Chapter 106: 106 ~ Mira
The wedding was for a the son of one of Jace’s associates. At least that was what he told me.
It was a black tie event. So I wore a black dress that flared at the bottom with bows straps. Of course there had to be a bit of cleavage and my back was open too. I paired the dress with silver heels and a matching clutch.
My hair was still not long enough for an updo so I folded the tips and made a very elegant bob look, while my full glam face glowed in the light. My makeup artist did a good job. I even posed for a few pictures and videos. Satisfied with my look, I headed downstairs where Jace was waiting for me.
I took the elevator down and when I walked out of the building into the parking lot, I was surprised to see him standing outside his vehicle waiting for me.
He put his phone back in his pocket as I got to where he stood.
"Hey,"
"Hey." He said. His eyes devoured me in that instant. "You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever set my eyes on."
My cheeks heated up.
But I slapped his arm slightly to lighten the intensity of the moment. "Don’t flatter me Romano. Let’s go, we’re going to be late."
He chuckled and opened the door for me. I slipped into the passenger seat. He got in through the other side.
The car glided smoothly through the streets, the hum of the engine filling the comfortable silence between us. Comfortable for him, anyway. My stomach was tied in knots.
I glanced at Jace from the corner of my eye. He was impossibly calm, one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting lazily against the gearshift. Dark suit, silk tie, and that sharp jawline angled toward the road. He looked like a man driving us to a business deal, not a wedding.
"You know," I broke the silence, "most people ask their wives nicely before they drag them to social events."
His lips quirked into something between a smirk and a smile. "I did ask nicely."
"You said, ’You’re coming with me to the wedding. Wear something stunning.’ That’s not a request, Romano. That’s a command." I mimicked his gruff voice.
I knew he asked nicely to a great extent, I just wanted to tease him about yesterday when I said I wasn’t sure I wanted to go anywhere with him. Massimo’s visit had gotten to me a little too much.
"Semantics," he murmured, eyes still forward.
I rolled my eyes and leaned back against the seat. "So whose wedding is this, anyway? Some distant cousin of yours? Another mafia tie?"
His mouth curved into a slight smile. "Relax. It’s a legitimate wedding. Old family friend. No business, no alliances. Just food, music, dancing... normal life for a few hours."
Normal life. The phrase made my chest ache. I wasn’t sure I remembered what that looked like anymore.
The car slowed to a stop in front of the venue, a grand cathedral with stained-glass windows catching the afternoon sun. Guests streamed up the steps in elegant dresses and sharp suits, laughter filling the air.
Jace came around to open my door, his hand extended. I hesitated but took it. His palm was warm, steady. For a moment, it felt almost...natural.
Inside, the space was buzzing. Chandeliers glimmered overhead, and pews were already filled. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air. I spotted a group of women sneaking glances our way, whispering behind manicured hands.
I leaned close to him and he bent down a bit as I whispered, "They’re staring at you."
"No," he said smoothly, guiding me forward with a hand on the small of my back. "They’re staring at you."
I huffed, ignoring the way my cheeks heated. I was thankful that the makeup covered my reddened cheeks.
We slid into a pew near the front, side by side. The bride appeared minutes later, and the crowd rose to their feet. She was stunning. All lace and soft curls, radiant in a way that made the whole church hold its breath.
For a while, I forgot Jace was next to me. I felt my heart soar as I got swept up in the vows, the music, the look of absolute adoration on the groom’s face. It was beautiful, simple. Pure.
When applause thundered at the kiss, I clapped too, my heart unexpectedly tight.
At the reception, the mood shifted into celebration. Fairy lights twinkled over long banquet tables, the smell of roasted meats and wine filling the air. A band played upbeat Italian tunes, coaxing people onto the dance floor.
I tried to slip away to the buffet table, but Jace caught my hand. "Dance with me."
I raised a brow at him. "You don’t dance."
His lips tugged in challenge. "Who told you that?"
"I know you." I retorted with an eye roll. Why would a don be found dancing?
"Then you should know I don’t like being doubted." He said, cutting through my thoughts.
Before I could argue, he was already pulling me to the dance floor. The music was light, playful, and couples spun around us with laughter. Jace’s hand slid to my waist, steadying me, and suddenly I was very aware of just how close we were.
"Relax," he murmured. "You’re as stiff as a statue."
"Because I’m dancing with a control freak," I muttered.
His chuckle vibrated through me, warm and low. "Say what you want. You’re still here."
I scowled up at him, but my feet betrayed me, falling into rhythm with his. He was smooth, irritatingly so. Every turn, every step, he led without hesitation, and I followed despite myself.
I was stunned by how smooth he was with it to be honest. I made a mistake of admitting that aloud.
"See?" His eyes gleamed. "You trust me."
"That’s pushing it," I said quickly, though a reluctant smile tugged at my lips.
The song ended, and applause filled the air. I tried to step back, but Jace leaned down, lips brushing the shell of my ear. "Don’t think I didn’t see that smile."
I shoved his chest lightly, heat rushing to my face. "Shut up."
He only grinned, the bastard.
I bit the insides of my cheeks to hold back my smile. I failed at it though.
Later, after too much champagne and too many toasts, we found ourselves sitting side by side at a table, plates half-forgotten in front of us. The bride and groom twirled under the fairy lights, lost in their own little world.
"They look happy," I murmured.
"They are," Jace agreed. He leaned back in his chair, gaze unreadable. "You ever think about that? A wedding without blood ties, without obligations? Just two people choosing each other?"
His question caught me off guard. For a moment, I couldn’t answer.
"I used to," I admitted quietly.
"And now?"
I stared at the couple, at the way they couldn’t take their eyes off each other. My throat felt tight. "Now... I don’t know if I believe in it anymore."
When I glanced at Jace, his gaze was already on me. There was something in his eyes. It was something raw, unguarded. That made me look away too quickly.
Moments between us had been getting very intense lately.
He looked at me like I was his salvation and slowly I was beginning to get carried away. This was dangerous.
The band shifted into a slower song, and couples streamed back onto the floor. Jace didn’t ask this time. He just stood, offered his hand, and waited.
I hesitated. But then, almost against my own will, I slid my hand into his.
And for a few stolen minutes under the glow of fairy lights, I let myself forget. Forget the secrets, the betrayals, the blood on his hands.
I let myself feel the warmth of his hand at my waist, the steady beat of his heart against mine, the way his gaze softened only when it was on me.
I hated myself for it.
But God help me, I didn’t let go.
~
It was late when we started going back to his penthouse apartment. I told him I wanted to go to my own place but he of course didn’t listen.
He placed his palm on my thigh as he drove through the city. I leaned back in my seat acting like his touch wasn’t doing things to me. Plus the fact that I had so much wine and it seemed like my bladder was about to burst.
I was so relieved when we made it to his apartment building. I was pressed.
"You look like you’re about to cause a storm." Jace teased me as I hurried towards the bathroom.
I chuckled.
My laughter ceased when my phone rang and I saw the caller ID. I picked up.
"You’re in America?"
"Nice to hear from you again, baby brother."