Chapter 45: Wedding Ball

I could still feel the heat from my toes to the roots of my hair. Something so personal (not that singing or liking country music really a secret) sharing my very secret that not even my parents had known to her felt like it brought me closer to her. It's not like it's an unpleasant, but then it's embarrassing all the same (on my part).

I had acquired a very bad reputation, a cold and promiscuous Demakis and never bothered correcting their conclusions, yet no one knew that within the cold and forbidding exterior was really a very romantic which I only discovered recently, and has an odd taste of music.

And Your Man by Jost Turner had been a favourite of mine.

So I was embarrassed when I saw her lips twisted in a repressed amuse smile at the beginning of the song.

The surprise look on her beautiful face had almost wiped out all the confidence in my body.

But then awe crossed her face as she watched me intensely. And everything became a blur to me, all I could see is her as the song lyrics rolled out of my lips like melted chocolate, with my heart skittering.

I turned my head and kissed the top of her head that was resting on my shoulder while we watched the glittering sky.

With Clara Bell snuggled next to me while we are lying on the leathered lounging pad, we gazed at the sky that now peppered with stars, shining brightly in contrast of the black cloudless sky.

It's way past midnight, and the black sky coruscated with stars. Glittering like little diamonds hanging, hovering over us, clinging to the black tapestry above.

They seemed to party for the success of the night. And that's how I felt right now.

I pulled the red flannel blanket up to her shoulder as the wind starting to feel colder.

"It's beautiful," she murmured and I couldn't agree more.

"It is," I replied glancing down at her on my side, heart filled with so much love, I felt like it would burst any minute.

"It is interesting how stars, just like humans born then die," she muttered, so soft perhaps just for herself, but the quietness and peaceful of the night, save for the constant splashing of the water against the hull of the yacht, it reached my hearing path clear.

"Yes. Astronomy is very interesting," I replied softly.

I felt her moved and then she was facing me. "Why is the stars seemed to have stayed in the same spot?" she asked.

I shifted and faced her. "Stars do move through space, but they are so far away that we never notice it," I explained and she nodded her head.

"It's like when you're driving, everything closer to you fly past, and farther in the distance, they move slowly."

"Makes sense," she moaned and turned back her attention to the stars above us.

I stared at her serene face as she watched animatedly up the sky. Her face thoughtful.

"Does the larger ones live longer than the small ones?" she asked still staring up thoughtfully.

"No," I replied briefly, and she turned her head to face me.

"Just think of a candle that's burns brighter, it doesn't last long, whereas to one the slowly burning and not so bright," I explained. "The larger the star, the bigger the core and the higher temperature. The core—"

"Is like the fire, it is hotter cause of fusion..." she interjected, trailing off as she punctuated thoughtfully.

The hesitation on her face is so transparent.

My knuckles traced her high prominent cheekbone, then down to her well-defined jawline to her small symmetrical chin.

I chuckled.

"Sweetheart, the luminous the star, the faster they burn through their fuel."

She yawned then she snuggled even closer, arm curled around my belly.

"Should we go in?" I asked, pulling her tighter to me.

"Yes," she yawned and I found myself mouth following her.

I tried to choke back the yawn but my lips broke wide involuntarily, in and out of breath passing my opened mouth and exhaustion starting to reign over my system.

"Let's go," I said and she pulled herself to sit, then I got up, and off the lounging pad. Reaching a hand, and she held onto it as she got off the pad.

I led her down to the master cabin, feeling like I am floating in the clouds. Happiness glowed on her face reflecting mine.

The next morning, after we had breakfast on the master cabin's balcony, we sat on the lounging chairs while we converse on inane topics while drinking coffee, waiting for the sun to peak from the water.

Soon the sun peaked seemingly from under the water, in a tiny ball of fire, colours bursting behind it, reflecting over the water it took our breath away.

"Look, it's finally coming out!" Clara excitedly cheered almost bouncing on her seat like a happy kid. She caught me smiling amusedly at her excitement and she grinned sheepishly. She straightened on her seat, one hand clutching the handle of her mug, while the other, pulling the flannel blanket that had slid off when she leaned forward up to her belly.

Tearing my eyes of her radiant face, glowing with happiness and stared at the sun, slowly and breathtakingly reigning the horizon.

The quiet lapping of the water against the hull, the distant chirping of birds, the soft whispers of the morning breeze, and with Clara next to me, there's nowhere I would wanna be.

It's perfectly serene, full of happiness and offers a promising future.

"It's beautiful," I murmured as I unconsciously brought the mug close to my lips and made a sip on my already cold coffee.

I grimaced, putting the mug down on the small table next to me on the other side.

I leaned back and place my hands on the back of my head, cradling it as I watched the disk of light casting away the cloak of dark, slowly crawling up, beginning it's journey up in the sky.

"What would you like to do today?" I asked, tearing my eyes off the rising sun and watched her. She was now leaning on the lounging chair, clutching the mug with both hands while seated on her belly. Her eyes were half-closed.

She slowly peel them wide open, turning her head languidly and smiled.

"What would you suggest?" she asked, smiling brightly.

"There are lot of things we could do," I grinned. "But it you ask me, there's only one thing in my mind..." I drawled suggestively, covertly watching her face, a shade of pink dusting her cheeks.

"Oh, I know, Mr. Demakis." She rolled her eyes which caused me to burst into a fit of laughters.

"But won't you compliment me for letting you sleep last night?" I chuckled, loving the red hue suffusing her peach coloured cheeks.

It was hard not doing anything to her, but I know she was exhausted, so I had to fight my carnal urges and let her rest.

She laughed, her cheeks reddening. "I hardly sleep, my love. Your hands are all over me. Who could sleep when one of my breast felt like a fire just lit up on it," she widened her eyes in emphasis.

Well, that I didn't know. But true, but I'm not guilty. I didn't know how my palm was cupping one of her breast while sleeping when I woke up this morning.

"I might have been dreaming," I reasoned out, failing miserably softening my eyes like a pup trying to gain its master's sympathy.

And she burst into laughters.

"You could look as adorable as you would like, but it's not an accident. And you know it!" she good-naturedly chided and I laughed.

My lips broke into a broad grin.

"Does it bother you, sweetheart?" I asked after a pregnant pause.

"No," she grinned cheekily and that vixen who bewitched me was back.

I groaned.

My cock instantly reacted.

Clara Bell's sweet and contagious boisterous laughters interrupted the quietness of the surroundings.

I soon found myself laughing with her.

When the sun is up, we decided to visit the neighbouring islands, touring the ruins, and then ended up swimming and jet skiing. The coming days was spent, parasailing, tubing and lots of swimming and once in a while ravishing each other. The night, we cuddled on the deck, watching the sun sets and the in the morning, we watched the sun rising, crowning the horizon.

On our last days, we stayed at the master cabin, sun soaking under the sun after swimming, then we had a picnic twice. It was the best days of my life.

......

My eyes rested on the screen of my phone lying on the bed. Clothes haphazardly strewn on the big bed waiting to be stuffed in my LV luggage laid on the floor wide open.

It's midday and in five hours, we will depart, back to New York.

The thought of going back to the bustling city was unappealing. If I were to choose, I would like to stay, to live here, away from all the stressful, suffocating city, though I'm excited to see my family again.

I dropped my exhausted body on the bed. The past days had been the best days of my life. It was well spent with Alex. My olive skin was the indication of those days that had been spent under the sun if not under the water.

We did lots of water activities and of course, ravishing each other.

The latter thoughts made me smile, my body reacting to it instantly. Warming up from my toes to my scalp.

Alex had been great if not the best lover and it always surprise me.

I lifted my hand up above, palm facing the ceiling while I stared at the beautiful fancy deep blue stone. My lips broke into a broad smile, my heart bloomed with overwhelming happiness.

I pulled the ring and perused at its beauty. My eyes caught the engraved message on the inner band. I brought the ring closely to my eyes and read the message.

'It started with a kiss and it sealed my future.'

A soft chuckle passed my lips that gradually turned into a loud fit of laughters after reading it.

I wouldn't want any other message. It's perfect!

Alex walked in on me laughing my heart out.

"What so funny?" he asked as he glided further into the room, heading towards the bed where I was lying over the top of clothings.

Alex's eyes were filled with amusement as he hovered over me, his hands on his narrow hips while amuse-filled eyes swept the bed briefly.

"Not done packing yet?" he grinned.

I shrugged my shoulders as and pulled myself up, looking up at him. He was wearing a khaki Hawaiian printed short with white buttoned down shirts. Three buttons undone showing his tan chest with dark fine hairs dusting over it.

Thick hair that seemed hasn't been touch by a hairbrush completed a rogue look, and it made my stomach tightened.

Oh, he's perfection.

"So what's amusing you here?" he repeated, now watching me intently. His eyes turning darker.

I was still on my turquoise two piece swim suit and they already dried up on me, and the white sheer cover up I donned on was failing miserably to hide what's underneath it.

My cheeks starting to heat up so I thrusted the ring up to his eyes and he frowned, taking the ring.

The temperature in the room suddenly increased. I inwardly chided myself for behaving so wantonly.

Then he broke into laughters.

"I'm happy you find it hilarious," he mused, eyes shining with mirth as he leaned down and took my hand and put the ring on my fourth digit, then he brought it to his lips and kiss my knuckles.

My whole body warmed up instantly. I was glad I'm seated, otherwise, I would be on my knees after that sweet gesture.

Well... not a bad place to fall. Right where I really want it right now.

His cock.

My cheeks heated up furiously as I dropped my hand on my lap, dropping my gaze down to avoid his eyes, wiping away the invisible lint on the oversized sheer cover up mindlessly.

Alex gently pulled me up, his hands curled around my waist and I gasped at the unexpected movement. My eyes snapped to his and he looked like a hungry lover, ready to devour me whole.

"Are you sore?" he asked and my face, rather my whole body heated up furiously at the blunt question.

Which brought to the thought of last night. Alex insatiable appetite never ceases. He took me over and over until the crack of dawn, but I'm as eager as he is every time.

My hands involuntarily curled around his neck, fingers tangled on his tousled thick hair.

"Surprisingly, no..." I drawled, my gaze shifting between his eyes and his delicious lips.

That mouth that had brought me to the realm of ecstasy too many times.

"We can stay more days if you want?" Alex said as his one hand stroking my back side.

My lower belly tightened and anticipation stoke, coiling through my body. Simmering carnal desires shot through me.

"How long have we been here?" I asked. I don't even know what day is today.

Alex laughed. His knuckles tracing my jawline, while his dark, hungry gaze held mine.

"It's Friday, sweetheart."

"Oh... It feels like we just arrived yesterday," I moaned softly and Alex chuckled.

"I'm happy that you enjoyed your stay here with me," he murmured and then dipped his head down and claimed my lips without waiting for my reply.

I clung onto him for dear life, savouring the sweetness of his lips, letting him lead the kisses. While his hands glided down and cupped my buttocks. He squeezed it and delicious warm sensations wracked my body, I moaned softly against his lips as I melted into his arms.

Alex quickly laid me gently on the bed, his hands busy tossing away whatever garments his hands caught on lying on the bed.

"Those are my favourite clothes," I murmured against his lips and he groaned.

"We can go shopping once we are back to the city," he replied, then whatever response I have muffled in our mouth as he claimed my lips again.

Alex's kissed my lips, my eyes, my nose so tenderly while spouting sweet, soul-melting words before he kissed my lips again, then his lips trailed down to my collarbone leaving tingles of pleasures at its wake.

He slid down and pushed the sheer cover up upwards and kiss my bare belly. My whole body shuddered.

He looked up and I met his dark gaze. "I can't get enough of you," he drawled huskily.

Raw untamed passion unleashed within me. I drew myself up and cupped his face, my lips met his in an intense, primal kiss. He laid me back down on the bed and him atop me.

I felt his raging desire prodding my pelvis and I ground my pelvis against his bulging crotch and he grunted gutturally.

"Don't or it's over soon," he groaned throatily.

Our tongues tangled wildly and I shivered as the familiar warm sensations surged down and pooled in between my thighs.

"Please," I begged against his mouth, almost inaudible, my voice was raw and needy. My nails dug into his shoulders when his fingers found the part of my body that aching for him the most.

A broiling need ravaging my insides, desperate for him to quench it.

"God, Alex. You're torturing me. I can't wait anymore," I hissed most urgently as I ground my lower body against him.

A loud guttural moan left his lips as he trailed it down the hollow of my throat, lower and lower. My heart thudded loudly, my whole body hummed deliciously with growing anticipation, urgent.

He slid down and I knew he's going to pleasure me with his mouth and heat coiled in between my thighs, warm sensations surging down, seeping through the most private part of my body.

The room felt hot and that familiar scent of simmering needs lingered in my nose, making me feel even more heady, my head spinning with acute of need of him.

My fingers clenched the sheets like my life depended on it as he touched me there. My lower body arched into his finger, wanting to feel more of him as a soft cry of pleasure tore from my lips.

His tongue joined his finger, aimed at the most sensitive nub, I arched my body helplessly to his tongue, lapping and assaulting my throbbing sex deliciously.

With his finger in and out working synchronically with his tongue sucking and lapping my sensitive nub, the pressure intensified. My body bathed in sweat, my heart thunderously pounding as I helplessly catch my breath.

"Oh my... I'm...." The words died in my mouth as an overwhelming pleasure tore through me, it wracked my body that bathed in sweat. Alex's tongue didn't stop until the last ember of pleasure pass away.

I was staring at the ceiling mindlessly, still in daze at just what happened. Every sense in me lost, and the satisfying feelings which is still unknown to me the miracle of it took over me.

The ringing of my phone just above my head broke the spell and Alex drew himself up then he laid next to me. I lazily took the phone and connected the call without looking at the caller. Alex rolled to his side and watched me, rather grimacing with arousal.

"Hello?"

"Clara Bell!" Mom's tender voice rang through the speaker and I smiled. My heart that is now beating normally suddenly raced. The thought that if she had called early, she could have heard what was happening... but then I might not answer the call.

My face heated up at the thought and that's perhaps the reason my heart suddenly speed up.

I was hoping mom won't hear the panic that suddenly arose within me.

"Is everything okay, mom?" I asked, biting my bottom lip as I tried to sound casual.

"Yes, yes!" she replied and I could tell she was excited.

"How is your vacation?" she asked tenderly and I felt relaxed.

She sounded over the moon, and I smiled.

"It was fun, mom. We did a lot of water activities and Alex. We spent most times on the water," I replied, smiling at Alex who was still staring at me intensely.

"That is so sweet of him," Mom uttered and I agreed quietly.

"I called cause I miss you," she added.

I chuckled. "Mom, I know you only called us if there is something important," I teased good-naturedly and Mom shrieked softly.

"Am I?" she muttered, sounding horrified and I laughed. "I know you don't want your parents to call every time just to ask how is everything," she hastily justified. "Since you guys turned teenagers, we felt like everything we do or ask about you guys is wrong," Mom whined and I suddenly felt like a bad child.

"Mom, I was just teasing you," I chuckled watching Alex as he curled his hand around my belly then pulled me closer to him.

"I called because I wanted to share the good news," she uttered a little enthusiastic.

Alex's scent made me feel heady, and I was tempted to bury my nose into his neck and filled my lungs with his manly scent, but Mom pique my interest.

"Iya and your brother Raffy is getting married. I thought you guys are coming back, so instead of heading back home, I want you and Alex come to the wedding. It will be held at the palace."

"Really?" I exclaimed, causing Alex to pull his head a little away and stared at me.

I mouth Raffy is getting married and he raise his left brow in question.

"It's a good news indeed," I replied.

Then I felt the heavy ring on my finger, and thought I should share the news.

Holding Alex's eyes, I blurted out. "I'm engaged, Mom."

"What?!"

"Are you shock?" I asked. I thought they had expected it.

"I expected it, but it still surprise me," she replied. I could sense the smile of happiness spreading on her face.

"Congratulations, honey! I am delighted to hear that. I am sure your father will be as excited as I am. Come to the Palace, bring Alex with you," Mom plead and I stared at Alex.

I know he can hear whatever my Mom had said.

Alex bobbed his head up and down in approval.

"We will see you soon," I said and Mom happily bid goodbye.

"I can't believe my stubborn and brooding brother is getting married?" I uttered softly and Alex just chuckled.

He pulled me closer to him, then nuzzled his nose against the crook of my neck.

"What did Iya do to convince him to marry?" I mumbled softly.

For all I know, Raffy had been dating Iya for a long time, and I don't see any indication he's going to marry ever.

Glad to know that Iya had finally melted that cold heart of his.

"The same as what you did to me..." Alex commented nonchalantly causing me to pull away and frowned at him.

"And what is that!?" I snapped. Irritation bubbling through my system.

"You bewitched me," he chuckled, pulling me against his chest tighter.

I rolled my eyes.

"I should start packing..." I murmured, my voice dropping when Alex's wet lips trailed up and down my neck. My thoughts scattered and all I could think of was the delicious sensations his hot lips had stirred. Arousals hot and intense surged through me.

Then the soft moan becoming louder as Alex rode me from behind, in a spooned position. Together we propelled to that unknown place unto the very end, then we both shattered, spiralling down into an abyss of ecstasy over and and over again.

Markovich Palace, Pushkin, Russia

The next day...

When I opened my eyes, I was welcomed with a familiar scent of my old room here in Pushkin Palace. Fresh scents of roses that just bloomed in the summer.

My gaze rested on the familiar magnificent gold crown molding, intricately designed with the owner's taste, surrounding the rich coloured angel fairy murals of the high ceiling.

The intricate detail of the painting always fascinate me. The angels and fairies rather look real and sometimes it's unsettling as they seemed to be watching me.

I tore my eyes away and rest on the blue damask walls now a gold-embossed leather, coverings the whole room. Every interior details screams of royalty.

Groaning loudly, I stretched my limbs and suddenly, hands stretching out. A loud deep groan of pain took all my attention and I snapped my head to my left side.

I forgot that my unconventional parents and grandfather suggested we should just share my room since we are engaged and that every rooms are filled up. Not that I believe my sneaky grandpa, but then who Am I to complain.

We arrived last night late. My parents was ecstatic, except for my brothers who gave Alex their most intimidating glare, and for the first time, Alex looked like a little lad being scolded by his school teacher.

Grandpa and Dad had been very cool, and chastised my brothers' indifference to Alex relief.

But they were pacified, just a little after hearing the news that we are engaged.

Lots of congratulations thrown our way.

And Raffy was most annoyed when grandpa suggest Alex will sleep in my room, and he wasn't allowed near Iya's room.

And seeing my brother Raffy's besotted look, I laughed out loud last night. Witnessing a moment I'd never thought would come, Iya had finally has him wrapped around her dainty finger, it was the most satisfying to see.

My brooding, stubborn and arrogant brother was gone.

"What's that grin all about?" Alex asked as he snuggled closer to me, his warm, strong hand curled around me, pulling me closer to him.

"Sorry, I forgot you're here," I chuckled, touching his chest where my elbow landed a little too hard when I swung my hands outward as I stretched.

"So I'm forgotten already?" he whined good-naturedly, causing me to burst into a fit of laughters.

"So you better do something," I murmured, turning to face him, smothering a chuckle.

A loud squeal left my lips when he rolled so suddenly and landed atop me. "I should," he grinned wickedly.

The air in the room shifted. Suddenly it feels hot. The fire in his eyes starting to make me feel heady. The last days with him was pure bliss and I couldn't think anything but him.

A loud rap on the door cut through the dizzying air and Alex hastily rolled to my side and then swung his legs out of the big four poster bed. Just as he got up, grandpa entered my room.

The strong feature of Markovich was still there, but I could tell he wasn't strong anymore, but he'll be dead before he'll show any weakness to us. He leaned a little on his ornate cane as he stood.

"Morning, Dedushka!" I grinned, pulling myself lazily and got up.

"Sorry, I couldn't wait to see you both. We didn't have much time to talk," Dedushka smiled fondly, shifting his eyes to me and Alex.

"Morning, Your Grace," Alex greeted and Dedushka waved his hand nonchalantly.

"Please, you'll be a family soon. Call me, grandpa," he cooly chided, grinning satisfactorily. "I hope you both had a good rest last night?" he asked, and sauntered further into the room and sat on one of the damask chair in my sitting area. Alex looked a little awkward, I guess because he was just wearing a flannel pyjamas and a white shirt. I insisted last night cause I know that grandpa is very nosy and he just appears anytime when he wasn't required, just like a pimple who always pop out at a wrong time.

I grabbed the purple robe that was laid on the upholstered settee at the foot of my bed and shrugged it on as I sauntered closer to my grandpa.

I gave him a kiss on his cheeks. He gently patted my cheeks, fondness and overwhelming love flittering on his glossy eyes, cerulean eyes that we all shared.

"My sweet, sweet girl," he uttered lovingly.

I rolled my eyes, trying to hold back that tears prickling behind my eyelids.

"Not a girl anymore, Dedushka," I playfully chided and he chuckled.

He looked at Alex and smiled fondly. "Come sit here, my son," Dedushka pointed at the other pink damask chair adjacent to his.

I stared at Alex as he walked closer to our direction, each stride was powerful, full of confidence. It was the Alex I know and I smiled.

"You can get ready for breakfast, my sweet. I'll just wanna have a little talk with Alex, I shan't stay long," he cajoled sweetly and I glared at him, and he just chuckled.

"I'm no monster," he grinned.

"I know, Dedushka. You're the sweetest, the most harmless man I've known and that's what scares me," I widened my eyes at him and he burst into a fit of boisterous laughters.

The deep tone, rich and powerful, if anyone is hearing it without seeing him, they'd thought it is coming from a man of thirty.

"It's alright, sweetheart," Alex gave me a reassuring smile and I nodded acquiescently.

"I'll take a shower," I said and begrudgingly dragged myself to my shower room. And I let out a huff when I realized from where they were, it would be impossible to hear a thing they talk.

Instead I quickly undress, tossing the cotton nightdress and undergarment in the pink laundry basket sitting on a corner of the state washroom, which was designed as stupendously lavish as any part of the palace. Gold plated fixtures, precious stones and metals are used in decorating the bathroom.

My mind drifted to whatever the two was about to talk as I stepped into the big shower room with five-head rain shower.

.....

"Thank you for protecting my grand daughter." His Grace smiled genuinely, but behind those smiles was a tough Duke.

I frowned as it dawned on me, the grand Duke knew what happened, but then Uncle Rafael must have confess.

"It's an honor, Your Gra—"

"Grandpa," he corrected, smiling.

"Grandpa," I smiled.

"You might wonder how did I find out," he said and the awe I felt for him blossomed. He is a Duke after all. Nothing is impossible for him.

"I may not be popular to all the high end technology these days, but there's nothing money can't do," he smiled slyly. "Rafael and my Tatiana had tried to hide these things from me, they thought I'm a delicate old man..." he frowned at the last words and I smothered a chuckle. "I maybe all wrinkly but my mind and body is still as sharp as a thirty years old man," he uttered convincingly and as I see it, he was right. His fragile look is deceiving and as Clara Bell had said he's a sneaky one, he had to agree with that.

"I can see, Grandpa," I smiled.

"Please don't think I'm controlling them," he said. His face dropped as he looked away, lost in thought for a moment. "I don't want to regret when I leave this world the only chance to protect my family, that once I failed to do. Which cause me my only daughter's life," he reflected, a cracked to his confident tone.

I could feel the big regret radiating off him. His hands holding his cane shook a little.

"I'm sorry, Grandpa," I uttered softly and he shook his head. His calm demeanour was back.

"Will you promise me to make her happy and protect her with your life?" he asked, staring straight into my eyes. Behind that imperturbable regard, I knew there was a threat within.

"I promise, Grandpa. I intend doing just that until we grow old," I replied and he nodded his head.

"Thank you. I know you will," he smiled and he got up, leaving heavily on his cane. He tapped his cane twice on the floor and the door opened, a lady that I met last night and who helped us settle to Clara's room appeared. Spine stiff, practiced smile gracing her face as she walked into the room.

"Your Grace," she bowed and then assist him.

"I'll see you both at breakfast," he said before he left with Yulia.

Just then Yulia and Grandpa disappeared through the door, Clara Bell sashayed out from the washroom, pink with floral patterned towel wrapped around her sun kissed curves.

She looked stunning and my heart swell with happiness.

My soon to be wife.

"What did he say?" she asked as soon as she got closer.

I pulled myself up and towered over her, covertly gazing down at her like a hungry bear, and that's exactly what I felt right now. Last night was unproductive knowing one of her siblings was sleeping next door.

"Nothing," I said and she sent me one of her intimidating glare. Her cerulean eyes spitting fire.

"He just ask me to protect and make you happy which I intend to do for the rest of my life," I murmured as I gathered her closer to me and kissed dipped my head lower, and kissed her damp skin on her shoulder.

A loud fake cough stopped me from nipping her delicious skin and I groaned inwardly as I reluctantly stepped backwards, dropping my hands to my side.

Raffy sauntered inside, grim looking directed at me.

"What are you doing here?" Clara Bell asked sharply though she moved closer to her brother and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

Raffy's face softened as he regarded his sister briefly, giving her a kiss on her forehead. "Just wanting to see, guys before the ceremony," he smiled at her fondly before turning his gaze to me, hard.

Raffy's posture, rigid and Duke-like, a little intimidating, but I won't give him the satisfaction.

"Congratulations," I said as I moved forward and extend my hand.

He took it and we shook briefly, a little too tight grip as I matched his hard stare.

It was a silent warning and I understand their doubt.

"Grandpa already talked to him," Clara cut through the silent staring battles.

"He did?" Raffy said and Clara narrowed her eyes at him.

"Should I also expect Nikolai and the rest followed after you leave us?" Clara hissed.

Raffy burst into a fit of laughters. "Why? We just love you," Raffy chuckled and I sighed with relief.

"Welcome to our crazy family," Raffy said as he turned his laughing eyes at me, and gave me a hard slap on my shoulder. I ground my jaw as I forced a smile.

Clara looked relieved and then left us to change.

As soon as she disappeared into her closet room, Raffy's smile disappeared promptly.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked.

I frowned. "Whatever you mean, but I'm sure as hell," I sneered.

He let out a loud sigh. "I'm not gonna act like I was a righteous, but I admit we don't want her to get hurt."

"I'd rather die than hurting her," I ground out.

Raffy shook his head. Then with a brief elegant nod of his head, he left.

Just then I let out that breath I've been holding.

One hand flung to my waist while the other massage my temple.

I guess I should wait for the other Valiente's popping into the room.

.......

The ceremony dragged on so slow, the minister drone on and on, it's hard to keep my eyes open. There were too many traditions and seems like the patience on Raffy's face wearing thin.

Finally the wedding ceremony was over, I followed the flocks over to the expansive and lavish ballroom.

"Are you bored?" I heard Clara Bell asked, hooking up her lace glove-hand on the crook of my elbow.

I smiled down at her. "Almost, thank goodness you're here next to me," I replied and she laughed.

She looked like a princess fairy on her sumptuous gown of gold satin with her hair styled in a delicate chignon, with few curled tendrils let loose framing her exquisite face.

Fully lined bodice dress, with an overlay of gold embroidered sheer satin with golden lace edging and beaded trim. The upper bodice hugged her curve elegantly, the ruffled short sleeves just sitting on her forearms showing plenty of peach and cream flesh and it dried up my mouth. The luxurious silk skirt cascading to the floor and with her gold lacy glove completed her outfit, she looked ethereal.

I leaned down, and whispered on her ear. "You look ravishing, sweetheart! The dress is gorgeous, and I can't wait to rip it off you tonight," I grinned and loved the way her rosy cheeks turning crimson as she looked around the busy room. No one seemed to care about us, as they all busy with their drinks, conversing and getting some sneak peaks to the newly weds.

"Someone will hear you," she playfully swatted my arm and I chuckled. She looked rather embarrassed but her eyes couldn't hide the hunger in it.

"Alex!" I stiffened when I heard Uncle Rafael's voice behind me.

"I told you!" Clara Bell snapped as we both turned to face Uncle Rafael with Aunt Tati.

"Oh, darling!" Aunt Tati cooed, now we are getting a lot of attention. The guest parted like the red sea as Aunt Tati who looked like a queen on her deep blue dress flounced towards us, eyes shining with happiness, Uncle Rafael in tow.

Clara Bell pulled away and met her mom enthusiastically and embraced her back.

"Alex," Uncle Rafael greeted as he gave me a brief fatherly hug then he turned to Clara Bell and with adoration shining on his green eyes, he pulled her into his embrace.

"My baby is now a lady," he sighed and Clara Bell rolled her eyes.

"And soon will have a baby," I heard someone added behind me and Nikolay appeared with a glass half filled with amber liquid.

His lips twitched, not sure if it's a smile or a sneer.

"Alex," he said and we shook hand, before he turned his gaze to his sister.

Clara Bell doesn't look happy.

"You look wasted and the party just started," she chided gently, and Nikolay just smirked, if that twitch of his lips is an any sign, perhaps a smile.

Ahh.., the Valientes are bunch of characters.

"Oh come on, my lovely sister. I just started drinking too," he moaned teasingly as he pulled her into his arms just as his father stepped next to Aunt Tati, happily watching their kids interacting.

Clara Bell rolled her eyes again at him but happily hug her brother back.

"I'll just talk to Alex, mi amour," Uncle Alex gave his wife a peck on her lips briefly before signalling me with a cock on his head to follow him.

I turned to look at Clara Bell and she was frowning at her father's back. "I'll be back shortly," I said to her and she turned her gaze to me. Her eyes filled with curiosity. Leaning down to give her a kiss on her lips, but I decided it on her cheeks since her family was watching.

"Just probably warning me to take care of you," I chuckled and Clara Bell groaned.

I followed the path Uncle Rafael took and saw his back turning to the refreshment table over variety of luxurious and colourful silks, garments and elegant suits. I smiled and apologized as I passed by.

He stopped and poured himself some drinks as I headed closer.

He handed me a what it seemed a lemonade and I frowned but made a sip to confirm my theory and I smothered that groan that's about to slip from my lips.

Uncle Rafael made a sip of his as he stood next to me.

"Ugh! What is this?" he groaned and I almost burst into laughters with that sour look on his face.

"Lemonade," I replied briefly and he placed down the glass on the table, shaking his head.

"I thought it's a cocktail," he shook his head.

"Anyhow, my lawyer brought some good news yesterday," he started as he looked around the crowd. Incessant murmurings over a soft soothing symphony.

"They didn't want a trial, they just conceded. Pleaded guilty and also agreed to make a public apology, 6 months behind the bars and a penalty," he explained without looking at me. Hands tucked in his pockets on his tailored gray pants.

"We have a problem," I said. Just then he looked at me.

He frowned.

"Tammy took her life just when we left to Mykonos," I said and he nodded his head.

"Yes, I know about that. I had to stopped the spreading of the news."

"She'll be devastated," Uncle Raffy commented and I nodded, following her gaze towards the direction of Clara Bell who was laughing at whatever Nikolay was saying. Though the look of her brother was placid.

Vibrant colourful ruffles of dresses blocked our sight of them and I tore my gaze away from their direction, at the middle of the ball room.

"She wants to start working in a charity," I said and Uncle Raffy smiled.

"My daughter has the kindest of heart," he reflected and I nodded my head, couldn't agree more. "I will support her all the way, whatever makes her happy," he added.

"I was thinking to buy a building, talk to my lawyer and start to process the papers to start a foundation as a wedding gift. I know a lot of people who runs charities and I'm sure the'll be delighted to share their experience and process things faster," I explained and Uncle Raffy just nodded, thoughtful.

"She wants to helps those kids who are unable to go to school, give shelters to the orphans. She was inspired with Tammy's life. She could name it Tammy's Foundation, perhaps that will at least bring peace to her," I reflected, turning to look at her. Now she was dancing with Raffy and Natalia dancing with the old grand Duke, while Aunt Tati was dancing with Sid, and Nikolay with a brown haired lady or... rather a doll?.

My gaze rested back to the old Grand Duke who was dancing gracefully with the bride.

I frowned.

Looks like his cane was just a show? But I saw him heavily leaning on it.

"Excellent idea. Let me know how can I help," he said. I just nodded absentmindedly as my thoughts drifted to the cunning old duke.

"You know.... the old Grand Duke knows everything," I said turning to look at Uncle Raffy.

His calmed demeanor turned rigid.

"That sneaky old man!" he hissed.

I almost chuckled. There seemed to be a competition between the two.

......

One more chapter and then Epilogue.

My son turned 4 last week, and finally Ontario is now open without any restrictions, and my sister in law and her fiance finally visited after a couple years. Reason why I was busy these days. Spending time outside with friends and families.

Hope this chapter made you smile.