Reluctant Bride

by Sam Crescent

  It was a bleak vision of her future, that was true.

  She stared at the beautiful plate of food and sighed. As she was about to push it away, her phone rang. When she saw the name on the screen, she swiped immediately.

  “Camille? Are you all right?”

  “Odette! I think I’m in labor.”

  Excitement and anxiety speared Odette with adrenaline. “Stay calm. Have you called Dr. LeBlanc?”

  There was a long hiss of breath over the phone before, “Not yet. I was hoping you could be here.”

  “Camille, you know I can’t.”

  “Je t’en pris. I really need you here. You’re the only one who can keep me calm.”

  “I already explained—”

  “Please, Odette! I don’t have anyone else!”

  Odette checked the time. “How far apart are your contractions?”

  “I had a big one and my water broke.”

  It could be hours yet then. “I’ll get there as soon as I can. In the meantime, call Dr. LeBlanc and the midwife.”

  “Merci! You are a goddess!”

  Odette swiped the screen then immediately started texting Bruno. He’d need to know where she was going.

  She answered her phone on the first ring, knowing who it would be.

  “Wait for me. I’ll come with you.”

  “But you said you have business to attend to, and I can’t really wait. Babies have their own timetable.”

  “Then coach her through vid chat. I don’t want you going alone.”

  “Vid chat isn’t good enough. She’s my friend, and she’s alone and scared. I’ll take security with me.”

  “Take Russo. He’ll keep you safe.”

  Would he? “He should stay with you. You need more protection than I do.”

  “I’m sending Russo. End of discussion.”

  “Fine.” As far as discussions went, this was the longest they’d had in days.

  “Will you be back by morning?”

  “I have no idea. Like I said, babies are unpredictable. I’ll let you know.”

  Silence.

  “I should go.”

  “Bene. Wait for Russo. Arrivederci.”

  That was that then. Odette packed a few things she might need. She was nothing if not prepared. A few changes of clothes. Her toiletries…

  Russo arrived within the hour and ushered her to a helicopter that took her straight to the airport. Then in reverse once they landed. She instructed the driver who picked them up to Camille’s picturesque little house.

  “You should wait outside.”

  Russo had brought with him a handful of men who looked every bit as intimidating and lethal as they probably were. Not exactly the best thing to help calm down an anxious first-time mother.

  He didn’t look happy but, really, when did he? Russo nodded and rapped out orders to the men who promptly scattered into the darkness as he lit up a cigarette, readying himself for a long wait.

  ****

  The baby was born after a relatively short and straightforward labor. A perfect little boy. She smiled at the scrunched-up little face as he very vocally shared his displeasure at being taken from his warm home.

  “Merci, Odette. I can’t thank you enough.” Camille beamed at her then, with all her love, at her baby. An ache gripped her so swiftly and so tightly that it took her breath away.

  “It was my pleasure.” Odette laid him in her arms. “He’s beautiful.”

  She made sure Camille was settled in and the midwife was handling everything before she gave the new mother a hug and the baby a kiss. “I have to go.”

  Camille closed a hand around hers. “Thank you again.”

  “Keep in touch.” Odette smiled even though she was worried she might never hear from the young woman again. She’d already taken too much of a risk in doing this, and Bruno was probably going out of his mind. At least that was what she would be doing if things were the other way around. What were the chances he even missed her at all? He was probably neck-deep in whatever business he was involved in the past twenty-four hours and hadn’t even noticed the time they’d been apart.

  If only she was able to do the same. Odette was only too aware of every second they spent apart and it was getting near unbearable. But did it matter to him?

  When she wanted to share the details of her day, did he even give her a passing thought? Probably when he was on his way home and thinking of slipping into bed with her.

  She heaved a sigh as she walked out into the late-morning sun. The last place she wanted to be was back at the apartment where she’d be alone again since Bruno was sure to have left early that morning. What did she have to do but argue with the wedding organizer? While she was there in the village, she might as well collect some of her things.

  Russo was ready and waiting when she headed toward the car.

  “I wanted to stop by my house.”

  “I don’t think…”

  “Please. I just want to get a few things, and you can all relax and have something to eat at the same time.”

  “There’s no need for food. We should get out of here as soon as possible. We’ll relax on the way back.”

  Whatever. “Could you arrange for something for me to eat then, please? It’s been a long night.” Odette was aware that he knew her food preferences. Bruno had made sure that all the staff knew what she liked and didn’t like.

  “Certo.” He opened the door for her while making a call for the team to convene at her old house but to stay out of sight.

  When they arrived, she mourned a little at the way the neat yard had become overgrown. And when she opened the door, the slightly musty smell of stale air only brought her mood down further. The place she’d worked so hard to turn into a home. The place where she’d been so lonely.

  But wasn’t she still? It was as if she was always destined to be so. With a husband or without. Was it so much better to be here, completely alone?

  It didn’t take long for her to grab the mementos, jewelry, and clothing she didn’t want to leave behind.

  Odette turned to give the little place one last look and reached for the door only to have it open. Russo walked through.

  He pushed into the room and held aloft a bag. “I’ve brought you something to eat.”

  Edging back, she let him in. “Thanks. We can eat in the car if you like.”

  “Nonsense.” He began pulling the food out and placed it on the counter in her kitchen.

  “Aren’t you going to have something to eat as well?” The freshly baked croissants and coffee smelled amazing.

  “Don’t worry about me.” He pushed the food toward her.

  She mumbled her thanks, feeling awkward that she was the only one eating. “I hope you and your men weren’t too bored last night.” The croissant, perfectly light and buttery, melted in her mouth. Sighing with delight, Odette added a double dose of sugar and cream to the coffee to wake herself up before taking a long sip.

  “We found things to occupy our time.” He leaned a hip against the counter and simply watched her.

  If he didn’t want to talk, so much the better.

  She took another bite of the croissant but paused as she was about to swallow. Her throat was scratchy and tight. And was getting worse by the second.

  No!

  Gasping for air, she looked at Russo. “Call the paramedics.” Her voice was already growing raspy and strained as she took long drags of air through her shrinking windpipe. Strawberries. Her food must have come into contact with them.

  Quickly spitting out the croissant, she turned to find Russo hadn’t moved. “Need help. Allergic,” she wheezed. “Help me.”

  He sneered. “Why would I do that when I went to all the trouble to add the strawberry juice to your coffee?”

  Odette pushed past him to search her drawer for her EpiPen but collapsed before she could do any more than pull it out.

  He squatted next to her, still smiling. “Don’t bother. They’re all gone. I made
sure of it.”

  The desperate sips of breath were becoming too hard to draw. Why? Her mouth formed the words, but it never passed her lips.

  But Russo understood. “Because no Gallo will ever be good enough. Your brother paid me handsomely to rid him of you. Bruno will take control of both families without having to settle with you. Take your pick.”

  Her vision was a narrow tunnel when she thought she saw a flash. Perhaps that was her life passing before her eyes? That it warranted even a flash amused her.

  The sad thing was, given more time, she knew she and Bruno could have created so many memories. She’d never even gotten a chance to tell Bruno how she felt about him. Ironic that the last thing she saw was his face…

  Chapter Eight

  Odette opened her eyes but quickly shut them again. Too bright. Heaving a breath, she tried to sit up but found she barely had the strength to even force her lungs to work. But the scent. She knew it well. Opening her eyes to narrow slits, she found herself in a hospital bed and an IV in her arm.

  What? The last thing she remembered was Russo’s sneering face and the certainty that she was going to die.

  So, what had happened?

  The door opened and Odette had a volley of questions ready to ask the nurse or doctor, but she found herself staring at the most welcome sight. Even as tired and rumpled as he was. His complexion was gray, his hair was sticking up in all directions as if he’d been running his hands through it nonstop. His usual suit jacket and tie were gone while his shirt sleeves had been rolled up haphazardly, revealing his sculpted forearms. But his expression … Bruno looked as though he’d lost everything.

  What had happened while she was out to make him look like that?

  Bruno’s expression lightened the moment he noticed her eyes were open. “Cara, you’re awake.” He dropped to his knees next to the bed and took her hand. Bruno pressed it against his rough cheek. “I was so afraid I hadn’t gotten to you in time.”

  He had been afraid? She couldn’t believe the man was capable of the emotion. “You saved me?”

  “Barely.” Bruno lurched to his feet and paced the length of the room, his anger twisting his beautiful face. “You wouldn’t have been in danger if I hadn’t let you come here without me. Russo…” His face darkened more with barely contained rage at the man.

  “It’s not your fault.” She croaked the words and tried to swallow past the gravel in her throat. “Water?”

  Bruno snapped to attention and immediately filled a glass for her. He helped her sit up, treating her like spun glass as he propped her up with pillows. Then, in a move she hadn’t anticipated, he held the cup for her to sip.

  She managed a couple of sips before sitting back, and Bruno wiped her lips with his fingertips. “Thank you.”

  “You can thank me once I’ve obliterated strawberries from the surface of the planet,” he said with a growl.

  Bruno looked so deadly serious, she didn’t know what to say. She didn’t think he cared that much.

  “But I do, cara.”

  Again, with her overactive mouth. “How can I believe that when you seem to take any opportunity to get away from me? You’ve taken no interest in our wedding.” She could feel her face heating up as she said, “The only time you notice I’m there is when you’re inside me.”

  “Believe me, cara, if I had any choice, I’d never be anywhere else.” His expression turned wistful even as heat flared in his eyes. He sobered. “It wasn’t supposed to be forever. I needed to get things sorted out before the wedding.”

  “Like what? You never told me what you were up to.”

  “First of all, I’m very interested in our wedding. I want it to be everything you want. Your happiness is what matters. Why do you think I gave you carte blanche to do whatever you liked?”

  Her eyes met his. “Really?”

  “Really. As for what I’ve been doing. I’ve been working to consolidate the families so there are no questions about who’s in charge. Also, I didn’t want you worrying about your brother coming after you. I only managed to track him down last night.”

  “And?”

  “He won’t be bothering you again.”

  Odette couldn’t find it in herself to ask. It was better that she didn’t know. “And the rest? Is it all sorted?”

  His nod was brusque.

  “So, I guess … I guess we don’t need to get married now?”

  Bruno reared back as if she’d hit him. “What?”

  “You said it yourself. My brother is out of the way, and everyone knows who’s boss. You don’t need me anymore.”

  “I need you, Odette.” It was quiet, but the sincerity in his voice rang true. “I need you more than you know.”

  Hope caused her heart to flutter to life. “You do?”

  “There’s no one else I trust more at my back.” He lowered himself to his knees. “Or with my heart.”

  “Your heart?” She felt like a parrot, but she couldn’t believe what she was hearing, and repeating what he’d said helped make it more real.

  “Ti amo. I love you, Odette.”

  The breath she sucked in lodged in her chest. Bruno patted her back as he held up the glass again. “I hope you don’t choke every time I say it because that could put a damper on things.”

  “How can you say that? You hardly know me.”

  “I know enough to know that I’ve never felt like this for anyone. Or that I want to get to know you more. I know I resent every second I’m away from you.” Bruno’s dark eyes held hers. The look in them was searching, almost pleading. “And I want to believe that you feel the same about me.”

  The tears that had been building in her eyes spilled over.

  “Odette. Il mio amore…” He wiped them away with his thumbs. “Please don’t cry.”

  At his stricken expression, Odette forced herself to smile. “Of course, I feel the same way about you. You’re smart and sexy and strong. My perfect match in every way.”

  “As you are mine.” He gingerly sat on the edge of the bed and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. “You saved me, tesoro.” Bruno smiled at her.

  “You saved me too. So, I guess we’re even.”

  “Actually, I saved you twice.”

  Odette smiled at him, shifting to allow him to wedge his big frame onto the narrow bed next to her. “I suppose that means I’m in your debt.”

  “No, I’m in yours.”

  “We can spend the rest of our lives making it up to each other.

  Bruno grinned. “I very much look forward to it.”

  MARRYING THE DEVIL

  Jade Marshall

  Copyright © 2021

  Prologue

  Thalia

  My lungs burn as air saws in and out of me. I can’t feel my legs anymore from the distance I have already covered, but I keep on pumping. In the back of my mind, I wish I listened to my best friend Angie when she asked me to join her at the gym. I wish I was more fit because this is killing me.

  Even though I feel like I might collapse at any minute, I push harder, trying to go faster. I can’t stop or the men I just escaped from will catch me.

  Branches scratch at my face and arms as I weave through the trees. The sun is starting to set, and I know if I don’t get out of here soon, they will find me and I’ll be as good as dead. The thought of my father, crying over my coffin, gives me the jolt of adrenaline I need to push harder. Tucking my head lower, I run.

  A moment later, I hear cars rushing by and nearly collapse with relief. But I can’t stop yet. Somewhere out in the woods are dangerous men. Men set on finding me and doing God knows what.

  Breaking through the thick underbrush, I stumble into the road. A red car comes toward me in the distance, and I frantically wave my hands in the air. I must seem like an escape mental case. I know I’m covered in dirt, with leaves sticking out of my hair, and perhaps even bloody in some spots, but I need someone to stop and help me. Now.

  The car comes to a stop in fro
nt of me and an older woman emerges. “Oh, dear!” she exclaims before covering her mouth with her hand.

  “Please help me.” My voice is stronger than expected as I make my way to the passenger side of her vehicle. “We need to leave now before they find me.”

  The woman doesn’t question who’s looking for me and I’m eternally grateful. We both slide into our seats and she pulls away in a hurry. In the rearview mirror, I see the two men emerge from the forest. They almost caught me.

  “Where to, honey?” the lady asks me, kindness and sympathy evident in her voice.

  “Take me home. Take me to the Immortal Saints clubhouse.”

  I glance in her direction and see the shock on her features before she has time to hide her reaction. She doesn’t speak again, simply nods and takes me home.

  Chapter One

  Thalia

  “Are you fucking insane?” My voice carries across the entire clubhouse. People turn to stare at me and my father as we continue to argue.

  “No, Thalia. I need to protect you, and this is the best way I know how.” My father watches me, waiting for me to react.

  “So you sell me off to the highest bidder with the biggest gun? This is the twenty-first century. You can’t force me to marry anyone I don’t want to!”

  Today is the third day in a row we have argued about my marriage to someone I don’t know. I know my father is worried, especially after the kidnapping, but this can’t be the answer. I can’t accept that I have no choice in this matter.

  “Thalia.” My father sounds tired when he says my name. “Please don’t make this any more difficult than it has to be. I won’t risk your life anymore. You need to do this. Not just for me and you, but for your mother as well. It would kill her to know you are in danger and I’m not doing anything to protect you.”

  My shoulders slump in defeat. My father knows he’s won the fight the moment he mentions my mom. Two years ago, she was taken from us by breast cancer, and it nearly tore my family and our club apart. I would like to think she wouldn’t be on board with my father’s plan, but she would’ve been on board with any plan that kept me safe.