Page 92 of Mine Again
So why am I not saying anything?
I know why.
Because, deep down, I always dreamed of marrying for love. But with my background and the world I live in, that was never likely. Luca and I had gotten lucky. Until we weren’t lucky anymore.
This is the best next step I can take.
I draw in a long, steadying breath. The salt air fills my lungs.
I lift my gaze to Sebastian. His eyes have turned the colorof a stormy sea, dark and full of intent.
And I speak the words that will change my life forever.
“Okay. Let’s do this on our terms.”
My voice trembles at first, but the words gather strength as they leave my lips. The wind carries them out to sea, as if sealing the promise between us.
“Yes. I will marry you.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Isabella
“Here, drink this,” Mia orders, thrusting a tall glass into my hands.
The liquid inside looks like something dredged from a swamp. Thick, pale, and with globules floating ominously on the surface.
“I feel sick just looking at it. Do I really have to drink it?”
Mia raises a brow, one hand on her hip, the other ready to tip the glass toward my lips if I hesitate too long.
“If we want this to be convincing, yes. Mamma’s no fool. She’ll see through anything less.”
We spent half the night researching how to fake a stomach bug. Symptoms, behaviors, even what might produce the right effects. In the end, this disgusting concoction was the only solution we could make with what we already had in the house.
Raw eggs, a splash of vegetable oil, warm milk, and God knows what else. I don’t want to think about what Mia might have added.
“She’s going to smell this and declare me dead on the spot,” I mutter.
Mia smirks. “It’s truly gag-inducing. I nearly vomited just blending it together.”
She wrinkles her nose dramatically, wiping her hands on a dishtowel.
“Maybe I should fake being sick too. Stay back… in solidarity.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “That’s actually not such a bad idea… if we wanted the whole trip postponed and my elopement ruined before it even starts.”
She sighs, conceding. “Good point.”
This past week, Sebastian and I have been busy planning. He’s been working on the logistics of our elopement to Las Vegas, while I’ve been focused on finding a believable way to get out of this trip to Chicago.
Mia helped, of course. She’s invested in my successful escape from any enforced Mafia marriage. I think I’m the guinea pig for her own potential Plan NUPTIAL.
I grin at her. “Admit it. You’d miss verbally sparring with Maximo if you didn’t go.”
She groans but her eyes gleam with amusement. “Perhaps a little. As long as he doesn’t propose again. Once is enough for a lifetime.”
“Oh please. You love rejecting him. Bringing him down a notch gives you a kick.”
