Chapter 6
Francesca
About twenty minutes later, we turned, and headed down a smooth, winding road. A few minutes after that, a large castle came into view. It was beautiful. Like one right out of a romance novel.
I finally broke our silence. “Why are we stopping here?”
He didn’t answer. But when I looked at him, he was frowning. “Well?” I frowned right back at him.
“Why do you think?” he answered back, making me want to kick him.
So, I raised my voice to meet his ignorance. “I don't know, Stefan. You want some postcards to send home? Can't we do that later? Or on another day?” I shook my head and looked back out my window. And then Stefan—
Laughed.
Hard.
I wasn't sure why he was laughing, but darn, I loved that sound. Even if he was acting like an idiot.
“Why are you laughing?”
The limo came to a halt in front of the wide stone steps. It led up to a huge, ornate door.
“Are they even open? You should have looked them up first.”
The car door opened and shut. When I turned to look at Stefan, I saw he was already out.
Fine.
He wanted it like that.
I reached to open my door—but I was too late. Stefan swung it open. “Come. I'll buy you as many postcards as you'd like.” The smirk on that man's face melted my tiny heart. Gosh. He was so handsome. But when he smiled? Stefan Sovrano was a real heartbreaker.
Against my better judgment, I slipped my hand in his, and he helped me out.
“I don't see anyone.” I looked around. “They're probably closed.”
Stefan didn't laugh this time, but he grinned wider than I'd ever seen. “They're open. I promise.” Then he pulled my hand, guiding me up the steps. The air smelled and tasted almost salty. In a nice, fresh way. I filled my lungs with a deep inhale.
When we got to the top, Stefan opened the door. I gasped and backed up, nearly falling down the steps. Luckily, Stefan pulled on my hand and saved me from my demise.
“You didn't even knock first.” I scolded him like a small child. “You can't just go walking into—”
I didn't finish what I was saying—because I couldn't.
“What are you doing?” I shrieked as Stefan picked me up in his arms. “Put me down!”
In typical Stefan fashion, he didn't listen to me. Instead, he smiled and said, “You are so fuckin' cute.” His eyes gazed over my face. “So fuckin' cute.” His lips touched mine in a quick, hard kiss.
“Why did you pick me up?” I asked, feeling breathless.
He walked us over to the now open door. “It's customary for a husband to carry his new wife over the threshold of their home.”