Page 23 of Isle of Seduction
I take in the two thin bands of gold, identical except in size. My heart drops to my feet. I had no romantic notion of what our marriage would be, so getting a wedding band carelessly thrown at me shouldn’t make me feel used.
I put the band on my left ring finger without looking at him and don’t bother smiling. I have a purpose and that’s all there is to it. It’s better I get the reminder now.
He offers his arm and we make our way to the car, then to the hotel, in weighted silence.
TEN
ADDICTION HAS A TASTE AND IT’S GIULIA’S
She’s infuriating, my little wife.
For every step forward I make, after every moment of truce I manage to establish, something sets her off, and she freezes me out.
My lips brushing the soft skin of her neck has been nothing short of a religious experience. Giulia doesn’t have to do anything for her siren voice to call me in the dark; her presence alone serves as a reminder that I could easily fall prey to her. That certainly never happened before and I’m curious to understand this novelty writhing under my flesh and bones.
When she looks like that, the only thing I want is to beg on my knees for a taste of her. I’m aching to know what her lips taste like.
And she didn’t even let me tell her how gorgeous she looks, how dazzled I am by her. It’s not only about her beauty; it’s in the way she carries herself, chin raised and shoulders back, ready to take on the world and prove to anyone who told her she couldn’t do something that she damn well can and with panache.
I can’t wait to claim her as my wife for everyone to see tonight.
Entering the art-deco lobby of Hotel Amour with Giulia on my arms is a high I want to live every single moment of my public life. I’m on top of the world, nothing can stop us, two angels of retribution ready to get what they’re owed.
A concierge in a suit walks us to the reception hall of the palace, a monumental space with a glass dome and luxurious black and white marble walls with geometric designs, where everyone is already in attendance. When we walk in, all eyes turn to the woman on my arm. I’m invisible and I don’t care. She shines brighter than the blood red ruby on her neck, and all I want is to put her on a pedestal for everyone to see.
But not touch.
Mayor Lewis greets us with a sweaty palm and I don’t miss the small rictus of disgust on my wife’s face but she amps up the charm.
“I couldn’t believe it when Andrea told me he was married. Such a short amount of time, that’s truly incredible.” I don’t miss the sarcasm in his voice, nor does Giulia. We all know what this is, but except the Mayor, no one else does.
“If you consider Andrea’s been in love with me for years, I’d say it was about time he popped the question.” Giulia laughs, then shakes the Mayor’s wife’s hands vigorously, giving her all her attention. I see her at work in an instant, complimenting Jane Lewis on her dress, her jewellery, asking what shade of lipstick she wears and what not. She loops her arm in Jane’s and guides us inside like she owns the place, and I’m struck looking at the sway of her generous hips.
“You certainly found her quick, Capaldi.”
I don’t bother looking at him. I only have eyes for the strategist that is Giulia Capaldi.
“Didn’t you hear my wife? It was about time I popped the question. Giulia and I have known each other for a long time, Lewis. Your ultimatum was just the push I needed.”
“Of course, of course.” He doesn’t buy it, but it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that voters do. And considering the headlines calling her the Kalliste Beauty who enthralled Andrea Capaldi, I think they will.
“Before we enjoy our meal, I need to show you something,” Lewis says.
I’m reluctant to let Giulia out of my sight but she’s already charmed a table of guests and they’re all looking at her with stars in their eyes, laughing at something she said while her laugh rings in the space like a beautiful melody. She’s spreading the news of our nuptials subtly, but people circle the table like vultures, attracted by fresh gossip and a new face. She turns her gaze to me and winks.
She fucking winks at me.
For everyone to see and swoon.
She’s good.
If I didn’t know she’s probably planning my demise in that smart brain of hers, I too would believe she’s smitten with me. All I want to do is pretend. When she landed on my lap, I had no idea being in her presence would be so invigorating, turning everything else to dust on my tongue.
As a reminder of why she’s in my life, Lewis drags me outside to the garden where the chief of police, Arthur Taylor, awaits. He’s been in the force for almost twenty years and I bet he's been in Lewis’s pockets ever since, but most of his employees are in mine. Given the sombre look on his face, it seems they failed to report something of importance to me. I seethe at their incompetence.
“We have a problem,” Lewis declares.
“And why does the chief of police have to be here for this conversation?”