Page 124 of Urgent Vows
He nods. "Yes."
Because it sends an important message. I stifle my sigh and force a smile for Aria. "I'm looking forward to it."
My hip is aching by the end of the 5K, but I take some analgesics, drink an espresso to counteract how they make me sleepy, and hope for the best.
Because afterward, there is a reception for the biggest donors. Which of course includes Aria and me. At least I get to sit down for most of it.
Unfortunately, this evening happens to be a cocktail party being hosted by Big Sal's wife as well. It is a way to cement his place as the new consigliere in the minds ofla famiglia. No matter how much I wish I could stay home and soak in a hot bath after an extra session of Yoga, I cannot miss it. It would look like I resent him taking Francesco's place.
I take a dose of the higher dose ibuprofen left over from the hospital after dinner with an energy drink, while Severu is putting on his tuxedo.
I put off sliding my feet into my heels until the last minute. I'm wearing a dark green cocktail dress that clings to all my curves. It has a high neck with a keyhole cut right over my cleavage. Emilia sent a maid to help me style my hair and I'm grateful. I've barely got the energy to put on a light layer of makeup.
Once I'm ready, I meet my husband in our private sitting room. He's on his phone, but he puts it away when he hears me come in.
Savage desire casts a near cruel look over Severu's handsome features as he takes in my outfit. "I like that dress."
"Your sister picked it out."
"I'm not sure if I want anyone else to see you in it though."
I laugh. He always talks like other men find me as irresistible as he does.
He shakes his head. "You think I am joking?"
"Teasing, or not, we don't have time for me to change and I'm not risking messing up my hair to do it anyway." The maid put it up in a soft updo with a few tendrils falling around my face.
"I have something for you to wear."
"I'm not putting on a sweater. It's eighty degrees out there, Severu."
He hands me a recognizable small red box with gold accents. Jewelry.
"What's this for?" I ask as I open the box.
"Because I wanted to."
My breath catches when I see the pair of earrings inside. They are platinum infinity hoops with diamond accents.
"They're beautiful."
"Not nearly as beautiful as you, wife."
He calls me that almost as often as he doesmi dolce bellezzanow, and not just when he's being bossy. I like it.
I put the earrings on and take my husband's arm.
My heart sinks when we arrive at the rooftop venue for Ilaria De Luca's party. Tall, circular tables covered with elegant white tablecloths that reach the floor are strategically placed throughout the space. There are no chairs or benches. I've got at least two hours of standing on heels to look forward to.
I don't think even a prescription dose of ibuprofen is going to be enough to get through tonight.
And I'm right.
I don't drink any wine, but even after the caffeine shot of the energy drink earlier, I'm fighting to hide my weariness the entire time we are there.
By the time we leave to go home, I'm done. I don't wait for my husband, or even say goodnight to my in-laws. I go straight to our room and strip out of my dress, leaving it where it falls on the floor. Stepping out of the hated heels, I take out my beautiful new earrings and manage to place them on my nightstand before climbing into bed.
Fatigue battles pain and I hope exhaustion wins as I try to relax and breathe out the pain.
