“Yes, sir... I mean Cillian,”

She whispers. What the fuck was that about?

“Good. Let’s go.”

I hold Bia’s hand and walk us to the reception hall; the wedding planner is at the door waiting for us.

“There is the happy couple. The photographer is outside waiting for you to take a few pictures before you join everyone.”

I nod, turning on my heel and walking outside.

It takes the photographer about thirty minutes to finish taking all the pictures. It took a lot of restraint to keep myself from reacting to having Bia’s tiny body against mine. Holding her against me, I could feel every curve that hides under her dress. And it was fucking torture.

When I got married to Meredith, I already knew what was hidden under her dress as we had fucked many times, but with Bia it’s a surprise. I never understood the appeal of a virgin bride before, but now I understand it and absolutely love the idea.

All the guests cheer as we walk inside the reception hall. The band starts to play, signaling that it’s time for our first dance.

I guide Bia to the middle of the dance floor; and I watch out of the corner of my eye as she walks slightly behind me. Why does she always walk behind others? Doesn’t she know the power she holds now? She needs to walk with confidence, not like a scared lamb.

I swing her body to me so; we are chest to chest. I reach for her hands and move them to wrap around my neck before placing both my hands on her hips.

I slowly start to sway to the music. I watch as her big doe eyes stare up at me. Right now, looking down at her makes me want to stop being an asshole and treat her right. She looks so tiny, with her head barely coming up to my chest, and it makes me want to keep her wrapped up in my arms and protect her from the evils of this world.

Then I remember everything Meredith put me through, and I refuse to let another woman have that much control over me ever again.

After our dance, I lead Bia to our table. The staff start to bring everyone’s plates to the tables. One of the waitresses brings me a glass of whiskey, and I take a slow sip as I watch Bia. She takes small sips of her water before setting it gently back on the table. She keeps her hands in her lap as she looks around the room. The moment she looks at her family, instead of it relaxing her seeing their familiar faces it makes her tense.

Is my suspicion of her Grandfather abusing her correct? Is it someone else? Is it the whole family? The idea of someone putting their hands on Bia makes my fingers itch to pull my gun out. All she has to say is who has hurt her, and I will make them suffer.

My father talking breaks me out of my murderous thoughts. I look up and my parents are standing together on the stage.

“Hello, for those who don’t know, my name is Peter O’Sullivan, and this is my wife, Grace. We are the parents of Cillian. We wanted to thank everyone for coming today to celebrate Cillian and Bia as they start their lives together. Marriage isn’t as easy as people think it is. You will have ups and downs; the downs will test your strength and commitment to each other. We know Bia and Cillian’s love will only strengthen over time, and there is nothing that will tear them apart.”

He pauses as he looks from me to Bia.

“Bia, we have enjoyed getting to know you and love you. We are so glad you are to be a part of this family; we are so lucky to gain such a sweet, caring, and beautiful daughter.”

“Thank you,”

she says to them. My father hands the microphone off to Xander. My parents walk over to both of us and give each of us a hug.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Xander Vasileious, I’m Bia’s Grandfather. Today is a bittersweet day for me; as happy as I am for Bia to grow her wings and start her life, I’m also sad that the little girl I have helped raised is now a woman. I remember the week after we returned from Ireland, and I sat with Bia, knowing her responsibilities would change as she becomes a wife and one day a mother. We will miss her smiles around the mansion but are so happy for her. Cillian, you are lucky to have such a perfect woman as your wife.”

He raises his glass. “To Cillian and Bia, may they be filled with love and riches.”

All the guests raise their glasses. “To Cillian and Bia.”

I lean over and place a kiss on Bia’s cheek, chuckling as her cheeks become blood red.

After more people come and give toasts to us, we finally are able to eat. I have meat and potatoes on my plate but I’m shocked when I see Bia has a tiny salad on her plate.

“Where is the rest of your meal?”

“Oh, this is all I need.”

“Bia, this couldn’t fill a toddler. You need more than this.”

“I’m okay.”

I glance at her but really look at her. Something is wrong.

“Fine, but you will eat more later,”

I demand. She will even if I have to force feed her. She nods and picks her fork up. I pull my phone out and send a text to Molly to have Bia’s favorite meal ready for us when we get to our room later.

Kayleigh starts talking to Bia; they get along so well. I know Kayleigh couldn’t stand Meredith. Meredith was a bitch and I know it wasn’t her bipolar disorder that made her act like a bitch, she was just was one.

Leonidas approaches the table, bends down, and gives Bia a kiss on her cheek.

“You look beautiful today, Bia, a beautiful Goddess.”

“Thank you, Leonidas.”

He gives her a smile before he looks at me.

“Cillian, I would like to speak to you alone for a moment.”

“Of course,”

I tell him but look at Bia.

“Will you be okay while I talk to your brother?”

“Yes, I will sit here while you are gone.”

I nod at her and walk away with Leonidas. I lead us to an empty room.

“What did you need to talk to me about?”

“I should have talked to you before you got married, but I need to know you will take care of Bia.”

I scoff, “Of course I will. She is my wife.”

“And being your wife doesn’t mean she will be safe. Does it?”

“You saying I killed Meredith?”

“Didn’t you?”

“Regardless of how much of a bitch she was, no I wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger. She did that because of her bipolar disorder and she said she couldn’t bear to birth one of my evil spawns into this world.”

“Holy fuck!”

“Yeah, and I got a front row seat to it too.”

“Fucking hell. I’m sorry, Cillian. I may not like you, but no man should hear or see that.”

“Thank you, but I promise Bia will not need for anything.”

“Money can’t buy everything.”

“Money can buy the important things.”

He pauses a moment before continuing, “I lost the love of my life years ago. I know my Grandfather was behind it, and trust me, one day he will pay for it.

Bia has never felt loved since my father died, and I want her to feel loved and cherished like she deserves.”

“I won’t discuss what happens in my marriage with you, but I promise she will be happy.”

“Good, and since you’re family, I will give you a piece of.”

He is cut off when Keenan bursts into the room.