Page 92 of Shattered Oath
"To love," everyone echoed.
I drank. The champagne was cold and bright on my tongue, perfectly balanced.
Matteo's champagne. I recognized the label from the vineyard.
Of course.
The party continued. I circulated, made small talk, accepted congratulations on the dress from people who hadn't even seen it yet. Femi stayed close, his hand finding mine whenever I stopped moving. Claiming me in small ways, and making sure everyone knew we were together.
I saw Matteo across the pavilion, talking to one of the hotel coordinators. His posture was professional, businesslike. He didn't look my way.
But I felt his presence like a weight.
"You okay?" Naomi appeared at my elbow, a plate of food in her hand. "You look distracted."
"I'm fine."
"Liar." She followed my gaze to where Matteo stood. "Wow."
"What?”
"He's hot. I can't believe I'm just now properly noticing that." She took a bite of something fried. "Have you talked to him?"
"We passed in the hallway earlier. He nodded."
"That's it? A nod?"
"That's it."
"Hmm." She chewed thoughtfully. "And how do you feel about that?"
I didn't answer. I didn't know how to.
Femi returned with drinks. His arm slid around my waist again as he handed me a fresh glass. "Having fun?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Good." He kissed my temple. "I'm having fun too. This is nice. Being here with you."
I nodded, smiling stiffly.
Across the pavilion, Matteo glanced our way, and saw Femi's arm around me, the kiss. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. Then he looked away, turning his full attention back to the coordinator.
Femi's grip tightened. He'd noticed. He always noticed.
"Who's that?" he asked, his voice casual. Too casual.
I stared at him. "The wine supplier. For the wedding. You've met him before."
"Ah, yes." He nodded slowly. "Seems like he knows you. Quite well."
"Yes, he’s worked with the family before. You know this."
Femi smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Of course."
The party wound down around ten. Guests drifted off to their rooms, to the bar, to the beach. Sebastian and Aria were the last to leave, wrapped around each other, radiating happiness so intense it was almost painful to witness.
I excused myself from Femi, claiming exhaustion. He kissed my cheek again, promised to see me tomorrow, watched me go with possessive eyes.
