Page 95 of Where Wild Hearts Dance
“It’s even nicer than the pictures on the website,” Bambi adds.
I step out of the car and take a deep breath. My chest releases a little. Somehow, I know he isn’t here yet.
The wedding isn’t for another three days but we’ve arrived early to help Trilby with preparations, hold the most epic bachelorette party for her, and of course, spend some time with Sera, our second eldest sister.
A doorman hurries down the steps towards us and Papa tosses his keys to a valet. We unload the trunk and leave the suitcases with the doorman as we climb the steps to a picture-perfect country club-esque hotel.
“How did Sera land this gig?” Bambi asks in a voice full of wonder.
“I never asked,” I reply, “but I expect Cristiano had something to do with it.”
Just as we reach the doors, a flurry of dark auburn hair rushes toward us. I recognize Sera immediately and she barrels straight into me and Bambi for a hug.
“It’s so good to see you all,” she squeals. “I can’twait to show you around. Trilby and Cristiano got here an hour ago…”
My chest tightens again. “Where are they?”
“They were in the lounge last time I looked but they might be in their cottage unpacking.”
“Cottage?” My eyes pop.
Sera beams proudly. “Yeah, we have four cottages on the grounds as well as all the suites in the main house. It’s perfect for their wedding night.”
Bambi’s nose scrunches. “Isn’t it bad luck to see the bride though, on the day or even the night before?”
Sera turns and guides us inside to where Papa and Allegra have already sunk into deep chairs in the reception area. “Cristiano will be staying in Benito’s room the night before…”
My lungs constrict and suddenly I’m finding it hard to breathe.
“Besides,” Sera continues, “we’ll be rooming in a suite with Trilby for two nights. Bride’s request.”
I thump a fist against my chest in the hopes it will kickstart my lungs’ ability to operate.
“You okay?” Sera shoots me a concerned glance.
“Yeah,” I squeeze out. “Just… swallowed a bug I think.”
“What?” She looks horrified. “There shouldn’t be bugs in here! Wait here and Sergei will get you all checked in. I’ll meet you on the veranda for lunch in thirty minutes.”
Bambi and I watch Sera scurry away to locate someno doubt toxic chemical to eradicate the place of non-existent insects and wander out onto the patio.
“Wow…” Bambi twirls around, taking in the immaculate white building with its sash windows and manicured foliage. “I feel like we could be in England.”
I resist the pull to open my heart to the place. As gorgeous as it is, I dare not let my guard down. It’s challenge enough taming the butterflies coursing around my belly—they don’t understand that the man I’m so nervous about seeing is no good for me.
She takes out her phone and starts snapping photos while I wander off the patio to the lawns. Two of the cottages are set to the side—beautiful miniature versions of the big white country house, surrounded by small picket fences and flowers. Trilby will be in heaven.
I sit on a bench beside the lawn and listen to the waves in the distance. In seconds I’m lying on the hood of my car by the ocean looking into Bernadi’s glittering bronze eyes before he throws my legs apart.
Heat spirals down to my core knocking me off my axis and whipping away my breath.
The view ahead of me spins and suddenly I feel completely out of control. I have no agency over my visions and emotions. How am I going to get through the next few days if I can’t even get him out of my head, let alone my direct eyeline?
My heart sinks as I realize the only way I can stay afloat is to go back home. My heart sinks even further knowing Papa would have an aneurism if I even suggested it.
I drop my face into my hands and will the time to pass quickly. Then a warmth beside me draws my gaze to the right.
“What’s wrong, Tess?”
