Page 64 of Devour
I don’t think I’ve ever smiled brighter. I cup the back of her neck and press a hard, hungry kiss to her lips. My mouth devours hers, our lips moving in sync, heat and promise flowing between us. We don’t stop until we’re breathless.
“I’ll have the dress sent over,” I murmured against her mouth.
“What? No.”
“You don’t want the dress anymore?”
“No, not that. I want to pick my dress myself.”
“You can choose the one you want and I'll have it sent over.”
“No.”
“Ariel, you’re going to have to speak a language I understand,” I say, confused. She raises her hand, palm up, signaling for me to calm down and let her explain.
“I want the experience of going to the store. Trying on different dresses. There’s this boutique I used to walk past every time I visited Noah at the hospital. Every single time, I’d stop and stare at the dresses in their showroom window. I always wondered what it would feel like to try one on. It felt like such a far-fetched dream back then.”
“It’s not a dream anymore. You’ll have those dresses—and every other one you want.”
“But I want to go there myself. I’ve been cooped up in this house for too long.”
She doesn’t know the real reason I’ve kept her here. There’s a brewing war between the Italian cartel and mine, and other enemies could use the chaos as an opportunity to strike. Keeping her and Noah inside the mansion is the only way I know they’re safe.
“You only get married once,” she adds, softly.
I sigh. “Fine. But I’m going with you.”
“Yesss!” she squeals, pulling me into a tight hug and showering kisses all over my face.
CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN
Ariel
Istill don’t understand why we need this many bodyguards just to shop for a dress. I know Luca is an important man, but this feels excessive—three full convoys? I asked him about it in the car, but all he said was, “Because it’s necessary.” I pressed further, wondering if it had anything to do with the shooting, but he told me that situation had been handled.
Still, I suspect there’s more he’s not telling me. And it stings a little, knowing he doesn’t trust me enough to be fully honest.
I already know he runs a mafia organization, what could possibly be worse than that? When we arrive at the bridal shop, the drivers struggle to find enough space to park.
The last car ends up parked on the roadside. I cling to Luca’s hand as we enter the bridal boutique. The bodyguards wait outside, but I notice Luca’s body language immediately—he’s tense, constantly scanning the room like he’s expecting a threat.
It’s just wedding dresses and brides-to-be, not an ambush. He’s not even pretending to browse. His eyes aren’t on the dresses, they’re everywhere else.
“You don’t have to look like you’re about to pounce on someone,” I whisper to him. “Lighten up. I want to enjoy this and you’re not exactly helping.”
“Sorry,” he mutters. “Just want to make sure you’re safe.”
An attendant walks up to us with a bright smile.
“Hello, I’m Rose. Welcome to Oyin’s Bridal boutique. Would you like me to show you around?”
“Yes, please,” I say.
She leads me to a stunning gown on display. It gives off a luxurious Cinderella vibe with layers of soft, shimmering tulle, a fitted bodice embroidered with delicate silver thread and crystals, and off-the-shoulder sleeves that add a fairytale touch.
I like it… but something feels off. It’s beautiful, no doubt. But not quite me. I thought I knew what I wanted, but the moment I stepped into the store, I couldn’t decide.
“Why don’t you try it first?” Rose suggests. “If it still doesn’t feel right, we can explore other options.”
