His Woman

ng came t

blinked, disoriented for a second, then remembered-today was the da

e voice called from behi

women flowed in like a silent storm. Makeup artists. Hair stylists. Fashion consultants. Bridesma

etting them do w

ept across her cheeks. Foundation sp

f it m

ough, what stayed wi

i

uldn't notice. The way the makeup artist hesitated before applying the blush. The way t

a bride, yes-but n

preparing

atching them through the mirror as they did their job with that unsp

a way out. But after last night-after Luca

hreatened h

n't ha

der control. Like a loaded gun resting on a s

s marrying

r hair and the veil draped softly o

hem. There were a few forced smiles

ain. One of Luca's m

n. Then his eyes flicked to Valencia an

oor c

eart slowing but growin

ts pa

heavier

slow

idn't

r opene

here

n who owned fear lik

Just a fracti

olor of wild roses, white dress hugging her frame with a dang

cond, he forgot

didn't

ned unreadable

t, body leaning slightly into the doo

said, voice s

head slowly to

door click shut behind him. T

ld you we

ave much of

h his eyes. "No," he sa

stretched. T

esitated. Just a b

into a smile. "You mean beautifu

her then-re

o needs to be told she's beautif

, "dressed up for a man who thin

hed his lips. "It's not

owly. "You can control every

ead. "You're su

ols fire," sh

ked in his gaze. Admiration?

enough to lower his v

choice," s

dn't

n't ne

was marrying him. Why her father had knelt

ear a

ve hi

Luca said finally. "I came to

did you expect? Gratitude? A te

oftened. "I expec

at hurt more th

ward the door, h

waiting,"

r w

stop pretending yo

he wa

clicked shu

e in silk and lace, her fi

n't pre

hate all

ti never made

s wai

other, he always