CHAPTER 20Levi
Levi
Levi was speechless.
The moment the courtroom doors swung open, and this firestorm of a woman blazed through, everything else faded. Thoughts? Gone. Breathing? Optional.
She was breathtaking.
Her flawless olive-toned skin radiated beneath thick, chestnut-brown waves threaded with iridescent rainbow streaks that shimmered as she moved.
But it was her eyes that held him hostage. Deep brown, almond-shaped, ringed in smoky gold and framed by bold brows. She was stunning, and intense, and her eyes…promised violence as she glared at him.
Her lips, full and glossed, curled in a deadly smile as she closed the distance between them, her cream lace top and nude pencil skirt hugging every curve. Her heels clacked with intent, each step a declaration: I heard you, asshole .
Levi didn’t move. Couldn’t move. His only instinct was to reach for her, but with the storm brewing in her eyes, he didn’t dare.
She stopped before him, tilted her head almost imperceptibly, and delivered her opening shot.
“Let’s get this show on the road so my betrothed can get to his extremely important meeting.”
Shit .
Yeah. She definitely heard him. Or at least the worst possible part. Standing at a solid four inches shorter than him in those heels, and yet she was still a force to be reckoned with if the murderous intent in her eyes was any indication.
Fantastic first impression . He couldn’t help but cringe a little.
Behind him, Owen coughed, trying to stifle a very obvious laugh. “Great! Everyone is here and accounted for!” Breaking the tension, he motioned to Estrella.
“You both have come quite a long way in a short amount of time, leading up to this moment. Aurelia Douro and Levi Lockwood, your journey begins now as you take this leap together into marriage.”
Her name is Aurelia , Levi repeated in his head. Aurelia Douro . Beautiful. Fiery. Definitely kind of terrifying.
Estrella continued, “I will give you both a few minutes with your attorneys to sign the appropriate contracts as well as the marriage certificate before we begin the ceremony.” Right on cue, Charles and Mitchell appeared from behind her, each holding a copy of the final prenuptial agreement, already tabbed with neon sticky notes.
“This is your last chance to back out of the wedding before it is too late,” Estrella murmured.
Levi regarded Aurelia, silently pleading. “I have no intentions of backing out,” he said firmly.
Aurelia scowled up at him. “I wouldn't be here if I was just going to walk away.”
Not the heartfelt reply he hoped for, though she wasn’t leaving after seeing him. That was enough…for now.
Estrella smiled faintly and laid the marriage certificate before them and next to the prenups. “You can sign this now, but it won't be valid until the ceremony takes place and two witnesses sign.”
Charles explained, “These are the same documents you previously reviewed and signed. If you could each sign your spouse’s copy, we’ll be able to finalize everything.”
Aurelia didn’t speak, although her anger had yet to dissipate. She grabbed the pen Charles offered her and began signing each page with just a tad of aggression.
Levi followed suit, aware of the weight of every eye in the room. His shirt collar suddenly felt extremely tight and uncomfortable…much like this entire situation.
Once all necessary signatures were collected, the attorneys conferred, then nodded. “We’re good,” Charles said. “You’ll each get a copy later today.”
At that, Estrella beamed. “Time to get married.”
Levi swallowed hard as he thought, Please don’t let me screw this up .