Chapter 33
CASSIA
I’m up early to get ready for the wedding. Santiago made me and Knight sleep in separate rooms, which I found hilarious because Knight wasn’t too impressed.
As I go in search of a cup of coffee, I walk past the arches that give me a clear view of the swimming pool area. Seeing Santiago sitting outside by himself, I change direction and head toward him.
When I sit down beside him, I say, “Morning. Do you always get up this early?”
He nods. “I like to watch the sunrise.”
“It’s a peaceful way to start the day.”
While Santiago stares into the distance, I take a good look at him. The man is attractive, and he gives off playboy vibes, but I’ve learned he’s completely the opposite.
We’re quiet for a while, then I mention, “Knight told me that you’ve saved all the people living here.”
Santiago glances at me. “Some had nowhere to go, and others were too damaged and didn’t want to return to their homes.”
“And you just decided to take them in?”
He nods again. “Someone has to.”
“Is that why you keep raiding the Rojas cartel’s business? To save victims?”
“Yes. In the beginning, I did it to piss them off and push the cartel out of my territory.” He turns his head and looks at the sunrise again. “But ever since a tarot reading predicted I’ll live a long life with the woman destined for me, I’ve had this feeling she’s close. My gut tells me she’s in trouble and the cartel has her, so now I’m searching for her.” He lets out a sigh. “I pray I won’t be too late.”
“You won’t. You just told me your tarot reading said you’ll live a long life with her. If she’s out there, you’ll find her,” I say to encourage him.
He looks at me, and a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Enough about me. Are you ready to get married?”
“Yes.” Nerves begin to spin in my stomach. “I have a specific song for when I walk down the aisle.”
“Which one?”
“Always on your side by Oshins and ADONA. When I’m ready, just start the song.”
“Okay.” Santiago glances behind us, then says, “Here comes the groom now.”
I look over my shoulder, and seeing Knight carrying two cups of coffee, I grin at my man. “I hope one of those is for me.”
“Of course.” He hands one to me before giving the other cup to Santiago.
“Where’s yours?” I ask.
He sits down and lets out a sigh. “I’ve already had two cups. I didn’t sleep much.”
“Why?” I ask. “Nightmares?”
Even though he shakes his head, I can tell he’s lying.
“I couldn’t sleep without you next to me.”
I place my hand on his thigh and press a kiss to the side of his neck. “I’ll be at your side every night for the rest of our lives.”
“Thank fuck,” he grumbles.
Slowly, people start gathering at the foot of the hill and begin getting everything ready for the wedding.
I sit and watch as they carry chairs and tables, and after I finish my coffee, I say, “I better go, or I’ll be late.” I press a kiss to Knight’s mouth and look deep into his eyes. “I’ll see you at the altar, Lincoln.”
He reaches up and wraps his hand around the back of my neck so he can steal another kiss. “Can’t wait.”
When I walk to the suite where my wedding dress is hanging, Aunt Marina comes from the opposite end of the hallway.
The moment she spots me, she claps her hands excitedly. “It’s your big day, agápi mou! ”
“It is! I’m so glad you’re here to help me get ready.”
I wait for her to catch up, and we share a quick hug before we hurry to the suite.
When we enter the room, my eyes lock on the wedding dress that’s hanging against the wall.
Aunt Marina gasps. “That’s your mother’s dress.” She walks closer, and touching the fabric, she says, “It’s so beautiful.”
It has cream-colored lace over silk fabric with flowers embroidered onto the back and train. The green vines and pink flowers are light in color, and my favorite part of the dress.
“I can’t wait to see you in the dress,” Aunt Marina says. “Let’s do your hair and makeup.”
We get to work, and it takes two hours to get the curls right and pinned up. I take my time applying my makeup while Aunt Marina gets dressed in a light blue dress.
When she’s ready, she pours us each a glass of juice.
“Drink some, agápi mou. You need the sugar.”
“You look beautiful,” I compliment her before taking a few sips.
“Thank you.”
I continue with my makeup until I’m pleased with the result.
“Perfection,” Aunt Marina says, her voice trembling with emotion.
“If you cry, I’m going to cry,” I warn her.
She sucks in deep breaths and waves her hand in front of her face. “Okay. No crying.” Then she looks at the time and almost has a heart attack. “You’re going to be late.”
“I still have thirty minutes,” I chuckle as I get up from the stool by the vanity.
We take the wedding dress off the hanger and Aunt Marina holds it ready for me. I’m relieved when she glances away so I can take off my robe because I’m wearing white lace lingerie.
I step into the dress and pull the fabric up, then say, “You can look.”
While I push my arms through the sleeves, my aunt takes care of the buttons at my back. I adjust the sleeves that hang off my shoulders before brushing my palms over my stomach.
I hear a sob behind me, and instantly, my eyes start to burn with unshed tears. “Aunt Marina!”
“I’m sorry. I can’t help it. You look so beautiful.”
Closing my eyes, I suck in deep breaths until the urge to cry passes.
She moves around me, and when she sees me from the front, she covers her mouth with both her hands. “Cassia. Theé mou. ”
I walk to the full-length mirror, and when I see my reflection, my throat strains.
“Your mother would be so proud,” my aunt murmurs.
God, I wish my mother and sisters were here.
My chest shudders, and I lose the battle. A tear escapes, and I hurry to the vanity to grab a tissue. Tipping my head back, I blink like crazy while gently patting the tear away.
I clear my throat then check my makeup. Thankfully, nothing’s ruined.
“I’m ready. Let’s go before I burst out in tears.”
“I’ll tell Santiago you’re on your way.”
As she hurries out of the suite, I place my hand over my stomach, that’s spinning with a mixture of excitement and nerves.
I’m about to marry the most incredible man.
KNIGHT
As I stand up front, I look at where Davies, Miller, and Saunders are sitting on my side of the aisle.
There are two reserved seats beside them, which I assume are for Santiago.
I adjust my bowtie and clear my throat. Every muscle in my body is wound tight because every time I attempted to check on Cassia while she was getting ready, Santiago stopped me.
I just want her to walk down the aisle, already.
Santiago comes up the aisle, and turning to face all the guests, he says, “When the bride walks down the aisle, everyone remains seated.”
After he sits down beside Davies, I ask, “Who’s the extra chair for?”
“It’s for Ronnie.”
Fuck.
I stare at the empty space, and instead of flashbacks, I only feel a deep sadness.
I gesture at the row of empty seats on Cassia’s side. “For her family?”
He nods. “And for Marina.”
The second rows are filled with Leo, Enzo, and Dominik and Grace. The rest of the guests are a mixture of everyone’s guards.”
When Marina comes hurrying up the aisle, I take it as a good sign. Cassia must be on her way.
She takes a seat and tells Santiago, “You can start the music.”
He waves a hand in the air, and soon, a song starts playing. It’s not the usual wedding march, and I listen to the words while my eyes are glued to the villa.
As the first chorus starts, Cassia appears, looking like an absolute vision.
“Holy fuck,” I whisper.
She walks slowly, giving the song time to play, and the words hit me square in the chest.
It feels like the words are straight from her heart to mine.
I’m always on your side too, baby.
She comes down the aisle looking every bit the goddess she is, and when the song slows down, I move to meet her in the middle.
I hold my arm for Cassia to take, and as she places hers in the crook of my arm, I walk with her to where the wedding officiator is waiting.
We turn to face each other, and when a tear spirals down her cheek, I reach for her face and gently brush it away.
“You look…” I shake my head. “I have no words.”
“Stunning,” Davies mutters. “Gorgeous. Beautiful. Take your pick.”
Everyone chuckles, and I shoot my friend a glare.
Giving Cassia my full attention, I say, “At first, I couldn’t explain why, but I just knew I had to stay by your side. Little did I know it was because my soul recognized its other half.”
“God, Lincoln,” she whispers, and unable to stop them, her tears start to fall. “I had no idea why you insisted on guarding me, but I’m glad you’re so stubborn.” Her voice goes hoarse, and she clears her throat. “Thank you for being the hero I dreamed about as a little girl. Thank you for being the protector I need. But mostly, thank you for choosing to love me.”
We turn to face the marriage officiator and say our vows.
Before the man can tell me to kiss my bride, Saunders shouts, “Yassss, kiss your woman, brother.”
Cassia lets out a burst of laughter, which I smother with my mouth.
Cheers erupt around us, and as I take hold of my wife’s hand, I decide to kiss her again.
Against her lips, I murmur, “I love you more than anything.”
Her palms frame my jaw, and she nods. “I love you, ángele mou. It will only ever be you.”
The End.
The Mafia Empire world will continue in
DEATH
where Santiago comes face to face with the woman destined for him.
Thank you for reading The High Priestess. I appreciate every single reader who takes a chance on my books.