“Sofia. How fast can you get here? I need to speak to you urgently.”
What? Ciara thinks she’s going to boss me around after stealing my man? “I don’t want to talk to you. Leave me alone,” I yell loud enough for Bostonians to hear me.
“Listen, something serious has happened and you need to know about it.”
“What’s so serious? I already know the latest news—Bryce has fallen for you. So leave me alone. Go off with him and be happy. I don’t care. So what if men prefer you over me?”
“You’re such an idiot sometimes.”
“Oh, so you’re calling me to insult me after stealing my man? Is that it?”
“Sofia, it’s Bryce.” Did he snatch Ciara’s phone? “This conversation is going nowhere. I’ll have a cab pick you up in exactly fifteen minutes. Get ready and be in front of your place. This is urgent and you need to be here quickly,” he commands.
I’m fuming at their arrogance. They want me to come over so they can rub their love in my face. They’d better be prepared for my fury. I’m no longer the shy one. I refuse to let Ciara walk all over me.
Well, I can take it like a big girl. They want to see me. They’ll see me all right. “What, you want to break up with me in front of Ciara? All right. I’ll be at her place. Let’s get this over with.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I know everything.”
“Honey, you know nothing. Just get here.” He hangs up without giving me a chance to reply.
Let’s get this over with.
***
I pause a few minutes before getting out of the cab because the truth is I’m terrified by what I’m about to find out.
“Is this the address, Ma’am?” The cab driver is looking at me impatiently.
“Yes, it is. How much do I owe you?”
I climb each step to Ciara’s brownstone as slowly as I can. She’s obviously been waiting for me because she swings open the door as I reach the top stair. She grabs me in her arms and squeezes me as if she’s trying to shock me.
“I love you so much, big sis.”
What is she talking about?
“Hurry. Come inside.”
“Ciara, why are we rushing inside?”
Of course she doesn’t need to answer. She already knows why it’s so urgent for me to step inside her home. I’m sure they want to get this over with quickly so they can spend the rest of the evening together in her bed.
“Ciara, there’s no point in sugar-coating this. I already…”
I stop talking, stunned by what I see inside.
What’s going on? Mom. Dad. Cassandra.
My mom is standing like an angel my with her hands crossed under her chin.
Is she crying?
My father is comforting her and wiping away her tears. They look so overtaken by the emotions of the moment. I haven’t seen them this close in such a very long time.
“What’s going on? What is Cassandra doing here?” I look at my sister for answers, but she looks at me with a celestial smile on her face.
Candles circle Ciara’s living room. Bouquets of fresh white flowers stand in vases. I smell their beautiful aroma for the first time since I set foot into Ciara’s home. My eye catches the bottles of champagne on the table and all of the plates of food.
Is that a waiter?
I lock eyes with Cassandra, looking for answers, but she looks right past me. When I follow her gaze, Bryce is standing in the middle of Ciara’s living room. It’s as if he’s showed up from nowhere. There he is looking more handsome than I’ve ever seen him before in a perfectly tailored suit that fits him like a second skin. He smiles, his eyes finding mine, and drops to one knee. He pulls out a little red box from the inside of his suit and holds it in both hands.
What?
My heart is pounding uncontrollably.
“Bryce, what’s going on?” My voice is trembling because I can’t believe this is actually happening to me.
He reaches out to grab my hand while holding my gaze. His blue eyes have never been more beautiful.
“Sofia Angelica Herrera, will you marry me?”
I cover my mouth with both hands to muffle a scream of elation.
Is this a dream or am I actually living out my ultimate fantasy?
There’s that red Cartier box. He opens it and I lay my eyes on the most beautiful and biggest emerald-cut diamond ring I have ever seen. The diamond is perfect and it’s beckoning me, enticing me and promising me a future life with the man I love with all of my heart.
“Oh,” I gasp. “It’s for me?”
A lump forms at the bottom of my throat, and I blink as I swallow it down.
A wedding ring? Bryce wants me to be his wife?
“Of course it’s for you. Who else would it be for? Ciara?” He winks at my sister.
I laugh awkwardly and take the little red box with a shaky hand. I can’t believe this gorgeous ring is for me.
He coughs. “Sofia. Will you marry me? I’m still down on my knee hoping you’ll say yes.”
“Of course I’ll marry you,” I say, bursting into tears.
I feel delirious. I’ve never been happier in my life.
“Good. I needed you to say yes before I give you this,” he announces as he turns to Ciara, who hands him a second box. He holds my gaze and hands me the box.
My mouth opens and closes again as I try to find words to express what I’m feeling. My heart pounds incredibly loudly in my chest, and I close my eyes, still unable to believe that a man can love me this much.
“Sis. Honey. You might want to open the box the nice man gave you.” Ciara’s joke breaks my trance and I burst out in nervous laughter. I open the box with bated breath.
What can be more perfect than what he just gave me?
“Oh my God. Bryce. This is stunning.” I gasp at the sight of the Cartier Love necklace encrusted in diamonds. Now I know why Ciara insisted on trying it on when we went shopping together a few weeks ago. I remember how beautiful it looked on her and never for one second did I imagine she was setting the stage for tonight.
“Sofia, you stole my heart the first time I met you,” Bryce says. “My heart has always been married to you and I hope you’ll remember that every time you wear this small token of my love for you.”
“Oh, Bryce. It’s perfect. It’s simply perfect. Thank you so much.”
What an idiot I’ve been. I can’t believe I allowed my insecurities to nearly destroy this perfect relationship. Cassandra’s story scared me into believing tonight was the night he was going to break up with me.
“You had me going, Cassie,” I scorn, as I hug her.
“Have you ever tried arguing with your sister? She was determined to make this a special night for you and she wanted this to hit you from left field. We might have gone a bit far with our little story, but we wanted to throw you off for the big reveal,” Cassandra says as she returns my hug. “Honey, you deserve this. He’s a great guy and he loves you so much.”
“How did Ciara know how to find you?”
“You told Ciara a former employee had connected you to Todd and she called Bryce, who contacted Todd. Before you know it, I was having secret lunches and drinks with your sister and we were all plotting this amazing story together.”
I’m so dumbfounded that I can only shake my head in amazement at the lengths my sister went to in order to create this perfect night.
“Mom, you knew. I just called you and you must have been on your way here,” I say, shocked by her clever deception.
“What can I say? You don’t argue with your sister. When she has a plan in mind it’s as good as done.”
Oh my God. Ciara was shopping with Bryce for me. She wasn’t trying to seduce Bryce. They were plotting to get me a wedding ring.
“Ciara, you selected my dream ring. It’s all making sense now as to why you dragged me to Tiffany’s a few weeks ago. You were trying to scope which ring I liked. You’re so devious and I love
you so much,” I say, as I run into my sister’s arms.
“You deserve to be happy, honey,” she whispers in my ear, as she hugs me tightly.
Bryce’s warm voice breaks our embrace. “I hope you’re ready to leave now,” he says.
“What do you mean, now?”
“We’re getting married on Mariella’s yacht in the Greek islands and from there we’ll sail to the south of Italy. I wanted your entire family to be part of the ceremony, so they’ll all take my private jet to Mykonos to board the yacht in one week. Mariella has made all the arrangements with Ciara and your mom.”
“Your friend Mariella, the countess, who we met in Paris is willing to do this for me?
“Honey, I told you she liked you a lot and she felt you were the ideal woman for me. She’s thrilled that you’ll soon be my wife and she wants to be part of the celebration.”
“The four of you have arranged the entire wedding? I can’t believe this,” I say, overtaken with joy.
“Well, technically, I’m only paying for everything. I can’t take credit for the work these three talented women have done. You’ll have to thank your sister, your mom and Mariella,” he says, mocking me.
“Stop making fun of me,” I say, pretending to hit his arm.
“Baby, we wanted to make sure this would reflect your taste, but I didn’t want you to lift one finger. I want my future wife to be stress-free on the day of our wedding. We’re off for fourteen days. I’m stealing you all to myself for the next seven days so we can spend time together in Bora Bora before getting married. We’ll then join the rest of your family and mine on Mariella’s boat. It’s going to be a mixture between a wedding, a honeymoon and a whole lot of partying.”
“But wait. I’m not packed and I have to get a few things sorted before I leave.”
“I’ve already ordered a whole new wardrobe for you. Your sister took care of all the more feminine things like shoes, makeup and other things I know nothing about,” he says, smiling at my sister.
“A brand new wardrobe? Gosh.”
“I even got you tons of new sexy underwear,” he whispers in my ear.
His comment makes me blush like a virgin. “What about the wedding dress?”
“Good question. I didn’t want to make any mistakes and Ciara is the one who picked the dress.”
I look at my sister, excited and nervous to find out what kind of dress she selected for me.
“I’m not going to describe the dress, but let’s say that I had to pull some strings to get your dress made within three weeks,” Ciara says. “I’ll be flying with it. I’ll give you one hint—it’s a magnificent Vera Wang design you’ve been lusting over for a long time.”
I gasp and bring my hands to my mouth.
A Cartier ring? A Vera Wang wedding dress? A dream wedding on a yacht in the Greek islands?
This cannot be happening.
“You see?” Bryce says. “You don’t have to worry about a thing.”
“You’re crazy. This is so impulsive, but it feels so right.”
“I don’t want to wait any longer to live the rest of my life with you. I’m eager to start our lives as Mr. and Mrs. Van Der Linden.”
Epilogue
Fifteen Days Later
Bora Bora is the most beautiful place I’ve been in my life. The week there with Bryce is idyllic. We spend seven days eating, sleeping, soaking in the sun and enjoying each other. By the time I arrive in Mykonos, I’m so relaxed and so ready to get married. I’m so happy to see my family again and I simply can’t get over how much work Mariella has put into this wedding.
On the day of my wedding, Mariella’s yacht is transformed into a vessel of love. Everything is perfect. Bryce spared no expense for my dream wedding and my sister did such a tremendous amount of work.
All this just for me?
There are four rows of long tables decked out with crisp white tablecloths and topped with small vases filled with white roses. The foldable wooden white chairs are lined up so perfectly and lead the eye to the breathtaking sunset. When I turn around to take in the complete picture of this magical day I notice a table adorned with a magnificent and tall white cake decorated with delicate fuchsia petals.
I’m getting married in a few minutes and I still can’t believe this is happening.
Mariella is the most connected person I know. She’s invited a long list of very important people. It’s been a whirlwind of activities today because so many guests have just arrived and Bryce and I have had little time to spend together other than the occasional wink here and there as Mariella introduces us to her VIP guests. Mariella truly knows la crème de la crème. I’m still unable to wrap my head around the fact that so many people who don’t even know me made the trip to celebrate the most important day of my life. Having my family and Bryce’s family is a blessing, but this greater family is simply icing on the cake.
Right before we’re ready to set sail a last-minute guest arrives and makes an entrance like a rock star. I catch Bryce’s eye and he looks back at me, as puzzled as I am. “Who is this guy?” he mouths from a distance.
“I don’t know,” I mouth back, as I shrug my shoulders.
“Bryce and Sofia, come here, please.” Mariella gestures to both of us to come meet the latest arrival.
Whoever this guy is, he’s important. His perfectly tailored suit speaks volumes.
“I want to introduce you to my good friend, Count Ludvig Wilmer Theodor Jönsson. He’s the second cousin of the Duke of Västergöthausseman of Sweden and since he was already in Greece, the count decided to come onboard and join the festivities.” Mariella looks at me and raises both eyebrows as if to say she can’t possibly top this.
Duke of what? What a wicked last name.
“It’s an honor for me to be part of this joyous day. Please, it’s not necessary to be so formal. Call me Ludvig,” he says, as he kisses my hand.
“I’m so honored, Ludvig. Thank you for being part of our magical day,” I reply, blushing. I can’t believe a member of the Swedish royal family is kissing my hand.
“Mariella, you’re full of surprises.” Bryce looks at Mariella and he’s genuinely impressed by the fact she’s able to pull this off.
“I love you and Sofia like I love my own flesh and blood, and you know that. Not to mention that a touch of royalty never hurts,” she says with a devilish look in her eyes.
We all laugh in unison.
“It’s time for you to get ready, Sofia. You’re getting married in about one hour. Bryce, go have a drink with Ludvig and keep him company while I help your future wife get ready,” she commands.
Bryce doesn’t take orders from many people, but he has a hard time saying no to Mariella.
***
We’re sitting in the middle of a sea of happy people. It’s official. For the past four hours now, Bryce and I have been Mr. and Mrs. Van Der Linden. I don’t think I’ve been able to stop smiling for more than two minutes in the last fifteen days since we left New York City, but tonight surpasses all of the dreams I’ve had since I was a little girl of what my wedding night would look like.
“You look so happy, Mrs. Van Der Linden.” Bryce, my hot and sexy husband, is nibbling at my ear as he caresses the back of my neck.
“I’m extremely happy, Mr. Van Der Linden. This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life and I have you to thank you for this mind-blowing day.”
“I’m looking forward to later tonight when we’re finally alone,” he whispers in my ear.
“Mmmm, should I be worried?”
“I think you should. Your sister might have to send troops to rescue you when I barricade you for the next four days in our cabin and have my way with you.”
“My sister? Where is Ciara? I haven’t seen her in a few hours now. I wanted to spend time with her and thank her for such an incredible wedding.”
“You’ll be able to connect with her in three or four days once I’m done with you,” he says suggestively, as he touch
es my lips with his.
“Should we be making out like this in front of so many strangers?”
“Mrs. Van Der Linden, you’re right. That’s foolish of me. Let’s go see if we can find a quiet place on this big boat to make out,” he suggests, as he pulls me to my feet.
“What do you have in mind?”
“Nothing special. I want to find a quiet spot for a few minutes hidden from the prying eyes of our VIP guests so I can properly kiss my beautiful new wife.”
“You’re lying. You have so much more in mind,” I say, as I tug at his immaculate tuxedo.
“I love the dress Ciara selected for your wedding day. You look so incredibly beautiful and it looks like it was sewn on your curvy body. You took my breath away when I saw you earlier, but I’m pretty sure you’ll look even more beautiful without the dress on,” he says with an unabashed smile. “Oh, I’m warning you right now, make sure to keep those sexy red high heels on.” His deep blue eyes lock onto mine before he grabs my hand to follow him.
Bryce opens a door in the hopes of finding an intimate place on this massive vessel where we can embrace as husband and wife. We’re caught off guard. I stare at Ciara. My jaw drops as she raises an eyebrow, as if to say, What? Bryce responds with a coy smile. I can’t believe she’s at it again, but this time, she’s raised the stakes to a whole new level.
Ciara is on her knees, stripped of her magnificent turquoise one-shoulder Monique Lhuillier maid of honor’s dress and clad only in her hot pink lace bra, matching panties and satin four-inch high heels. I can’t believe my eyes. She’s ready to take Count Ludvig Wilmer Theodor Jönsson, aka the second cousin of the Duke of Västergöthausseman of Sweden, into her perfectly painted mouth.
Holy crap. Ciara is about to have sex with a Royal!
THE END
* * *
If You Liked Sofia & Bryce’s Story, You’ll Lose Your Head Over Sofia’s Little Sister’s Steamy Tale!
I Should Warn You, You’re Definitively Going To Get Very Hot And Bothered When You Read The Sizzling Story Of Ciara And The Sexiest Book Boyfriend To Have Ever Graced The Pages Of Any Romance Novel!
Unbearable Passion - Total Abandonment: Billionaire Erotica Romance (Unbearable Passion series Book 4) Page 10
