NERO: Alliance Series Book One

“Well, I’d say he’s likely to swallow his tongue.” Aspen grins, sliding the delicate jeweled headband into my hair. “And if he doesn’t, I’ll have my brother beat him up after the ceremony.”

I take her hand, my manicured nails shining a pale pink.

“Thank you.” She rolls her eyes, but I don’t let go. “Seriously, thank you. For all of it.”

In the six months since the incident, Aspen has become my first true girlfriend.

It wasn’t always smooth. At times I thought she might want to shove me out a window. Or drop a house on me. But we spend nearly every weekend together, now, either shopping and eating, or coordinating the next large fundraiser she’s a part of. And with her help, and Nero’s money, we’ve expanded two of the local animal shelters, supplying them with quality food and installing air conditioning to the kennel rooms.

“Quit thanking me and go get married.” Aspen gives my hand the quickest squeeze, which is basically a hug from her, before she hurries out of the room.

Stepping back from the gilded full-length mirror, I do a final twirl then head out of the bedroom.

As promised, I worked with our interior designer to freshen up the house, starting in our master suite.

We kept the chunky black four-poster bed but draped it in sheer gray fabric, giving it an ethereal feeling. That mixed with the yellow and white bedding, makes it the perfect place to curl up together. We covered the walls in a soft gray and gold wallpaper and replaced the chairs with high-back emerald-green velvet chairs so when the mood strikes for a late-night snack we can sit in comfort.

It’s perfect. And we’re slowly working our way through the rest of the house.

My heels clack on the steps as I head down the main staircase.

Robert’s eyes widen and he lets out a whistle. “Well, I’ll be.”

As my personal bodyguard, he’s also become one of my best friends. I know his constant nearness started under a threat to his life, but I like to think he’s fond of me too. And I’m happy to have someone to walk me down the aisle.

When I reach the bottom, I stick my foot out from under the white skirt to show my sparkly red shoes.

They’re a bit over the top paired with my princess ballgown, which is covered in hundreds of tiny silk flowers. But over the top is exactly what I wanted. Exactly what I never thought I’d have.

And even though our guest list is small, the most important people in our lives are here, and we get to share our love amongst friends.

Friends.

Robert hands me my bouquet and I squeeze the stems with shaky fingers. The red, yellow, and orange roses were Nero’s only request. Said I should always smell like roses. And that I should always be surrounded by color. Because I’m his bright spot in every day.

When I sniffle, Robert shakes his head. “Don’t start crying yet. At least wait until the boss has had a chance to look at you.”

I blow out a breath and nod my head. “Okay. I’m ready.”

NERO

I wasn’t ready.

I’ll never be ready.

My chest expands with pride and love, and so much joy, as Payton walks down the petal-strewn aisle toward me.

I knew this would be one of my favorite memories of her, which is why I insisted on having it here, in our gardens. Because I’ll walk out here every single day, for the rest of my life just to relive this moment.

Her dress. Her hair. The sparkles shining off every inch of her have nothing on the look in her eyes.

Pure adoration.

A love I don’t deserve.

When she reaches me, I place my hand on her cheek. “You look fucking beautiful.”

One tear drips from the corner of her eye even as I feel her smile under my touch.

“You look pretty handsome yourself,” she whispers.

The preacher clears his throat, and Toto lets out a bark, but I’ve never been big on following the rules, so, while I have her, I press my mouth to hers. Sealing our promises with a kiss.