Page 23

“No, please don’t—“

“Yes sir.” Kiril stepped back but I stopped him.

“He’s joking,” I blurted out, fear gripping my spine. “Inside joke.” I offered my best smile and he seemed conflicted.

A hand gripped my upper arm. “Let’s go,” Antonio forced me forward.

CHAPTER 8

Nirah

Antonio and I spent hours sitting side by side as he forced me to watch everyone having a great time.

They were dancing, eating, conversing, all while I played the crazily in love wife who didn’t want to leave her husband’s side. Even though said husband was conversing with everyone else but me.

With my arms folded over my chest I let my eyes scan the room until Cesar approached our table.

I wasn’t strong enough to fight back my smile, but he didn’t return the sentiment. Or anything for that matter. Not even eye contact.

With every fibre of courage in me I went to stand but Antonio’s hand found my thigh, pinning me with a look to my seat.

“Congratulations, Miss Nirah.” Cesar’s eyes landed on me and warmth spread across my chest.

For the sake of keeping up appearances, I smiled. “Thank you—“ my words had barely left my lips before he was already saying something to Antonio in Italian, disregarding me entirely.

My mood soured, and I leaned back in my seat, desperately wanting to melt away. This fight was between Antonio and I. I didn’t fully consider that I had way more to lose than I had anticipated.

Antonio got to his feet, fastened the button on his suit jacket then slightly angled his body toward me. “Don’t let me find you out of this seat.”

“Would you like a salute? A curtsy? A bow of the head?” I gazed up at him and Cesar cleared his throat, keeping his head low which was an easy telltale sign that he was holding back a laugh—a smile.

“I mean it.” He assured me before both men disappeared and I rolled my eyes.

As soon as they were out of sight, Silvia plopped down on Antonio’s empty chair and instinctively, we flung our arms around each other.

“You okay?” she whispered but all I could do was hold her tighter.

“Yeah. You?” I pulled back and she smiled.

“I know I shouldn’t say this because of circumstances, but you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “That’s because you haven’t seen yourself in a wedding dress yet.”

Her face morphed to disgust. “Well, with this being what? Your second wedding? I think I’ll pass.”

“Miss Nirah.” Kiril approached us and I groaned, turning to look at him. “Mr. Antonio requested that I bring you to him.”

Silvia and I shared a half concerned, half annoyed glance before separating. Kiril walked me to Antonio and we reached him the same time as a familiar gentleman.

“Congratulations, Antonio.” He extended his hand and both men shared a firm handshake before his eyes landed on me.

“Do I know you?” I asked, eyeing him from head to toe and he chuckled.

“No, but I’m sure your brother does.” He lifted the glass of champagne to his lips and my heart rate picked up. Nereus.

I still had no idea where he was, or if he was even alive. Not Antonio, or any of his staff would confirm or deny anything.

Even after everything that happened between us, Antonio knew that my brother was the most important thing to me, and not even he would be dumb enough to risk me never forgiving him. At least… I’d hope so.