Page 134 of Hostile Love
At this precise moment, my blood is warm and gooey, and my ovaries are practically throbbing.
God-fucking-damn it.
No.
I quickly look away and fiddle with the ribbon holding my bouquet together.
“I never expected I’d get engaged,” I whisper back to India. “I ruled out having a husband a long time ago. I’ve no clue what I want for a wedding, other than having zero fuss.”
“Please don’t elope,” she says quietly. “I mean, you can do whatever you want. All I’m saying is that we’d like to be involved.” She smiles sweetly. “Didn’t you ever dream of a wedding? Anything is possible when you’re one of us.”
I stiffen, having never had the opportunity to be one of those women––the dreamer type.
“Uh—no,” I mutter, still trying to grasp this whole Souza family ties thing. “Maybe you could give me a few ideas, or something?”
I glance at Matheus again, noticing the way he holds himself next to his brothers—tall, confident, immaculately presented, and equally as dominant.
I suck in a breath and squeeze the flower stems in my fist to settle myself.
Behind us, Carina appears next, wearing an A-line ivory tulle dress and delicate embroidered corset.
Her hair hangs loose in big sweeping curls and a dainty crown of wildflowers sits on top of her head. But it’s the multi-diamond necklace she wears that hints to the obscene wealth this woman has now.
When we were getting ready with her this morning, the custom-made gift was delivered in a navy box held shut with a big bow. Diamonds weren’t the only thing inside. A handwritten note for her eyes only made her skin go pink.
Once dressed, Teresa appeared and offered her a vintage diamond bracelet as something borrowed. The little stones were pretty, but they couldn’t compete with the jewels around Carina’s neck.
As she gracefully glides towards us, arm in arm with her brother, I peek over at Tomás. Layers of stone and darkness crumble from his facade, and a rare smile brightens his face.
He’s entranced by every move she makes.
Confidently stepping forward, and breaking formation, he greets her at the end of the aisle by cupping her cheeks and stealing a quick, passionate kiss.
André wolf whistles and Sal clears his throat.
“Marry my sister before you maul her,” he says and sighs.
When Tomás pulls away, he nudges her chin up, using the tips of his fingers, and holds his lips close to hers.
“You always manage to take my breath away, Cari. I don’t deserve you.”
Her eyelashes bat at speed as she composes herself.
“Yes, you do, Tomás,” she replies softly. “It’s me and you, always.”
He nods. “Are you ready?”
Carina nods at the same time as Dante stands. He prowls towards them, pats Salvador on the arm, then leans in, and affectionately places a chaste kiss on her temple.
“You will always have a home here with us, Cari.” His serious eyes cut to Tomás. “And that extends to you, my friend. Take good care of her.”
Salvador shakes Tomás’ hand and takes a seat beside Teresa. Dante moves under the floral arch, ready to fulfill his recently appointed role as wedding officiant.
Before the ceremony begins, the brothers take turns hugging Carina.
Tomás visibly stiffens, but doesn’t make a move or say a word.
After Matheus hauls Leo into the air and lets him kiss Carina’s rosy cheek, India whispers over to me, “He’s so good with kids. You two will have the cutest children.”
