Page 5 of Tormented Diamonds
“Yup.”
“Twice?”
I don’t answer, and thankfully, he refrains from any follow-up. We stand there in a comfortable silence until it’s stolen by the lively eruption of violins.
“Canon in D,” Owen says, quirking his lips. “Not so progressive.”
The double doors in front of us open, and Anton pokes his head through. “It’s time.” He turns that dark gaze to me, his eyebrows lifting. “All right?”
I wonder what would happen if I said no. I don’t bother finding out. Owen’s right. This is the only choice left. If I’m going to make it, it’ll be with my head held high.
I nod. “All right.”
He gives me that same awkward smile.I think I’m growing on him.“Whenever you’re ready.” He disappears back inside, leaving me with a whole conservatory of butterflies in mystomach.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Owen scratch the back of his neck, his gaze bouncing nervously around the foyer. “Look, I know this isn’t a real wedding…”
I arch an eyebrow.
“Okay, it’s real, but you know what I mean. It wasn’t planned or wanted…” He cuts himself off again, flopping his hands by his side with a frustrated exhale. “Usually, your father would walk you down the aisle, but seeing as how he’s not here and would bulldoze through with the S.W.A.T. team if he was, I was thinking, I could, you know…”
“Owen Holmes, are you asking if you can walk me down the aisle?”
He purses his lips, only for them to spread into a small smile. “It’s Henley, and yeah.”
I smile back. “I think I could deal with that.”
He offers me his arm, which I take just as the doors open to a formal living room I’ve never seen before, not that it’d matter. Every piece of furniture has been replaced by folding white chairs, adorned with more gardenias. The whole room smells like a funeral parlor, which feels oddly appropriate.
As we walk, he lets out a low whistle. “Damn, he went all out. You should see this, Becca. There are these tall, free standing white candles and those fancy fairy light things.”
I bite my lip to keep from laughing. “Icansee it. I’m nearsighted, not blind.”
It’s all very elegant and very white. Even my distorted vision can’t diminish how hard Gianni tried to create an un-mafia-like illusion. Too bad the men seated on either side of the aisle with guns under their jackets ruin it.
Owen gives my elbow a reassuring squeeze.
A move that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Gianni stands at the end of the makeshift aisle, glaring at him with murder in his eyes. Immediately,the pressure on my elbow releases, and Owen’s hand falls to his side. While part of me enjoys seeing him a little worked up, the part that just spent two days locked in a basement doesn’t find his caveman act cute. Narrowing my eyes, I glare back at him, a move that results in a low chuckle beside me.
“Looks like Gianni isn’t the only one who likes playing with fire.”
Apparently not, judging by the darkened stare that’s now centered onme.It’s intense and completely devouring, a gaze that leaves you balanced on an edge you never want to leave. It’s filled with the same heat and possessiveness as earlier, but also something else…
Something raw and powerful and way too destructive to put a name to.
Owen gives me an encouraging smile, then takes his seat, leaving me to take Gianni’s extended hand. I feel like I’m moving in slow motion as I turn to face him.
“Mio Dio,”he murmurs, his voice low and deep. “Sei la creatura piú straordinaria che sia mai esistita in terra.”
“That’s the second time you’ve said that. Do I get a translation this time?”
“It means you’re the most extraordinary creature to grace this earth.”
I tilt my chin. “That’s laying it on a bit thick over a dress, don’t you think?”
The corner of his mouth twitches. “It’s not the dress I’m complimenting,cara mia. You’ll find that out once I get it out of my way.” He leans forward, his full lips dusting my ear. “Then, I’ll show you exactly how thick I can get.”
