“Thank you.” I nodded, trying to break free from Chan, only for him to hold me tighter. “I see Chandler passed along the anti-aging serum I recommended to him. You look less casket-ready this evening.”
Making a funny noise with her throat, Star eyed me before glancing around the room. People were now mingling and beginning to let loose. Seeing her shoulders drop, I followed her line of sight and noticed she’d zeroed in on Rosier and Gabby.My sister was beautiful tonight, with her baby bump on display, as was Bridgette. I couldn’t help but let a small giggle escape my lips.
“Is something funny,sis?” Star asked as she sipped her wine, knowing I was laughing at her mad ass. I knew it angered her to have a simple conversation with me, just like her mother, because I was close with the woman who stole her chance with my brother. “Tell us the joke so we can laugh.”
“The joke is you…” I stopped a nearby waiter and snagged a glass of champagne. I was going to need a buzz for the shit I was set to endure tonight. “You’re over here about to burst into tears at the sight of a man who could care less about you while your mother has smoke coming from her ears because she’s forced to be near me. This union between our families will be nothing less than entertaining.” I took a big sip of my drink before continuing, “Just wait until I fuck your son and birth your grandchild… I can’t wait to give you your own bundle of joy with Boudreaux blood.”
Charlotte’s light skin began to turn red as Star sneered and walked away. Having sex and procreating with Chandler was nowhere near my mind, but I knew saying it out loud would get under their skin. One thing these ladies have never done and will never do is intimidate me. The hate has always been there among our families, but once their father died and this marriage was suggested, it intensified. They both needed humbling, and I didn’t mind being the one to make it happen.
“Listen here, you little bitch?—"
“Mother, not tonight,” Chandler stated through clenched teeth as he eyed her. “Remember what happened the last time you called her out of her name in my presence?” He arched his brow, causing her to cower. “Go have a seat. My wife and I need to make our rounds.”
Frowning at his words, I put on the smile of a happy bride and worked the room with him as we greeted our guests. Most of the people here tonight were from the five Families, but a good bit of the crowd had no idea that this union was pretty much obligatory. No matter how much I didn’t want this, we were in a public setting, and appearances were everything. I would never embarrass him or myself. As we were speaking to one of his business associates, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I couldn’t help but frown.
“Congratulations, sis.” Ginny smiled as she pushed her purse strap up her shoulder. She smirked as she looked from me to Chandler. “I’m happy you finally found the love you always spoke about. You didn’t go half bad either.”
I haven’t seen Virginia since she ran from my mama’s house due to Jules being Jules, so I had no idea why she was here tonight. I kept her away from my family and me because I didn’t want to see her hurt. She was my friend for years, but I knew she was going to get herself killed fucking with my brothers about their women. Looking from her to Chan, I couldn’t help but scoff. While he gripped my waist, glaring at her with a scowl on his face, she gave us a look that told me she knew something I didn’t.
Leaning my head on his arm, I couldn’t help but simper. “Either you fucked him, or you’ve tried, huh?” Her eyes bulged, telling me I was right one way or the other. “Lucky for you… I’m not in the mood to beat your ass today. I could call Bridgette over with some sporks, but I’ll let bygones be bygones since we’re both so pretty tonight.” Removing myself from his grip, he glared down at me. “See your whore out. Let one more person approach me tonight, Chandler, and I promise you… I will embarrass you in a way that will have you ready to murder me.”
Taking his champagne flute from him, I downed the contents before gathering my dress and making my way over to mybrother. With my head held high, I glided across the room like a woman with poise and grace. Virginia, Charlotte, and even Star all wanted a rise out of me tonight, but they weren’t going to get it.
“Look at my baby,” my mother gushed as I approached them. Pulling me into her arms, she kissed my cheek. “Your father would be so proud of you.”
“I’m sure…” I gave her a tight smile as she pinched my cheeks. I glanced at them all and whistled in approval. “You people sure do clean up nice. Even Jules looks less spooky this evening.” We all shared a laugh as he took a bow. “I know this isn’t something we’re all thrilled about, but I appreciate you all being here to support me.” Glancing over at Rosier, I smiled. “I love you all.”
Pulling me into his arms, I wrapped mine around him, giving him the tightest hug. At one point, I thought our relationship would be torn beyond repair, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Rosier is my rock, and that will never change.
“Have I told you lately how proud of you I am?” he asked as he led me to the dance floor. Across the way, I could see Chandler having Ginny escorted out. “He’s given you every reason to call this off, but you still want to see this through. Why?”
“It’s my duty to the Family.” I shrugged, placing my head on his chest and swaying to the music. “I know what’s required of me and?—”
“Don’t give me that politically correct bullshit, Noemi.” He spun me around before locking me back in his arms, surprising me with his ballroom moves. “Why do you want to continue to go through with this? I’ve told you… I can call this whole thing off, and you can be free of him.”
Opening my mouth to do just that, I glanced around him and locked eyes with Chandler, who was dancing with my mother.I’m sure he was laying it on thick because she was giggling like a schoolgirl. My mother knew I hated him, but she was the type who always tried to see the good in people and any situation. She truly believed with time, he and I would learn to respect and love each other. As if he felt my eyes on him, he found mine. A sinister smile formed on his lips, and I shivered. My mother being hurt by him came to my mind, and I knew I would never allow him to do that.
“Chandler isn’t the man I envisioned my life with, but I’m okay with that. You have to keep your enemies closer, right?” I laughed humorlessly. “I’m okay, Rosier, honestly. I want to do this.”
“What about Skip?” I damn near lost my footing as we swayed. “Do you love him?” I snapped my head up and locked eyes with my oldest brother. “Can you marry Chandler knowing your heart belongs to another man?”
Jordan had been on my mind for weeks, and my heart called out to him. I miss him more and more every day, but I know he and I can never be. I’ve known since the night he dropped everything and flew here to be with me that I loved him. He did hurt my feelings by insinuating that I could have told him about his ex sooner, but that did nothing to change how I felt for him. I haven’t spoken to him since that conversation, but I knew he would make it through his situation to ensure his family’s safety, especially Gianna’s. He and I will never be together. It hurts, but that’s just what it has to be.
“Jordan and I are friends, Rosier,” I replied, trying my hardest not to become emotional. “Do I love him?” I looked away for a moment and then back up to him. “Enough to know just because you crave something with your soul doesn’t mean it’s the best thing for you. Sometimes… you have to be uncomfortable with the cards you’re dealt and let go… even if it hurts.”
“Nah.” He shook his head and stopped dancing. “You’re not going to?—”
“Excuse me, everyone…” Chandler tapped the mic and stopped the music. The dancing and chatter around us ceased. “If I can have your attention, please.” He gave his signature smile as everyone, including me, turned toward the stage. “I want to thank each and every one of you for coming out tonight in support of Noemi and I. Baby, come here.”
Detaching from my brother, I glanced back at him as he was hesitant to let me go. Letting him know it was okay with my eyes, he sighed and gave me the go-ahead. People parted and stepped to the side, giving me a clear path to the stage. Upon reaching it, Chan helped me up and kissed my hand.
“Noemi, I know things haven’t been perfect and easy with me, but I appreciate you for remaining by my side.” His eyes held so much deceit that I wanted to call bullshit. “I’m looking forward to a lifetime of happiness with you. I can’t wait to start a family with you, tying our families togetherforever. A little girl with your sass and beauty will keep us all in line.” The guests all laughed because they knew I was a handful all by myself. “But the thing is, I don’t want to wait any longer to call you my wife.” Eyeing him skeptically, I watched as he reached into his pocket and removed a small diamond ring. Granted, I know this marriage is one of love and appreciation, but I was expecting a little more in the jewelry department. Hell, this event probably cost more than the ring. “Do me the honor of marrying me tonight in front of all of our family and friends. What do you say, baby? Are you ready to do this?”
The crowd clapped and cheered while I stood there in shock. My palms were sweating, and my heart felt like it was about to beat out of my chest. His throwing this engagement party was one thing, but turning it into an actual wedding? Chan was backing me into a wall, and the grin on his face told me he knewit. Looking around the room, I knew I couldn’t say no in front of all these people. Finding my family in the crowd, I could tell from the fire in my brothers’ eyes that they were just as shocked as me. Once they headed toward the stage, I knew I had to do something, or it was going to turn into a blood bath.
“Yes,” I croaked, barely above a whisper. “I’ll marry you tonight.”
Smiling brightly, he pulled me into his arms and planted a kiss on my lips. I placed my hands on his chest to push him back, but he wouldn’t budge. When he let me go for air, I had to stop myself from scrubbing my lips clean.
