31

Armani

Watching Tiana experience Venice for the first time was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The way her face lit up and her eyes shone like stars. Christ, it was a breathtaking sight.

Even though she still has a cautious air about her, she seems to be relaxing in my presence.

After I put my ring on her finger, I intended to give her a peck on the lips. All my good intentions flew out the window the moment my mouth touched hers.

The way she held onto me as if she needed me to keep her standing filled me with an overpowering need to protect her with my life.

She let me take the lead, and I get a feeling it’s because she’s inexperienced. Not that I have a problem with it. Quite the opposite.

Wanting to know precisely what I’m dealing with so I don’t push her too hard, I ask, “Have you had a boyfriend before?”

Tiana pulls out of my arms and shakes her head. She takes hold of the railing, her eyes feasting on our surroundings.

“Misha made sure I stayed single throughout my teenage years. He wouldn’t allow anyone near me.”

A smile curves my lips, knowing I would’ve done the same if I had a sister.

“Who was your first kiss?”

Her eyes dart to my face before she looks down at the water. “You.”

I’m an asshole because my smile grows, and satisfaction pours into my chest.

“Yesterday?” I check to make sure.

Tiana nods, then nervously rambles, “Misha made sure I remain untouched for my wedding day.” Her fingers fidget with the railing. “He did everything he could to keep me safe.”

I know. Misha told me how he never let Tiana out of his sight while they were in the orphanage. He was scared some fucker would try to rape her, so he guarded her with his life.

To know my friend entrusted his virgin sister to me means a hell of a lot. I’ll repay the favor by giving Tiana the world.

Stepping closer to her, I place my hand on the railing, an inch away from hers. Once again, I notice how much smaller than me she is.

I turn my face to her as I promise, “We’ll take it slow. If you’re not ready to consummate the marriage on our wedding night, I’ll wait.”

She tugs her bottom lip between her teeth, the sight making desire stir in my blood.

Freeing her lip, she lifts her eyes to mine. Her voice is steady and sure when she says, “I’m ready. I want to consummate our marriage. It’s important.”

Nodding, I lift my other hand and brush a couple of strands away from her face. “I have a job to do. I’ll probably be gone three days at most.”

Surprise flutters over her face, but she doesn’t argue.

“Viktor wants us to get married as soon as I’m done with the job,” I explain.

This time her eyes fill with shock. “So we’re getting married in three days?”

“We’ll get married on Saturday. I’ll make all the arrangements tomorrow morning,” I say, hoping it will lessen the blow if she knows I don’t expect her to arrange everything.

“Oh wow,” she breathes. “A week.”

Leaning down to see her face better, I ask, “It will be an intimate wedding. I was thinking we can have it in the courtyard. Just my mom and aunt on my side and Misha, Aurora, and Alek and his parents on your side. Will you be okay with that?”

Tiana nods. “I’m good with whatever you want.”

I shake my head. “It’s not what I want, bella. It’s what Viktor ordered. I wish we had more time to get to know each other better.”

Her features relax, and she places her hand on my arm as if she’s trying to offer me comfort. “I understand. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help with the arrangements.”

My eyes search hers. “Are you okay with the wedding happening so soon?”

She nods again. “I am. Please don’t worry about me.”

“You’re mine to worry about.” I can’t keep the possessiveness I feel for her out of my tone.

Tiana turns to face me, her eyebrows drawing together. “I don’t want to be a burden to you, Armani. I want to make your life easier. It’s the least I can do to repay you for your kindness.”

“I don’t expect you to repay me for anything.” Resting my palm against the side of her neck, my thumb brushes over the marks that are fading. “And you’re not a burden.”

My phone beeps, drawing my attention away from Tiana. Pulling the device out of my pocket, I read the encrypted message that’s been sent from Luca.

You have a week to complete the task. Don’t fail me.

There’s a list of names and the amounts they owe to the mafia. I have to collect every last cent.

I browse the nine names and where they live, already planning where I’ll start and who’ll I’ll leave for last.

“Is everything okay?” Tiana asks.

Locking my phone, I tuck the device back into my pocket. “Yes.” I nod toward the living room. “Let’s get ready for bed.”

I lock the doors behind us and switch off the lights as we head to the bedroom.

For the past two nights, I’ve slept on the couch. Let’s just say it wasn’t fun. Tonight we’re sleeping in the same bed because I need my rest.

“You can use the bathroom first,” I say while I plug my phone into the charger next to the bed.

Tiana grabs clothes from the closet along with her toiletry bag and disappears into the bathroom.

Walking into the closet, I look at her collection of clothes to see if she needs anything. She seems to have enough, and as I turn around, my eyes catch on an old shoe box pushed into the corner of the closet.

Don’t you fucking dare invade her privacy.