Page 153 of Flawed

The priest announces, "You may kiss your bride."

Tristano gives Pina a long, hot kiss. The room erupts in cheers, and the newlyweds exit.

Massimo steps forward and escorts me down the aisle. When I get to the end, I turn.

Luca must have jumped in front of Dante. He's proudly escorting a beaming Zara down the aisle.

We take our places with Pina and Tristano and wait for all the other guests to exit. Luca's eyes rest only on Zara and me. Several times, my cheeks heat from his stare.

Once everyone is through the receiving line, we head into the next room for appetizers.

Zara never leaves her father's side. She radiates happiness, except when she glances at me.

When it's time to sit for dinner, Luca pulls out a chair for me. I take it, and he pulls another one out. Zara sits. He takes the seat between us.

It's not how Pina assigned the wedding party, but I doubt she cares.

Massimo makes a speech. My cheeks heat as the events of the previous night come racing back. There are a lot of people in attendance who weren't at the rehearsal dinner, but I can still feel many people staring at me.

Luca must sense my embarrassment. He slides his hand under the table and places it on my thigh, gently squeezing it.

I inhale deeply, avoiding his stare, keeping my eyes on Massimo. When it's done, he glances at me, but I shake my head.

Angelo grabs the microphone and gives his speech.

When it's over, I sigh.

Luca leans into my ear, teasing, "Not as exciting as last night."

I turn my head.

Humor lights up his face. It helps me relax a little.

I reply, "Hope I didn't disappoint you."

"Who taught you to hold a gun?" he asks.

"My father. I was twelve," I confess.

He arches his eyebrows, revealing, "Part of me thought you were going to shoot me."

I cringe. "Sorry."

He grins. "Guess you owe me a dance, stellina."

My flutters burst into motion again.

A server interrupts us, shoving a plate of food in front of us.

I take several cold mouthfuls of water. We eat our dinner and then the dancing begins.

Luca takes Zara on the dance floor, and they stay there almost the entire night. I mingle with the guests. Later, I step out of the bathroom and I run into Luca.

"Hi," I say.

"Just who I was looking for," he claims, then grabs my hand. He drags me out on the dance floor, and a new slow song begins to play.

Luca tugs me close. The world could disappear, and I'd die happy. Then he drops a bomb on me. He informs me, "I'm spending the day with Zara tomorrow."

---