CHAPTER 31
Nirah
HE SERIOUSLY USED ‘ Bible study ’ as an excuse.
“Ask Nirah,” he said with his hand still on my waist. “She was the one crying out—”
“Please,” she cut him off. “Too much information,” she raised her hands.
Antonio and I separated, and I headed to one of the tables to grab something to eat. I was starving, but my nerves made it impossible to eat tonight.
I couldn’t stop replaying the interaction with his father in my head. I wanted his parents to like me. His family. What if his father doesn’t approve of me and it causes issues? What if everyone else also thinks I’m not enough?
What happened to confident Nirah? Well, she left as soon as she found out that his father could try and stop the wedding!
But he can’t . Yes, he can! Nirah calm down, and breathe.
This is not the time to consult the voices in your head about your problems .
Huh. Would you look at that? Maybe I am crazy.
Wow, thanks, little voice in my head. You’re welcome.
“Hey, slow down,” Antonio said with a gentle hand on my lower back, and I turned towards him. “Whats going on? You only stuff your face like this when you’re anxious.”
I swallowed hard. “I need to pee,” I lied, trying to walk past him, but he put his arm out, stopping me.
“What’s going on, Nirah?” he suspiciously asked, and I showed him a closed-mouth smile, shaking my head. “Nirah,” he lowered his tone to a warning.
“It’s nothing. I’m being silly,” I shook my head. “Just excuse me for a second.”
I took a step but felt the strings of my heels get caught underneath the ball of my foot. Lifting my dress, I pulled the strings out from underneath my shoe.
Antonio kneeled down on one knee and lifted my foot, carefully placing it on his knee, and I grabbed onto his shoulders for support. My stomach dropped as I watched him tie the strings of my heels.
I heard faint murmurs from the people around us, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I heard a few gasps, including Amelia’s almost silent squeal as she clapped her hands together. More people entered the living room—confused by the whispers.
Did he just kneel? To do something as degrading as tying my shoe? With the bottom of my shoe on his thousand dollar suit? In front of everyone? Oh—my—God.
Slowly pulling my foot from his hand, I leaned down to quickly wipe his knee, and he chuckled as we both stood up straight.
“Did you just—”
“Yes,” he interrupted me and stepped closer to brush a few strands of my hair off my shoulder.
“In front of—”
“Yes,” he said again, tilting my chin upward. I felt my heart beating a thousand miles per hour as I stared into his soft eyes.
I felt playful. “I thought you didn’t kneel for anyone,” I said, and he lowered his face to mine..
“You’re not just anyone,” he softly said against my lips before giving me a quick peck.
“You must really love your fiancée,” I casually said, looking around, and he kissed my neck.
“You have no idea.”
I giggled as it tickled to have him kiss my neck.
In one swift movement, he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me up against his body and kissing me. I slid my arms around his neck, allowing his tongue to slip into my mouth.
I had forgotten that everyone else existed at the moment because Antonio De Luca had just kneeled in front of his entire family—and friends— for me.
He was powerful and wealthy and didn’t follow anyone’s rules but his own.
And here he was, kneeling for me. I couldn’t fathom the lengths he’d go to for me.
I didn’t understand it—I mean, it was just me.
I didn’t have anything valuable to offer.
But he saw something in me, and that’s all I ever needed. All I ever will need.
Breaking the kiss, I hid my face in his chest, and he chuckled, hugging me. Looking back up, I gently cupped his face in both of my hands, and I could hear Amelia’s excited, along with many of his other cousins.
The party continued for a few hours until everyone finally began to leave, filing out through the door.
Antonio and I stood in the foyer when he teased me about something silly I had just done. “I could always leave you, you know,” I playfully narrowed my eyes at him, and he tugged me toward him.
“You’ll be mine forever, Nirah Joy,” he leaned in and kissed me. I immediately pulled back, feeling my stomach drop.
“What did you just say…?” I softly asked, and his brows deepened in confusion.
“I—no—I’m sorry,” I shook my head, blinking rapidly.
“Excuse me,” I pulled out of his grip, rushing past him before he could say anything.
That voice. That tone. His eyes… It seemed familiar.
I knew it. I’ve heard it. I hated this feeling. It wasn’t a good one.
I hurried into the bathroom and shut the door. I squeezed my eyes shut before taking a deep breath in.
Just calm down, Nirah. You’re probably just overthinking this. But why now? Why is it all coming back now? Is it because I’m finally happy?
I heard Antonio on the other side of the door, but I told him that I was fine and needed a minute. I pleaded with him to just leave me for a little while, and he finally did.
When I was ready, I left and lied, saying that my head was spinning and I couldn’t think straight. He didn’t believe me, of course, but he didn’t push it.
Antonio’s parents, and Amelia and Ivan, were spending the night so that we could all have lunch tomorrow as a family. Even though I wasn’t technically family just yet, they never made me feel that way.
Amelia and their mother headed over to the kitchen where they were in deep conversation with Rosalia and some other staff members, whereas Ivan and their father went out back to smoke.
Antonio and I were seeing off the last few guests before he closed the door behind them.
“My bed is calling my name,” I groaned, resting my hand against his shoulder for support as I took off my shoes. Thereafter, he took it from me and shook his head.
“Not just yet,” he said before walking into the living room.
“What do you mean?” I asked, following behind him.
Bust Your Windows by Jazmine Sullivan played, and I smiled as he turned around, extending his hand out toward me. “What are you doing?” I suspiciously asked, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Waiting for my dance, sweetheart ,” he said, and my heart fluttered in my chest at the reference to the first time we met. I drop my face in my hands—smiling.
I slowly approached him and took his hand. We floated around the living room, and I couldn’t stop smiling. “Are you sure nothing is bothering you?” he asked, and I swallowed hard.
“Yes,” I nodded my head and decided to change the topic. “So… your mother’s religious?” I smiled, and he nodded his head. “How come you aren’t?” I curiously asked.
His answer was honest and straightforward. No bullshit. “I just couldn’t see myself worshipping someone,” he shrugged his shoulders.
“I wouldn’t have expected any other answer,” I admitted.
“Except you,” he added, dropping his eyes to my lips. I opened my mouth to speak, but he spun me off before pulling me back.
“You’re a really good dancer, Mr. De Luca,” I smiled as I rested my back against his chest.
“Only the best for my girl,” he said with a quick peck on my cheek while he held onto my waist as we swayed.
We effortlessly danced around his massive living room. Our steps were light and gracious.
“And your footwork is impressive too,” I gasped as he lifted me into the air by my waist, spinning around.
He lowered me with ease. “I’ve had practice.”
“So romantic,” I whispered.
We danced until he grabbed the back of my thigh, lifting it as he dipped me. “You’re really giving me a run for my money, aren’t you?” I asked, and he shrugged his shoulders as we continued dancing.
I leaned in, kissing him softly. The warmth of his body settled in my core, easing my mind. I could breathe with him. I broke the kiss, staring into his eyes. “I love you,” I whispered.
“I love you more, tesoro .”