38. Daniela
Clutching a modest bouquet of roses, I follow Sinéad and India into the airy wooden cabana held up on stilts.
Overhead, hanging from thick beams, curtains of dreamy white gauze flow from one side of the structure to the other, softening the sharp angles.
Sunlight bursts in through tall windows framing endless wilderness.
Pastel colored floral wreaths and enchanted potted trees fill the space, and over-the-top garlands drape the wooden walls.
If I hadn’t already studied my surroundings, I would have sworn I’d stumbled across a whimsical, wild garden.
The light material of my soft green bridesmaid dress swishes with every slow step. We take our time to cover a natural woven rug that directs us straight ahead.
I’m nervous for some reason.
Probably because this jungle adventure is so far left from my normal routine. Or maybe it’s the fact I’d be wearing a wedding dress one day soon. Walking down the aisle to marry a Souza.
Inwardly, I smile and palm the crazy flutters in my belly.
What a complete U-turn.
I guess miracles do happen.
Further inside the cabana, the suited Souza men are lined up under a statement arch packed full of ivory blooms and lush foliage.
It curves over the top of Tomás’ head and matches the flower decoration pinned to his lapel.
A few wooden chairs are set out, occupied by Teresa, her bodyguard, the nanny Lola, Dante, and a woman whose skin is whiter than snow.
She has tiny purple flowers nestled in wild red curls, and a baby boy clambers from her lap onto Dante.
It’s an intimate gathering of the people closest to the couple. A modest venue without the pomp, elaborate bullshit, and media coverage expected of a billionaire cartel boss.
But it doesn”t make the ceremony any less meaningful.
This is all they need––their family––and each other.
However, I’m not interested in any of it. Not when I lock eyes with my man.
His chestnut gaze drills into me and a devilish grin dimples his cheek. It’s a seductive, charming smile that makes the engagement ring on my finger tingle and my heart race.
He stands in line beside his brothers and little Leo, all of them in position to officially welcome Carina into their family.
They wear matching beige suits, fresh linen shirts, and tan dress shoes.
At every wedding, the groom stands out from the crowd, however, the only man I see is Matheus.
I’ve long forgotten the pain of my injuries and a decade old vendetta. It’s weird to have something else on my mind.
To have freedom from my nightmares.
After last night, I’m thrilled with the woman I’m becoming. It gives me chills. For the first time ever, I’m looking forward to my future because he’s in it.
Matheus’ presence fills every flower filled corner and his unwavering attention hits me right in the chest.
My cheeks flush and a rush of heat pinks my cleavage, quickly spreading to my throat.
I can’t hide it.
Not even when I purposely drop my gaze to my pumps. Thing is though, he knows exactly what he does to me, too. And right now, I know he’s fingering that sexy dark hair of his to keep his hands off me.
To stop himself from stepping forward and misbehaving. Everyone here appreciates this is Carina’s day.
When I catch his gaze, his clean-shaven jaw ticks the closer I get to him. His irises flame and he takes a deep breath.
I pull my shoulders back and lift my chin, appearing full of confidence. I’m in love with the man. That doesn’t make me a wilting wallflower.
Reaching the bridal party, I take a left, veering away from the aisle.
When Sinéad and India take their seats, leaving space for their husbands, I do the same and save the seat next to me for Matheus.
Sitting here feels both weird and wonderful at the same time. The girl inside of me enjoys having a front-row seat, wearing a fancy dress, whereas the nondescript assassin within me craves to disappear into the background.
“Dani…” India whispers. “Do you want a big wedding or something private like this?”
“Something small,” I mutter, certain of that one thing.
My pulse thrums. I stare over at Matheus as he hunkers to Leo’s level and speaks. Watching the animation on his face and how he plays with the kid––well, it makes my fucking womb ache.
That, however, would have to be a hard no. I’m a contract killer. A cold-blooded murderer.
Babies are not on the horizon.
I take a beat to consider how my blood isn’t exactly as icy as it used to be. Especially when I hear Matheus chuckle, followed by Leo’s cute laughter.
At this precise moment, my blood is warm and gooey, and my ovaries are practically throbbing.
God-fucking-damn it.
No.
I quickly look away and fiddle with the ribbon holding my bouquet together.
“I never expected I’d get engaged,” I whisper back to India. “I ruled out having a husband a long time ago. I’ve no clue what I want for a wedding, other than having zero fuss.”
“Please don’t elope,” she says quietly. “I mean, you can do whatever you want. All I’m saying is that we’d like to be involved.” She smiles sweetly. “Didn’t you ever dream of a wedding? Anything is possible when you’re one of us.”
I stiffen, having never had the opportunity to be one of those women––the dreamer type.
“Uh—no,” I mutter, still trying to grasp this whole Souza family ties thing. “Maybe you could give me a few ideas, or something?”
I glance at Matheus again, noticing the way he holds himself next to his brothers—tall, confident, immaculately presented, and equally as dominant.
I suck in a breath and squeeze the flower stems in my fist to settle myself.
Behind us, Carina appears next, wearing an A-line ivory tulle dress and delicate embroidered corset.
Her hair hangs loose in big sweeping curls and a dainty crown of wildflowers sits on top of her head. But it’s the multi-diamond necklace she wears that hints to the obscene wealth this woman has now.
When we were getting ready with her this morning, the custom-made gift was delivered in a navy box held shut with a big bow. Diamonds weren’t the only thing inside. A handwritten note for her eyes only made her skin go pink.
Once dressed, Teresa appeared and offered her a vintage diamond bracelet as something borrowed. The little stones were pretty, but they couldn’t compete with the jewels around Carina’s neck.
As she gracefully glides towards us, arm in arm with her brother, I peek over at Tomás. Layers of stone and darkness crumble from his facade, and a rare smile brightens his face.
He’s entranced by every move she makes.
Confidently stepping forward, and breaking formation, he greets her at the end of the aisle by cupping her cheeks and stealing a quick, passionate kiss.
André wolf whistles and Sal clears his throat.
“Marry my sister before you maul her,” he says and sighs.
When Tomás pulls away, he nudges her chin up, using the tips of his fingers, and holds his lips close to hers.
“You always manage to take my breath away, Cari. I don’t deserve you.”
Her eyelashes bat at speed as she composes herself.
“Yes, you do, Tomás,” she replies softly. “It’s me and you, always.”
He nods. “Are you ready?”
Carina nods at the same time as Dante stands. He prowls towards them, pats Salvador on the arm, then leans in, and affectionately places a chaste kiss on her temple.
“You will always have a home here with us, Cari.” His serious eyes cut to Tomás. “And that extends to you, my friend. Take good care of her.”
Salvador shakes Tomás’ hand and takes a seat beside Teresa. Dante moves under the floral arch, ready to fulfill his recently appointed role as wedding officiant.
Before the ceremony begins, the brothers take turns hugging Carina.
Tomás visibly stiffens, but doesn’t make a move or say a word.
After Matheus hauls Leo into the air and lets him kiss Carina’s rosy cheek, India whispers over to me, “He’s so good with kids. You two will have the cutest children.”
My brows snap together, and I swallow hard. Matheus sinks into the seat beside me and lightly pinches my jaw, turning it towards him.
“It would be a shame to let all these flowers go to waste.” He stares into my eyes as Dante invites Tomás to recite his vows. “What if we got married today too?”
A wisp of panic catches me off guard. My stomach knots and my lungs tighten.
Weddings.
Babies.
Family.
Love.
Fuck, I’m completely overwhelmed.
“N-n-no,” I stammer. “We can’t hijack their wedding.”
Matheus dips into the side of my face and whispers in my ear, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I mumble, smiling tightly.
Slowly, he straightens, links our fingers, and strokes his thumb over mine—hypnotic and comforting.
While Tomás’ deep voice promises a lifetime of commitment and devotion, my pulse stutters and my mind spins.