Page 70 of Retribution
“What’s wrong?”
Rebecca licks her lips and swallows hard. “It’s a lot,” she murmurs. “There’s so much noise and lights and so many people everywhere. And, umm. It’s really fancy,” she whispers.
My brows curl downward as I try to understand where she’s coming from. We were just at that amusement park not that long ago, and okay, there weren’t as many people there as there are here, but it’s not like there weren’t plenty of them around. As for it being fancy, well, fuck. Maybe I made a mistake bringing her here? Perhaps she would have been more comfortable at a cheaper hotel.
“Okay,” I reply, unsure what else to say. “Let’s get to our room where you can relax. If it’s too much and you aren’t happy, we can always get a room somewhere else.”
Pulling her close, I place my arm at the bottom of her back, guiding her towards our room once the elevators deliver us to our floor. The room is a calming mix of navy, gold, beige, and silver, and I breathe easier myself once we’re inside. The bed is huge, its gold headboard hovering above it, while the large screen tv and two plush chairs complete the setup.
A large floor-to-ceiling window overlooks the fountains, which I’m looking forward to experiencing. And the bathroom is downright luxurious. Maybe I could get used to this level of luxury after all.
Rebecca releases a sigh of relief as the door closes behind us and flops down on the bed with her arms over her head. Throwing myself onto the bed, I rest my head in my hand as I look down at her, noticing that the earlier discomfort in her eyes has passed. Gently swiping one of her curls out of her eyes, I tuck it behind her ear, then lower my lips to hers in a soft kiss.
“Better now?”
She nods back at me, her eyes closing as she nestles into my chest. “I’m not sure what came over me. It’s not like me to be so nervous like that.”
“Are you having second thoughts?” I ask, more than a little trepidation coursing through me. I’ve heard of wedding day jitters and cold feet; is that what this is?
“About what? You?”
I nod back at her.
Rebecca smiles up at me, her eyes crinkling. “No, Trey. I want to be with you. I think it was a number of things. My list being finished, uncertainties about what our life will look like, where we’ll go. Leaving Arizona for the first time, leaving my babies and old life behind. Plus our wedding tomorrow and everything. I think I just got overwhelmed.”
Wrapping my arm around her waist, I lay back and pull her tighter into me. “That’s understandable,” I reply. “You’ve been through a lot, and your emotions are all over the place. Just know that no matter what, you’re it for me. The only person in this world that I love, that I can’t live without.”
Her arms squeeze me tight, and although I’m not surprised, it still hurts just a little that she doesn’t say the words back. One day she’ll realize that she does, and I’ll probably jump on her when she finally admits that she loves me too.
***
Collapsing on the bed, Rebecca is out like a light once her head touches the pillow. Once she calmed down earlier and we both had a short nap, she was raring to go. I’m still a little surprised over her reaction. I mean, she has no problem with torture and brutally killing people, but I shrug it off. It’s not like I can talk after my meltdown over an engagement ring.
I had set up a meet with a contact who is a genius at fake IDs and documents, since Rebecca doesn’t have any—and we can’t get married without them. The Duke only works with the best, and I found out about this guy when I briefly infiltrated her organization back in July. I had been posing as one of the security guards protecting Tessa from—well, me. The irony isn’t lost on me. At the time it was the best way to watch over her. Alright, alright. Stalk her.
Now The Duke isn’t someone I would want to come across any time soon; not only did I get inside her organization, but I also killed one of her men—although I had good enough reason to. I don’t know her personally, but I’m well aware of her reputation. She’s fucking ruthless.
After our business was completed, we walked through the hotel, looking at everything it had to offer. Rebecca had been delighted by the hotel’s conservatory and botanical gardens, which were fully decked out with autumnal decor. She had to stop and look at everything, which might have tested me if I wasn’t such a patient man.
I thought the casino might be too much for her with so many people about, but she surprised me once again by pulling me in by the hand. She didn’t venture too far in, but after a waitress brought us some complimentary cocktails, she loosened up a bit and had even whooped for joy when she won fifty dollars in one of the slot machines.
Dinner had come at the extraordinary buffet, and when we were fit to burst, we headed towards the stores, purchasing our outfits for tomorrow. It’s obscene how much designers charge for a slip of fabric and a pair of shoes.
I’ve even booked Rebecca in for a two-hour spa session tomorrow. After she told me that she’s never had her hair cut by anyone but Dolores D’Angelo, I was determined she’d have the works. Facial, full body massage, manicure, pedicure, hair cut and styled. Plus makeup done. I want her to feel beautiful on our special day, even though I’m happy with her in leggings and one of my t-shirts. She always looks stunning.
Switching the light off, I curl around my woman, hand over her breast as I slowly sink into slumber.
***
Morning comes too soon, and I think both of us are feeling the nerves. After a hearty breakfast courtesy of room service, I send Rebecca off to the spa for her treatments, while I run my own errands.
Two hours later and my hair is freshly done, my beard trimmed to perfection. Purchases have been made, and it’s time to collect Rebecca from the spa. She looks relaxed, a wide smile stretching across her face, which sports a natural makeup look that only enhances her beauty.
Kissing her softly on the lips, I take her hand, leading her back to our room. We have to be at the chapel in forty minutes, and we still have to get changed.
Rebecca gasps when she walks into our room, her eyes sparkling with tears as she takes in the hundreds of white roses littering every available surface. Candles flicker amongst them, lending a romantic glow to the room.
She turns to me, lips trembling. “What’s all this?”
