Chapter twelve: A beautiful lie

I looked at Luca who had a very smug look on his face.

“Unfortunately, I’m beginning to realize that.”

His mouth twitched.

“Relax. I promise you’ll survive.”

“That’s a very low standard for a wedding kiss.”

“Would you prefer I didn’t?”

I blinked because I hadn’t expected him to ask then remembered the hundreds of guests watching us.

“No,” I whispered. “Just get it over with.”

“Such romance.”

His hand settled against my waist, and he leaned down.

Then his lips touched mine.

Oh.

Oh, God that was not what I’d expected.

His lips were warm, his touch surprisingly gentle, and for one ridiculous second, every sensible thought in my head disappeared.

I forgot the guests, my father and that this was the same arrogant bastard I’d spent the last four days imagining creative ways to murder.

My fingers tightened slightly around his arm.

And I felt something warm and unfamiliar that settled somewhere deep in my stomach.

It was wonderful, Luca Ricci had taken my face kiss and it was wonderful, I guess that’s not the only first he will take from me.

My body had decided to betray me on my wedding day and then Luca shifted slightly his eyes opened, and I noticed him looking past my shoulder towards the guests.

He glanced briefly to the side, where several cameras were positioned, before drawing me a little closer.

And suddenly, I understood what he was checking, he wanted to make sure everyone could see.

Making sure the cameras captured the perfect kiss between the powerful Luca Ricci and his beautiful new bride.

This wasn’t a moment but a performance and like an idiot, I’d almost believed it.

I placed my hand against his chest and pulled away.

Luca looked down at me surprised and then he spoke.

“Hello again Mrs. Ricci.”

I returned a smile sweet enough to cause diabetes. “Enjoy your little performance, Mr. Ricci?”

His eyes narrowed slightly before he could answer, the guests erupted into applause.

Somewhere behind us, Viviana screamed loud enough to embarrass our entire bloodline.

Luca offered me his arm and I took it after all, the show had to go on.

***

The reception was everything my mother had dreamed of.

An orchestra, an enormous wedding cake, and enough champagne to drown a small village.

Unfortunately, I was expected to enjoy it.

Luca spent most of the evening introducing me to politicians, businessmen, and men whose names I immediately forgot.

Every time someone congratulated us, he’d place a hand against my waist and smile like we were the happiest couple alive.

And every time, I smiled back, I guess I was becoming an excellent actress.

“You’re enjoying yourself more than you’re willing to admit.”

“Yes, being paraded around like a very expensive handbag has always been my childhood dream.”

“You’re considerably more argumentative than most handbags.”

“Then perhaps you should have married one.”

His smile widened and before he could respond, Matteo appeared beside us.

“Luca can I have a word.”

Something about his expression made Luca’s smile disappear.

“What is it?”

Matteo glanced at me. “Privately.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, please. Don’t let me interrupt your mysterious mafia business. I’m only your trophy wife.”

Luca turned toward me. “Stay here.”

I smiled. “Was that a request?”

“Consider it a suggestion.” He leaned closer “Behave, little dove.”

“Make me.”

For a moment, something dark flashed in his eyes and then he smiled. “Careful what you wish for.”then he walked away.

I watched him disappear with Matteo before grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

Finally I’ll get my peace or so I thought.

***

I’d escaped to a quiet corridor near the reception hall when I heard footsteps behind me.

“Mrs. Ricci?”

I turned.

A stunning brunette stood a few feet away, wearing a burgundy gown that probably cost more than my first car.

She had perfect makeup, expensive jewelry, and the kind of smile that immediately made me suspicious., I recognized her from the photos with Luca online but I chose to pretend not to know who she is.

“Yes?”

She approached. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m Isabella Moretti.”

I waited because, she expected the name to mean something but I still pretended that It didn’t.

Her smile tightened slightly. “Oh. Luca hasn’t mentioned me?”

I took another sip of champagne. “Should he have?”

She laughed softly. “Well, we’ve known each other for a very long time.”

“How lovely.”

“Very long,” she repeated, as though I hadn’t heard her the first time.

I smiled. “Congratulations. Would you like a certificate?”

Her expression flickered and then she stepped closer, I guess she thought I would be docile

“I simply wanted to welcome you into the family. It must be overwhelming, marrying a man like Luca.”

“Not particularly, the wedding planner handled most of it.”

She didn’t laugh. “You seem very young, did you just graduate high school?” she observed but the last part was meant as an insult, of course u had not just graduated high school.

“And you seem very interested in my age.”

Her smile returned. “You’re spirited. I can see why Luca finds you amusing.”

Something about the way she said amusing irritated me.

“Was there something you wanted, Miss Moretti?”

She glanced toward the reception hall, making sure we were alone and she looked back at me.

“Just a little advice. Woman to woman.”

Oh, wonderful, nothing good had ever followed those words.

“You see, Fiona, men like Luca don’t love the way ordinary men do. They collect beautiful things, enjoy them for a while, and eventually grow bored.”

I stared at her. “Is that supposed to frighten me?”

“No, sweetheart. I’m simply trying to help you understand the man you’ve married.”

I smiled. “How generous but unfortunately , I didn’t ask.”

Her expression hardened and the pleasant act disappeared, she stepped closer, lowering her voice.

“Enjoy the diamonds, the dresses, and the attention while they last. But when you find yourself wondering whether you’re special to him, remember something.”

I held her gaze.

“What?”

She smiled.

“Ask yourself what the Dons do to their discarded women, and just so you know, he always returns to my bed.”

And before I could ask what the hell she meant, Isabella turned and walked away, leaving me alone with a question I suddenly wasn’t sure I wanted answered.