Page 8 of Urgent Vows
CATALINA
By the time we finish with the obligatory receiving line, despite the pain relievers Severu made me take, my hip is on fire and my ribs feel like my bodice is lined with rocks, not silk.
I am exhausted and there is still the whole reception to get through. Thankfully, it will start with the meal being served and that will be followed by the toasts. I can stay seated for both.
I hope the makeup job done by his sister when we arrived at the venue holds. Severu said the mark on my face is covered completely, but if I sweat off the makeup, it's going to show through. I'm careful not to touch my face regardless.
"Are you going to allow my father to make a toast?" I ask Severu after he once again carries me to my seat.
The guests are going to believe the bride switch was all his idea because he wanted me and not my sister with how attentive he's behaving. Maybe that's his plan. If it is, it's a good one to armor his pride and standing as Don against the rampant gossip.
That explains the kiss. He was creating a narrative. One that left him looking ruthless and even selfish, butnotabandoned by a runaway bride.
Marrying me had nothing to do with wanting me as his wife. Severu made the best of a bad situation, turning my walking down the aisle in my sister's wedding gown to his advantage. It is no less than I can expect but being a pawn in his game hurts all the same.
Will the guests forget that moment when I took off my veil and my father shouted? Maybe they will think he was as shocked by it being me as they were. What story will we tell to explain my sister's absence?
My thoughts are whirling with so many questions, I almost miss Severu's answer to my inquiry.
"Yes." The word comes out clipped and harsh.
He's no happier about it than I am, but in the mafia, appearances are everything.
I eat very little of the meal, though the food is delicious. My dress is tight and I'm fighting nausea, though I'm doing my best to hide it. The painkillers Severu gave me must have been some sort of opiate.
In addition to the nausea, they are making me loopy, which makes the happy bride façade easier to maintain, but also makes it harder to hide my nerves.
I'm worried to death about Carlotta. Has my father already sent men looking for her? What will happen if they find her? Severu promised to protect her, but what if he doesn't have the chance?
What if she gets herself in trouble before either man can find her? Let's face it, she's been raised as a mafia princess, the one daughter spoiled by our father. Carlotta is not equipped to navigate the real world.
Thoughts of the night to come only increase my inner turmoil.
Will Severu expect to consummate the marriage?
My ovaries may be swooning at the idea, but the rest of my body isn't. As the hours pass, my pain levels will only increase. I've been here before.
What happens if my husband expects to exercise his marital rights?
I've never been touched in any intimate way. The kiss at the wedding was the first one I've ever received. I have spent my entire life as a prisoner in my father's house or attending an all girls boarding school.
I've never seen a naked man in person, much less touched one with the intent of satisfying him sexually. How will I know what to do when the time comes? I don't want to disappoint Severu.
I'm no beauty like my sister. She could probably just lay there, and he would get turned on simply looking at her.
What if he doesn't want me? What if the look of desire I thought I saw at the church was something else?
"You are not eating," Severu remarks in an undertone to me. "We do not need to give our guests even more to speculate on."
"I'm trying."
"Try harder."
If we were alone, I would give him a look to let him know what I think of his order, but he's right about one thing. Wedon'tneed to give the people around us any more grist for the gossip mill. So, I give him a sweet smile instead. If it doesn't reach my eyes, that can't be helped.
I take a bite and chew, forcing myself to swallow the perfectly prepared pan seared salmon. Severu opted for the meat entrée of course. His change of bride doesn't seem to be impacting his appetite.
He didn't get smacked and kicked around just before the wedding like I did, though. If he had, I doubt he'd let anyone see his weakness. And I can't let the guests see mine either. I take another bite.
