Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

I waited at the front of the church for Giulia. Faro stood to my right and across
from him waited one of Giulia’s friends, who looked awfully young. A reminder
of my own future wife’s age.
When the music started, I turned my attention to the entrance of the church
where Felix entered with Giulia at his side. She was dressed in an elegant long
white dress with a long-sleeved lace top. Her hair was pulled up, except for her
bangs.
She was smiling slightly as her father led her toward me, but her tension was
unmistakable. When she arrived in front of me, I noticed the small sunflowers
woven into her hair and bridal bouquet. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment I
caught the hint of defiance in them, surprising me. Then her father handed her to
me, and Giulia became tenser, her smile wavering.
She looked marginally older thanks to the makeup and her elegant dress.
Still, her fine-boned, clammy hand in mine and the innocence in her eyes
reminded me of her age.
Despite her youth, she kept her head high, appearing at ease with the
situation. Only I could feel her trembling. Her “I do” was firm, as if this bond
was really her choice.
While we exchanged the rings, Giulia kept throwing uncertain glances up at
me. I wasn’t sure what she was looking for. Maybe wistfulness or even sadness. I
remembered my first wedding. Sadness wasn’t part of my feelings when I
thought of Gaia.
“You may kiss the bride,” the priest said.
Giulia’s eyes widened a fraction, as if that part of the ceremony came as a
surprise. Hundreds of eyes watched us, one set belonging to my Capo. I cupped
the back of her head and bent low. She remained frozen, except for her eyes
which fluttered shut a moment before I firmly pressed my mouth against hers.
Until this moment, physical closeness with Giulia had seemed like something
that I’d have to force myself to allow, a struggle forgetting her age and the
baggage I carried with me. Now, as her soft lips touched mine and her sweet
scent hit me, a deeply buried desire kindled inside me. Claiming her tonight
wouldn’t be a problem. Being a better man definitely wasn’t in my future.
I pulled back, causing Giulia to open her eyes. She held my gaze, a blush
creeping up her cheeks. Then she gave me a small, shy smile. So goddamn
innocent.
I straightened, looking away from her pretty, young face. From the corner of
my eye, I saw her puzzled expression before I led her down the aisle and out of
the church for the congratulations.
Faro, of course, was the first to congratulate me. He clapped my shoulder