Chapter Eleven Caterina
After the last three days, I didn’t think there was anything else that could possibly rock me to my core. But Callum delivering me a wedding dress that he had handpicked obliterated me. Every time I thought I had him figured out, he did something else to confuse me. And that confusion led to twinges of feelings I hated myself for.
One minute he could be kind and considerate, and then the next he was an unimaginable bastard. I found myself caught between wanting to wrap my arms around him or smack him. Well, I suppose I had already done that. But I was certainly tempted to do it repeatedly.
Of course with my extremely limited experience with men, I didn’t know if this was normal. Did all couples drive each other crazy while simultaneously having moments of enjoyment? At the same time, I imagined that if it were Kellan or Dare or even Quinn as my groom, it would be different.
After Callum had left me this morning, I’d taken a long and luxurious bath. Then I’d unearthed a somewhat archaic looking curling iron in the back of the closet. Thankfully, it still worked, and I was able to do my hair in flowing waves. It was the first time in almost three years I’d really done anything to my hair. The prideful part of me reveled in how beautiful it looked.
Disgusted with myself, I turned away from the mirror and started going through the makeup. I’d just finished with everything from mascara and eyeliner to foundation when a knock came at my door.
After exiting the bathroom, I called, “Yes?”
“Signorina, è Nera. Sono qui per aiutarla.”
My heartbeat accelerated. Callum had come through and asked her to help me. I opened the door with a smile. “Grazie, Nera,” I replied. I was glad she was the one who was working today. We’d had a nice chat yesterday before I let her have the evening off for me to cook lasagna. It was also nice having someone else to speak Italian with besides the guards.
Nera’s eyes widened at the sight of me. “You are a vision.”
A nervous laugh bubbled from my lips. “In my bathrobe?”
She giggled and swatted my arm playfully. “Yes, even in your bathrobe.”
“Thank you,” I motioned for her to come inside the room.
As I went over to get the dress, Nera followed me. When I turned around, she wore an expression of wonder. “What a breathtaking dress,” she mused in a low voice.
“Callum has good taste.”
Nera swept a hand to her chest. “The boss picked this out?”
“Yes.”
“All on his own?” At my nod, she replied, “Oh my.”
With a giggle, I said, “Yes, that’s exactly what I thought.”
She shook her head slowly in disbelief as she took the dress off the hanger. She held it out for me to step into and she asked, “This is an arranged marriage, no?”
“It is.” I tentatively placed one foot and then another into the pool of satin. “I only met him three days ago.”
Nera murmured something under her breath as she slid the dress up my thighs and over my waist. “I’m sorry?” I asked.
She peered up at me with a shy smile. “I said he doesn’t look at you like it’s an arranged marriage.”
Her words sent a flutter through my chest. “He can be kind and thoughtful. I’m grateful for that. I suppose it could be much worse.” At the thought of Carmine, I shuddered. “Much, much worse,” I whispered.
“And he’s awfully handsome,” she prompted before waggling her brows.
Warmth flooded my cheeks as I pushed my arms through the sleeves. Even in my limited experience with men, I realized how good-looking Callum was. Just looking at him made me weak in my knees. “I suppose he is.”
“I normally don”t like men who aren’t Italian, but for him, I could make an exception,” she teased.
I laughed. “Hey now, that’s my future husband you’re talking about.”
As she started buttoning up the back, Nera said, “I think it’s a good match between you and the boss.”
Glancing at her in the mirror, I asked, “But how can you possibly know?”
“I can just tell.”
Nibbling my lip, I debated asking her what was on my mind. More than anything in the world, I wished Talia was here with me. I wouldn’t have had any problems unburdening myself to her.
When Nera finished with the last button, I decided it was now or never. I didn’t know when I’d have another opportunity with a woman I trusted.“How can the boss and I be a good match if we always fight?”
With a knowing smile, she replied, “The best loves are the ones that are fiery and passionate.”
I furrowed my brows at her response. It was hard even fathoming falling in love with Callum. I’d come to accept that I would have to tolerate his presence, but to imagine feeling a deep and abiding love for him was incomprehensible. After almost three years in the order, I’d given up the notion of being in romantic love with any man.
Nera patted my back. “Don’t worry, cara. It will all work out.”
“I hope so.” I squeezed her hands. “Thank you so much for the help. It means so much.”
“It was my pleasure.” With a sigh, she added, “I’m so sorry that none of your family could be here today, especially your mother.”
I gave her a tight smile. The truth was I wished for only my brothers and Talia today. I would’ve loved to have Rafe walk me down the aisle while Leo and Gianni looked on. As for my mother, she would’ve made the day about herself as well as nit-picking every detail. Talia would’ve been the one with tears shimmering from her eyes while she told me how beautiful I was.
Nera brought me out of my thoughts by saying, “Come. It’s time to go.”