by Tia KENZIE
He questions who my first guardian may be, and how they had the authority to appear from nowhere, to take control of my life like they did. I tell him about Max, my only friend at the school, who taught me self defense. He says he's happy I found a friend. But he focuses more on whoever attacked me, who tried to kill me. His eyebrows shoot up when I mention Tori, the girl whose party I was at. I ask him why he reacted like that, but he brushes it away. I don’t miss the strange look on his face, which makes me feel weird.
Then he makes it all go away when he kisses me. Because, you know, that leads to us christening the newly cleaned hot tub. Oh, go on then, we also christen the new bed.
We’ve just eaten a Chinese take-out on the deck when I have a thought. Pulling him close so I can ask him quietly, I ask if Talia will be at the wedding. I explain she’s my best friend and I need her there. I get upset then; over the fact I didn’t think of her before. He assures me he will sort it, then disappears in the apartment. When he comes back out a few minutes later, he confirms it’s sorted, Talia will be there. Because he’s so lovely, he’s also arranged for her to get ready with me at the spa, on my wedding day. Fucking hell! Could he be any more perfect?
I know it’s going to be difficult, trying to explain what’s been happening. Especially how I’m suddenly getting married, basically a week since I last saw her. The most difficult part though, will be trying to explain why I’ve not contacted her, at all, this past week. She’s sent hundreds of texts, which I’ve not dared reply to. I’m really happy, and thankful for Rome helping to ensure she can be there, so we go to bed early and I show him just how happy I am!
◆◆◆
Chapter 21.
I arrive at the spa before Talia. I’ve already had my hair washed and a full body massage when she arrives. She enters the private room I’m tucked away in, away from the general public, then screams when she sees me.
“Bitch! You’re here. How the hell are you getting fucking married? Bitch, that must be some superpower he has!” She shouts, running towards me and throwing herself in my lap.
I hug her tightly, whispering in her ear. “There’s a note in the bottom of this. Do not take it out here, read it in the restroom.”
I’d prepared a note last night, without Rome knowing. I mean, I’m still not 100% trusting him yet? It basically just tells her I’m in trouble, lives are at stake, and asks her to not mention it, at all, because everywhere is under surveillance. I also mention that I love Rome and DO want to get married. I needed to stress that point, otherwise I just know she would go crazy, trying to stop the wedding.
I hand her a gift, because I love her, and you know, I needed a way to pass the note.
“Bitch, what you getting me gifts for? It’s your day, not mine.” She tears up.
“You’re my best friend Talia, just take it and wear it for me, please.” I’m emotional too. I watch her open the box and take out a necklace, with a heart shaped diamond pendant. It’s the exact replica of mine, just a smaller version.
Rome, the sweet man he is, arranged delivery of it this morning, after I told him what I wanted to get her. She looks at the necklace, then back to me. “Fucking hell Luna, it’s gorgeous. Thank you.”
Then we both start crying, and laughing, together.
I discreetly side eye the jewelry box, you know, to indicate the note. She winks, oh my God! Like a really big, half your face moves, wink. Subtle she is not. She loudly declares she needs to pee and disappears.
I can tell she’s been crying when she returns. I feel bad, that my situation is making her cry! I know, I’m soft!
She does well though, she manages not to ask me any questions. Other than Rome. And his dick…and his…. technique. Yeah, she did! Very loudly. We drink a couple of glasses of champagne, while getting ready. I need a bit of Dutch courage, but not too much.
Finally, we are both ready. I look in the mirror and nearly cry. I think I look beautiful; I know I do, but that makes me think of my Mom, and Nan. How they won’t get to share my day with me. I need to stop, before I ruin my make-up!
My hair has been artfully pinned in a stunning up-do. Gloria wasn’t happy, but I insisted. Today I will be displaying my back, as a present to Rome.
My make-up is perfect, with lined eyes again and a neutral lip-stain. They managed to give my entire face a silky glow too.
My dress is divine! It’s an off-white silk, with tiny, sparkly, shoulder straps and a completely open back. (which Ruby arranged to be altered) It flows beautifully to my feet, with lots of material, it's not puffy though. There are sparkly gems across the neckline, which complement my diamond cuffs and necklace. My shoes are…you’ve guessed it…. sparkly silver!
“Oh my God!” Talia cries, covering her mouth with her hands. “You look, stunning Luna. You truly do.” She grabs me in a hug.
“Thank you. You look beautiful too.” And she does. Her dress is an elegant number in silver grey, that makes her green eyes pop. It accentuates her tall, willowy figure, and looks beautiful against her auburn hair. She told me she chose it to match my eyes! Wow, more tears.
Unfortunately, Ruby couldn’t make it. She left a message with the spa, apologizing. I’m disappointed, but I suppose it was short notice.
◆◆◆
We pull up to the wedding venue, it’s at Uncle’s yacht, again. The limo driver escorts us out of the car and up the ramp.
Uncle is waiting to greet me, smiling widely. “Luna dear, you look absolutely radiant. Come, let me show you the way.”
He takes my arm, then directs Talia to the upper deck. She smiles at me, then leaves.
We reach the bottom of the steps and stop; a suited man is facing away from us.
Uncle turns to me. “Luna, this gentleman will lead you the rest of the way.” He drops my arm and leaves.
I’m uncertain what is happening, until the man turns. “Max!” I cry, running over to him. It’s Max, I can’t believe he’s really here. He pulls me into a hug.
“Fuck Luna, look at you! You look beautiful.”
I stand back to look at him. He looks gorgeous. Tall and muscly, his black suit fits him perfectly. His tattooed hands and neck on display make him look dangerously handsome.
“How are you here? How did you know?”
“Your husband to be arranged it, for you.” He kisses my cheek but pulls away quickly as we hear the wedding song start playing, upstairs. He holds his arm out for me and leads the way. Before we reach the top, he stops, to whisper. “Luna, are you sure this is what you want? Tell me if it’s not, I’ll take you away now.”
I shake my head, “I love him Max. I want to do this.”
“If you’re really sure Luna. I’ll speak with you after this then.” I nod, having a good idea what he wants to talk about.
◆◆◆
We reach the top of the steps and it’s…. magical. The upper deck has been transformed into a beautiful vision of fairy lights, white flowers and sparkly things. The guests are seated at the front, before a white flowered covered archway.
I see Rome, stood at the front, watching me. Dolby is stood beside him. Now, I wasn’t entirely sure how I would feel at this moment. If I would feel panic, nervous, whatever. But boy! Seeing that gorgeous man standing there, smiling at me, I could feel nothing. Other than a desire to reach him, as soon as possible. I feel an invisible pull, drawing me in. His eyes never leave mine. I know I should be looking around at the guests, but I can’t. All my focus is on Rome.
We reach the front, Max kisses my cheek, then hands me over to Rome. He takes my hands, stealing a kiss from me, before the ceremony has even started. That makes the guests laugh.
We stand side by side, facing the preacher, with the guests at our back. I hear the murmurs start up, I know exactly what they are looking at, I just wish I could see their faces! I hear Talia, woo! She can’t help it. I chuckle to myself.
The preacher goes through the motions, then it’s time for our speeches. We turn to meet in
the middle. Rome’s eyes are glistening with unshed tears, as are mine. He takes my hands, his are shaking.
He clears his throat. “Luna. I don’t want to make traditional vows, to be honest, I’ve not even worked any out. Because, I wanted to stand here today, and speak from my heart. I love you, more than anyone, I have ever loved before. In fact, you are the first person, I have ever truly loved.
You have ownership of my heart, you have had it, since the first moment I saw you. It is yours to keep. It beats only for you, so I intend to cherish you, to keep you close to me always. Because without you I cannot exist. I don’t want to exist, without you.”
He’s done, it’s my turn... Oh boy! Tears are running freely, but I ignore them.
“Matteo, I won’t lie to you. I have loved before, very deeply. I’ve also lost that love. I thought I couldn’t go on without it, but I was wrong. It wasn’t until I fell in love with you, that I realized just how much more deeply, I could love someone.
With you, it means everything. I feel that love every time I see you, I feel that love in your touch, I feel it pass between us when we kiss. (I raise a brow, he laughs, knowing I mean sex too) Whatever it is, that we have, is magical, all consuming, I even feel it in my soul.
You are my person, the one I don’t ever, want to be without. All my tomorrow’s are yours, Matteo Romero.”
When I say the last line, his tears spill free, and he chokes out a laugh, nodding. He knows what I mean, just what I am declaring, gifting to him. I feel a bit of a bitch, to be honest, because I knew how saying that would affect him. But I wanted him to know, that I am his, and he is mine.
We wipe our tears and the preacher quickly wraps up the rest of the ceremony. We have a full-on passionate kiss, in front of everyone.
Talia, bless her, jumps up, shouting, “woo, woo, Luna’s train is at the end of the motherfucking line, bitches!”
Oh, my God! Me and Rome start laughing, the majority of the guests are appalled. Uncle is red in the face, seething. Max, well Max is watching Talia, very closely, and smiling.
We lead the way to the ballroom, where the celebrations will be held. Half-way there Rome stops, to speak with Dolby. Colt appears at my side, hugging me tightly.
“Are you okay Lune? I can’t believe you would do this, for me.” He chokes out.
“I am okay, yes. I would do anything for you. But you hurt me, lying to me. I can’t believe you brought Uncle into my life.” I whisper.
“I know, and I’m so sorry. I was desperate to get you back home, this was the only way. I didn’t know he’d make you do this though, I really didn’t.”
I pull back to look at him. “It’s okay Colt, I love Rome, so it will work out.”
He looks shocked. “You do, really? I thought you were acting, both of you.”
I shake my head. “No, it’s real. You know me, I love easy.”
He looks stricken. Before he can say anything else, I feel a finger trailing softly down my spine. Rome puts his lips to my ear; Colt makes his excuses to leave.
“Luna, what have you done?” Rome purrs.
“Nothing.” I shrug.
“With me.” He grabs my hand, then leads me to a nearby room, I think it’s an office. He pulls me inside, slamming the door and locking it. He grabs me and pushes my back against the door, grabbing my face and kissing me, deeply. “You did that for me? Really?”
I just nod, biting my lip. “Do you hate it?”
“Fuck no, I love it.” He spins me around, taking another look. He reads it out, slowly……”’All my tomorrows are yours Matteo Romero’. I fucking love you Luna. So much. I need you, right now.”
He lifts the bottom of my dress, stroking my core over my thong, while kissing my neck. “I want to fuck you, from behind, while looking at my name on your skin. Do you want that Luna? His fingers are under my thong now, pushing in and out of me.
“Yes,” I pant.
He moves me to the side, bending me over a large desk. My upper body is laid flat to the wooden surface, my dress pushed up, over my ass. He takes my throng and rips it down to my ankles, then leaves it there, spreading my legs as far as they allow. He opens his zip and pulls out his dick, he strokes himself while pushing his fingers in and out of me. I am so turned on, more than ever! I can feel my wetness, running down my thighs.
He puts the tip to my core and rams into me, in one thrust. It’s so, so, deep. He holds my hips, thrusting violently, in and out. It seems to go on forever, I can feel my core aching, and tightening. He moves a hand to my clit, teasing and putting pressure on it. “Come for me Luna Romero, I fucking love you.”
And I do, I come over and over. The blissful waves of pleasure just keep pulsing through me. I feel him thicken and then he’s coming too, groaning my name. We still for a while, Rome laid against my back, while we catch our breaths. Thankfully, there’s a box of tissues on the desk, which I use to clean up. I pull up my thong, straighten my dress, and we leave, to meet our guests.
◆◆◆
We enter the ballroom, accepting congratulations from everyone. Talia sees me and comes flying over, wrapping me in her arms.
“Bitch, that was fucking perfect. I think I came a bit in my panties when you gave your speech. Bitch, I can smell sex on you!” She whispers, really loudly.
I’m laughing, and blushing.
“I can’t blame you, he’s gorgeous. Speaking of gorgeous, who’s the hunky, muscled, tattooed specimen, that gave you away? I’ve got my eye on him.” She says, with a Talia wink.
I laugh. “That’s Max, my best friend from the old school.” I take her hand, “come on, I’ll introduce you. I saw him checking you out, at the ceremony.”
She gasps, “really?”
I nod, “honestly, he was all over you.”
She fist pumps the air, “woo”.
I introduce them and it’s a match made in heaven. They’re both enjoying themselves, and each other’s company.
We are called for the first dance, as husband and wife. When I hear them call Mrs. Romero, I admit, I felt a pang, deep inside. Fuck! It’s real.
Rome chose the song, Just The Way You Are, by Bruno Mars. I admit it makes me cry when I hear it, it is a perfect song for us. We kiss our way through it, and then a few more. It was better than the last time. Probably because we feel so much more for each other now. I know I do, at least.
I dance with Colt, which is emotional. I can feel his sadness. I dance with Toby, which is heart breaking. I can feel his disappointment, flowing from him. Then I dance with Dolby, which is nice, in a scary way. I still feel intimidated by him, but I think, that’s just his way. I dance with Max, which is lovely. We are such good friends, it’s a comfortable dance, like being hugged, by a much loved family member. Talia even gives me a dance, which we cry and laugh through.
I don’t dance with Dante though. Because, my boy, my star, didn’t show. Toby said it was too difficult for him, which I totally understand. I’m disappointed though.
I’m called to the stage, to sing another song. This time it was my own idea, I asked for this. I make my way forward, taking the guitar that’s held out for me. I want it just to be me, this time. Everyone takes their seats, the Glory’s are at the front, sat with Rome. (No Glory Chasers were allowed!)
I sit on the front of the stage again, legs crossed, like last time. I start the intro, to, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, by Celine Dion. It was an easy choice for me because every time I think of Rome, I remember meeting him on the beach. How beautiful and striking, I found his face, and his diamond eyes. This song reminds me of that.
Then I start singing. I intended to look into Rome’s eyes, while I sang. But I can’t. It’s just too emotional, watching the loving expression on his face. Instead, I close my eyes, and drift away, inside myself. When I finish, Rome jumps up, grabbing me in a hug. He kisses me passionately, then leads me back onto the stage. Apparently, he’s an announcement to share, with everyone.
He addresses th
e room, thanking everyone for coming. Then he thanks the staff, and everyone who helped today, to make it a success. Then he turns to me.
“Luna Romero. Everyone already knows how much I love you because I’ve already told them. I wanted to surprise you, with something that I know you will love.
I know you grew up by the ocean, and I know how much you loved it. I have the keys here to our new home. It’s on the beach……”
There’s a commotion at the back of the room. I can hear a woman shouting, and screaming, ‘let me in there, right now!’. Dolby flies across the room, probably to try and intercept whoever it is. But he’s too slow because the woman pushes through to the middle of the dance floor.
