Page 61 of Reckless Games

The courtyard hushed as the doors swung open, revealing Angela in her pristine white gown. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of her, and I forgot to blink. Her dress flowed around her like a waterfall of silk and lace, accentuating every graceful movement as she walked towards me.

Angela's eyes met mine. The soft curl of her hair framed her face. I held my breath as she reached the end of the aisle, her gaze unwaveringly locked with mine. The joy and relief surged through me as I took her hands in mine, feeling the softness of her skin against my own. "You look breathtaking," I was barely able to contain the depth of my emotions.

Angela's smile widened, her eyes glistening with happiness. "And you look handsome," she replied, her voice a soft melody that only I could hear.

***

Angela

I couldn't believe the day had finally arrived. The silver-eyed man who had haunted my sinful dreams was about to become my husband. I wished my mom and dad could have been here to witness this, but I knew they were watching from the heavens. My eyes scanned the small gathering. A small smile tugged at my lips when I spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Despite his efforts to blend in and stay in the shadows, I still recognized him in a heartbeat. Our eyes met, and he sent a quick wink of assurance. Yet, I noticed that his eyes lacked their usual sparkle.

Convincing Lorenzo to invite Jacob to the wedding had been a battle. Lorenzo only relented after I emphasized that Jacob was the closest thing I had to a brother. With muchgrumbling and a few tantrums, he finally agreed. I was just glad Jacob could make it in time. At first, Jacob was silent after I told him everything over the phone. He finally said he was happy if I was, but I could hear the sadness lingering in his voice. So I assured him that my marriage wouldn’t disrupt our bond.

The officiant began speaking, but I hardly heard the words, too caught up in the moment, too lost in Lorenzo’s eyes. His thumb gently brushed over my knuckles. We exchanged our vows and the words felt inadequate to express the depth of my feelings. But Lorenzo’s eyes told me he understood. “And do you, Angela, take Lorenzo to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” the officiant asked.

“I do,” I said, my voice clear and unwavering.

“And do you, Lorenzo, take Angela to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

“I do.” Lorenzo’s voice was rough with emotion, his eyes never leaving mine.

The officiant smiled, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the—.”

Lorenzo didn’t wait for another second. He pulled me to him, one hand cupping my face, the other around my waist, and kissed me with a fierce urgency. The world around us disappeared, leaving just the two of us in a bubble of love and passion. His lips moved against mine with a hunger that spoke of all the time we had lost.

When he finally pulled back, both of us breathless, he rested his forehead against mine, his eyes filled with love and triumph. “You’re mine, Angel. Now and forever,” he whispered, his voice low and possessive.

“And you’re mine,” I whispered back, feeling a sense of completeness I had never known before.

The guests erupted into applause and cheers, but all I could focus on was the man in front of me—my husband, my love, my everything.

***

“You bitch!” The shout rang out just as everyone was settling in for lunch after the ceremony. My head whipped around, and I felt the blood drain from my face. “You fucking did it again, Angela!” Emily, dressed in a vibrant purple dress, was barreling towards me, one of her heels raised in the air like a weapon.

“Ems!” Panic surged through me.

“Don’t you fucking Ems me!”

“I... I can explain.” How could I have forgotten about her? But then again, with everything that had happened, it made sense that I did.

“Explain?” she snarled. I turned and ran towards a quieter area, away from the crowd. Glancing back at Lorenzo, I silently begged for help, but he just shrugged, raising his hands in surrender, indicating I was on my own. “I thought you fucking died! Do you know how devastated I was when I couldn't reach you and Giovanni told me you were kidnapped! You were missing for months, Angela! And then all of a sudden, twelve hours ago, Gio calls to inform me that you’re getting married to your hunk, and I’m invited?!” She tossed her heel at me, and I barely managed to duck in my gown and dodge it. I made a mental note to have a word with Giovanni later.

“Bitch, I’m the freaking bride! Have some shame!” I shouted back, trying to avoid the other heel she flung at me.

“Yeah? And I was supposed to be the freaking bridesmaid! But guess whose plans got canceled because thelovely bride decided to ditch me, and of course, let’s not forget the fucking delay in the flight Gio booked for me! And the cherry on top? I was the one who told you how to give your man a fucking blowjob that landed you next to him, saying your vows! And this is how you repay me?” She finally stopped to catch her breath, her chest heaving with frustration.

I stopped running as well, and silence enveloped us for a few minutes. Unknowingly, a tear slipped down my cheek. The whole wedding had made me emotional, and I could understand what she was feeling. After all, I was her only close friend.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice trembling. We were now a little away from the crowd, which was a blessing.

“Oh, bitch, no, don’t cry! You’ll ruin your makeup.” She rushed up to me and enveloped me in a tight hug. “I’m just glad you’re alive. I only did that because I was worried. Don’t take it to heart. I’m sorry.”

“No, you aren’t wrong about anything. That's why; I’m sorry too,” I murmured, hugging her back tightly. We stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, the tension easing away. Emily pulled back slightly, wiping a tear from my cheek with a gentle smile.

“Just promise me one thing,” she said, her voice softening. “No more disappearing, okay? I need my best friend around to give me a heart attack every now and then.”

I laughed through my tears. “I promise.” I couldn’t tell her everything about my secret-agent-business. But now, I had a chance to start fresh with her, where she could be my genuine friend, not just someone I spent time with until my mission was complete.

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