Chapter TWO

 AURELIO

I stood at the altar with Vincenzo as my witness, waiting for Lucie Evans to walk in, accompanied by her father who will "give her away" to me.

       As the chapel door slid open, I first took notice of her father as they stepped into the church.  I watched my soon-to-be wife walk down the aisle with her dad. Nothing had prepared me for the effect of seeing her in her wedding dress, looking more stunning than ever. As they drew near, I realized that she wasn't just stunning---- she was dead beautiful. She looked ethereal, fragile, and almost innocent. My gaze lingered on her as she strode toward me. She has a slender body with beautiful silky skin. Her eyes were big and sapphire. Her hair was naturally brown. She has a triangle shape- a small bust, narrow shoulders, and full hips. 

       I kept staring at her with slow assessment. She wore an elegant wedding dress with a strapless neckline and long sleeves. An iconic dress in tulle embellished with all-over floral embroidery highlighted with tiny sequins. She had a pretty relaxed braided hairstyle on. An updo that's gathered into a low knot in the back, framed by bangs and some delicate stray wisps. All these gave her an effortless and elegant look with an ethereal effect. I would be lying if I say her ethereal presence didn't leave me breathless.

       An unnatural emotion shot through me as she raised her head to stare into my icy blue eyes. I felt immediately drawn to her. My need to walk down to where she was, crush my mouth against hers and kiss her mercilessly left me terrified. My inability to also get this picture out of my mind made me frown darkly. 

          "I shouldn't want her. " I murmured earnestly

        My eyes hardened with shock and annoyance that I found her attractive. The very woman who manipulated my mother Into pressuring me into marriage. I'm mad that she was able to captivate me and ignite my desire as she walked up to me. She is going to become a wife of convenience so why break a sweat over it, I scolded myself. I was pissed off 'cause I knew, I certainly won't have been in this position if it weren't for Lucie and my Mother. Mamma laid down a condition in her will that I marry Lucie within three months. She also stipulated that the marriage must span for at least two years or I won't receive the Vivaldi Villa. The thought of not inheriting the Villa I grew up in and cherished so much, makes me boil in anger. Since I was strongly against the idea of marriage, I suggested buying it from her at whatever price she wanted, but she rejected me flatly. What infuriated me the most was that she declared that the Villa will go to Luca Ricci, my cousin if I fail to carry out her wish within the time frame. There's no way Luca is getting that property even if it warranted me to marry this woman I can't stand. Fucking Luca is the second person I hated most in the world right now, alongside Aria my ex-fiance. One thing I'm certain of is that Luca definitely won't smell my Villa. 

          I quickly unclenched my fist as my bride's father, Michael, stepped forward, shook my hand, and placed her hand in mine. He kissed his daughter and walked back to stand near my mother. I couldn't ignore the happiness this day brought to mamma. She looked like the happiest person on this occasion. 

         The rest of the ceremony remained blurred with the exchange of normal wedding vows until it was time to exchange our wedding bands. I cursed myself for responding fiercely to her touch as I gently placed the thin diamond wedding ring on her left fourth finger. We both felt greatly contented that the event was coming to an end when the priest pronounced us, Husband and Wife, and blessed our union. I was glad the ceremony was over and very soon we would be done with this whole wedding stuff. My happiness is short-lived when my mother shouted " kiss kiss kiss!", even before the priest said the usual "you may kiss your bride" line.

           I turned to Lucie and saw her mortified look. I decided to torment her. Besides, there's no harm in finding out what she tasted like. I moved towards her like a predator ready to strike its' prey. I gently tugged her into my arms and bent my head towards hers, tilting her head to fit mine before claiming her mouth. My mouth was hard and possessive on her soft lips as I savour her mouth. Her mouth parted slightly, allowing my tongue to gracefully slid in. The kiss became thorough and shamelessly heated. I couldn't help but noticed she tasted like strawberry mixed with coffee. My hands hugged her tighter around the waist and began to explore her back rhythmically. We became lost in the kiss, trying to get to the bottom of the flame that deeply incensed our desire for each other. 

           The kiss made me realize the burning chemistry between us. I was shocked by this realization because she isn't exactly my type. I grudgingly acknowledge the reason I pulled back from her was that I heard the clicks of cameras. I turned my head in the direction of the guests, only to find them staring at us with surprise. Everyone around us goes silent for a minute or two. Noticing Lucie still had her eyes closed, I used my fingers to caress her flushed cheek to alert her. Her eyes flew open and landed on me before she faced the crowd. I didn't miss the dark heated passion in her eyes. I felt a bit proud that she wasn't unaffected by this passion.

        "sei Bellissima" I husked out before cursing myself silently as I watched her blink at me confusingly.

         The crowd start clapping as I took her right hand and led her into the crowd. We were sucked into a round of congratulatory hugs and wishes. Pictures were taken with different members of our families and business associates before we headed to the exclusive area of the hotel reserved for our lunch reception. 

          At the reception, Lucy was taken away from me by her friends and family. I watched closely as she conversed with them. I had to admit I was blown away by her beauty. I was too engrossed in my thoughts that I failed to notice Vincenzo Rossi walking up to me. 

         My tall, black-haired best friend, who stood as my witness, smirked at me before saying, "She's beautiful uhh?" his brown eyes twinkled mischievously.

         "Fuck off!" I shut back

         "What happened to not liking her or wanting the wedding? I saw how you couldn't stop staring at her" he revealed.

         "Stop teasing me or I will fire you. Remember I'm still your boss." I proclaimed calmly. We both knew I was kidding. Vincenzo was the closest person to me apart from my mother. No doubt, a brother I never had. We've been friends since we were both fifteen years. We attended the same high school and LSE university, and he is currently my right-hand man.

          "But seriously dude, you've got yourself a very beautiful bride. I hope you don't mess things up with your no-commitment issue. Because if you do, I will be there to help her to her feet. You never know, she could fall in love with me." Vincenzo winked.

         "You won't dare! Stay away from my Wife." I replied jealously. "We both know what's expected of us in this relationship, so there would be no emotional distress. Moreover, she knows this is just a business arrangement and that there would be no falling in love." I said undoubtedly.

          "Hmmm... business arrangement indeed! I saw the way you almost devoured her on the altar...I could feel the heat radiating from both of you. Does that mean you both won't consummate your marriage?" Vicenzo asked innocently

          Though we've never discussed our sexual life, I figured there's no reason to stay away from sex since we were married... Fake or not....we both had to explore and get this underlying sexual tension that has been hovering around us out of our system. I've noticed how breathless she gets when we are in the same space. Plus, there's no way I can survive being married to such ethereal beauty without us being sexually involved. All we have to do was be mature about it. When the time comes for us to end our marriage, each of us would walk away sexually satisfied.

         I sensed Vincenzo was still waiting for my reply, "Look man, sincerely, I don't understand how a kiss between us could be demonically passionate. I have kissed lots of women, but this kiss topped it all." 

Vicenzo studied me carefully, then said "let's see how it all plays out. And, once again, congratulations."

A few hours later, I turned to the left to see my bride embracing her father. Watching her smile at everyone else except me, left me dissatisfied. My gaze left her and fell on my mamma. She was looking radiant and her eyes were twinkling with joy as she caught my eyes.

       "At least, there was someone happy about this union," I murmured as I watch her walk toward me.

       "congratulazioni Figlio" she said in Italian and hugs me. 

         I kissed her left cheek, then said smiling  "Grazie mamma." God help me, I can't stay mad at her. I love this woman. She was my strength when everyone doubted my competence to step into my Father's shoes. She knows I would do anything to make her happy, and I'm sure I proved that to her today.

          She chuckled as if she knew what I was thinking. "Figlio, you are all grown up now. I wish your papa was here to see this day." She said, gently squeezing my hand. 

"God bless his soul. I'm sure he's watching over us." I brought her hands to my lips, then kissed them.

           "Go get your bride. It's time to leave for your honeymoon. You don't want to miss your flight." She said with so much life and joy.

           I sighed. Then Mamma rolled her eyes exaggeratedly "Go on. I will see to it that everything goes smoothly here while you guys go change."

            I was initially annoyed when mamma confided in me proudly that she organized a honeymoon for us in Mauritius. Something she planned months ago. Originally, the idea of leaving London for Mauritius had seemed repulsive because if it were left to me, there wouldn't have been any honeymoon. For goodness sake, I had a business deal I am currently working on, and it required absolute attention.

          To that, mamma had argued that I needed a break and that I should learn to delegate duties. I knew she was right. I had and trusted Vincenzo to take care of everything, while I'm away.

       Now, after that kiss, I couldn't believe I am eagerly anticipating our honeymoon. I wanted her in my bed, badly. I wanted her naked, underneath me, ready for me to take. I could visualize her legs wrapped around my waist. Ready for me to take her.