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“Could you please wait outside? A bridal shower is no place for a man”

He tilted his head, then walked out without another word

“Your husband sent you his own bodyguard?” Valentina asked

“He isn’t my husband yet”

“No, you’re right You look sad,” she said with a knowing expression as she sank down on the sofa Chaerfood were set up on a table behind it

I sed “So do you” And I felt i like that

“My father wantsband

My eyes widened “So soon?”

“Not right away Apparently he’s already talking to someone”

I couldn’t believe it “Can’t you say no? You were already married”

“But it was a childlessto stay alone I had to move back in with my family My father insisted on it to protect me”

We both knew that code Women always needed protection froeable age “I’m sorry,” I said

“It is what it is You know that as well as I do”

I laughed bitterly “Yeah”

“I saw your husband when I visited the Vitiello ”

“Terrifying,” I added quietly Valentina’s expression softened, but our conversation was cut short when Mother and Gianna cauests arrived

The gifts were everything froerie over jewelry to certificates for a day in a luxury spa in New York The lingerie was the worst though, and when I opened the gift froht face I lifted the barely-there white nightgown and sh and it was so short it wouldn’t even cover ift box was an even s; white lace panties that revealed ether by a bow in the back A chorus of appreciative murmurs came from the women around me

I gaped at the lingerie Gianna tipped her finger inconspicuously against her temple

“This is for your wedding night,” Nina said with a calculating glint in her eyes “I bet Luca will love unwrapping you We need to please our husbands Luca will certainly expect so”

I nodded “Thank you”

Had Luca ive this to otten birth control for ot only worse when the wohts

“I was so embarrassed when it was time for the presentation of the sheets!” Luca’s cousin Cosie-whispered