Page 85 of Vengeful Vows
Bella
My lifewith Nico has become untenable, a series of obligations where we’re nothing more than polite strangers.
I know nothing about who he is or what his life is like.
Our first Thanksgiving together was awful. Once we returned home from his aunt and uncle’s, we each went straight to our offices, and I spent the entire weekend at work.
Sex is horrible and wonderful, all at the same time. Wonderful because he still gives me spectacular orgasms. And horrible because each joining threatens to emotionally destroy me. I have to keep rebuilding the fractured walls that protect my heart.
Being with a man who doesn’t care about me and only wants to use my body is devastating.
But still, it’s supposedly the most wonderful time of the year, and I promised Amelia I’d help with her Holiday Sip and Shop extravaganza.
Even though I’m exhausted from crying and lack of sleep, I owe Amelia debts I can never begin to repay.
After taking a steadying breath, I push through the front door of her shop.
Energy and excitement buzz through the air, set among Christmas music and the sound of the cash register ringing.
In addition to providing an open bar, she has a chocolate fountain and giveaways every fifteen minutes. And not just ordinary prizes. They include stays at the Sterling Uptown and the one in New Orleans. She’s also handing out spa packages and designer bags.
My job tonight is easy. I’m mingling, striking up conversation with anyone who is in attendance alone, and making sure ladies have a cocktail in hand to loosen their purse strings.
Amelia has brought in personal shoppers to help customers select presents for others—a definite plus for the gentlemen who’ve accepted an invitation. There’s also a complimentary gift wrap station with premium paper and bows. And everything is neatly stowed in luxurious black handle bags that the city’s best dressed and elite like to be seen carrying.
My friend has thought of that as well. There’s a feature wall with a Christmas tree and the shop’s logo. She’s also hired a professional photographer to capture all the excitement. And of course a society writer fromScandalicioushas popped in to report all the fabulousness.
It’s after eleven when Amelia flips off the neon OPEN sign and the final sales consultant leaves for the evening.
The catering crew will show up later to clean up, and a handful of employees will report early in the morning to steam garments, restock the inventory, and ensure the boutique looks as if chaos hadn’t happened the night before.
For now, Amelia and I collapse in wingback chairs and toast her success with the last of the champagne.
Since we’ve both been busy, we spend a few minutes catching up. Because I don’t want to ruin her evening, I gloss over my issues with Nico, but I encourage her to talk about the new guy she’s been seeing.
“I’ve had several dates with Sean, but we haven’t slept together.” She wrinkles her nose. “He’d better step up his game before I take matters into my own hands.”
Shaking my head, I laugh.
“We’re supposed to go out on New Year’s Eve. He bought us tickets for a ball at a historic hotel in Galveston, and it includes an overnight stay.”
“Sounds divine.”
Amelia considers me. “Why don’t you and Nico join us?”
I blink. We haven’t even discussed holiday plans, though I assume we’ll be spending time with his family, like we had on Thanksgiving.
The first time I met the Morettis, I was wary. Don Raffaele and his oldest son, Matteo, scare the hell out of me. The two younger brothers are easier going. And I’m partial to Nico’s aunt, Gina, who immediately folded me in her arms and said I’m the daughter she never had. Because of her, I look forward to our visits.
When I’m there, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen with her. Over a glass of chianti, I learned that Roberto had stepped down from his position in the organization and that Nico is now his uncle’s consigliere.
The news stunned me, reminding me of my place in his life. If I mattered to him, he’d share something that important.
I’m sure my shock was clear to Gina, but she said nothing, and instead concentrated on refreshing my wine.
Though I wouldn’t admit it aloud, images of Nico’s scarred body flashed through my mind. The news of his elevated position rocketed fear into me.
I asked Gina how she coped with the stress of knowing what her husband did was dangerous. With a smile, she replied that many women around the world love men who risk their lives every day—soldiers, bodyguards, police officers, firefighters… As she patted my hand, she encouraged me to cherish every moment.