Adonis POV
Inhaling deeply, I drew in a calming breath as I started my mental count once again, resisting the urge to tap my feet.
It’s official. She’s insane.
No sane person, after receiving a death threat, would still choose to defile the order given, but she did.
I’ve never met anyone as infuriating as that little girl in my entire life, and now she has me wondering if she was actually the best fit for this.
I resumed my count, my left little finger twitching rapidly at the amount of self-restraint it was taking me not to burst out through the door and drag her to the alter myself.
“Relax. It’s normal.” Luca whispered to me.
I threw him a blank stare, as I had completely forgotten that he was by my side. He was shaking with nerves in his grey tuxedo; one would think he was the groom.
I glanced down at my black tuxedo, which I had to force myself into this morning. Left to me, a dark pair of jeans and a white polo would’ve been just fine, but for some reason, everyone was against it, and I agreed since Luca promised I would be able to change in an hour.
It’s been thirty minutes since the ceremony was supposed to start, but Cara was still not here, yet. I looked up to see the guests-mainly my men and some of my grandfather’s most trusted allies-exchanging small talks with a smile on their faces.
Was I the only one finding the wait uncomfortable?
My eyes closed as my mental count hit hundred for the umpteenth time. I started again.
One, two, three, four, five-
Oh to hell with it! I think it was time I visited the late bride myself.
I had just taken a step forward, a startled Luca asking where I was going when the huge doors of the hall were pulled open.
“Sorry, we’re late, everyone. We had some unforeseen issues.” Cecelia announced apologetically as she rushed in and then rushed out, but not before I saw the nervous look she threw my way.
What was it this time?
My question was answered shortly as the wedding march began and the bride walked in. Everyone gasped.
I stiffened.
Cara walked down the aisle, following the rhythm of the wedding march with the brightest smile on her face. She didn’t have a veil on as expected, so I could see the entire features of her face and the tight, low bun she had her hair in.
I felt my jaw slacken for a minute before I caught myself, returning to my usual stoicism.
She looked even more beautiful, but my eyes couldn’t dwell on her beauty alone. No. My mind wouldn’t let it, and it trailed down her body, giving her attire a full sweep.
In her hand was a bouquet of freshly plucked daisies, but my eyes settled on her dress. A spark of anger ignited within me.
Was that a red gown, or were my eyes deceiving me?
I looked over to Luca for confirmation again, but he was staring with his mouth agape and wide eyes at Cara.
It was indeed a red gown.
My hands balled into fists, and I returned my gaze to Cara. My eyes drifted to the ladies behind her.
There should be some sort of explanation for this because I wasn’t going to let this go easily. I specifically explained how important it was to have Cara wear the traditional Bernardi wedding gown and instructed Nadia and Cecelia to pass the point across, but she chose to wear a blood-red gown instead.
My eyes flickered between the two women, and from their worried glances, I already knew Cara was the orchestrator. Her friend Tina, on the other hand, had a big smile on her face. I clenched my jaw to prevent a low growl from escaping my lips.
The wedding march stopped just as Cara halted her walk in front of me.
My cold gaze met her mocking ones-a promise of retribution for the disgrace she had brought upon me-and the priest started.
“Dearly beloved…”
****
“Excuse me,” I said with a tight-lipped smile. “I’d like to have a word with my wife.” Pulling Cara away from the conversation she was having, despite her protests.
“I can walk fine; stop pulling me.” She argued, but I ignored her, gripping tightly onto her wrist until we were alone and out of earshot.
“You’re lucky we have company. I wouldn’t have been so gentle with you.” I sneered.
“What did I do this time?”
My eyes narrowed at her question.
“What did you do? You humiliated me and my family. You wasted my time, but that wasn’t enough for you. You decided to scoff at our tradition and show up in a bright red dress. Of all colours, Cara!”
“Oh! That…” She replied like it was no big deal.
“That? You just challenged me in front of my men and allies, and you say that? I warned you. Whatever you do, don’t cross my part.”
“And you expected me to listen?” Cara retorted. “I am not a doll that you can just push around. I will do what I want, and how I want it!”
I felt my breathing increase as the flicker of anger in me grew into a surge of rage. Taking her wrist in a tight grip once again, I tugged her towards me.
“You will do no such thing!” My nostrils flared. “You will do no such thing or I’ll kick you out.”
She closed the remaining space between us, meeting my glare with a look of contempt.
“Go ahead. Kick me out and see who loses out.”
Who was this girl? What happened to the timid girl who rarely talked back to me? She certainly could not have found out about my plans to use her against the Grecos, so why was she acting this way?
Running my hand through my hair in frustration, I gritted out.
“Vorrei poterti rinchiudere da qualche parte fino alla fine dell’anno (I wish I could lock you away somewhere until the end of the year).”
“English ple-
“There you both are! Guess who got you a three-day getaway ticket for your honeymoon?”
My grandfather announced as he was wheeled towards us.
Oh, h*ll no!