Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
I come inside her, filling her up. My cock is so thick the cum can't even leak out around the sides. Nicoletta is a mess, whispering my name and begging for more, even though she can barely fucking stand. I hold her in my arms until my cock softens and slips from her, then take my time washing her up and shampooing her hair.
While we stand under the hot water, her eyes find mine and she whispers, "Ryder... I want to be with you. For ever."
"Me too," I find myself saying. I feel like a fucking love-struck kid, but I can't help it. My princess has well and truly stolen my heart. "I'll make it happen for us, Nicoletta. I fucking swear."
And I really fucking mean it.
19
Nicoletta
I don't understand how time has gone by so quickly, but it's time for myself and Ryder to get married.
Since the moment I wake, there's a smile playing on my face. I can't even pretend I'm not giddy with excitement. I finally get to be with the man I love. After we say I do, there will be nothing that could keep us apart. Not Papa, not Bruno Bernardi, and not Adrian or Marzia. Once I get pregnant, our lives will finally be full and complete.
Thoughtfully, I place my palm on my flat stomach, wondering how soon I would know if I was pregnant. My period has always been inconsistent. But deep down, I know just how badly I want this. Sooner or later, it will happen. Ryder will make sure of it.
There's a knock on the door and Mia, the maid, enters with a bright smile. "Are you ready to start, signorina?"
I nod my approval. Mia is joined by a barrage of other servants and employees of the Bernardis who have been hired to ensure my wedding day is absolutely perfect. My makeup is done by a professional artist in beautiful, blended shades of beige and pink. My dress awaits in the closet – layers of tulle and beautiful hand-stitched lace that will hug my body in a way like no other garment ever has. A hairstylist curls my hair so it falls down my back in beautiful angelic blonde ringlets. I get a pedicure as well as a manicure and my nails are painted a glossy pastel pink.
I haven't seen Ryder today and I won't until I walk down the aisle. My heart is already beating into overdrive anticipating the moment we finally lock eyes and he sees me in the designer wedding dress that's been created for me. I hope he loves it as much as I do.
My stomach is tight and I feel nervous for the entire six hours it takes for the wedding team to prep me for my big day. I'm presented with a beautiful bouquet of pink peonies to carry down the aisle and my stomach tightens even more.
This is it.
It's really happening.
While a seamstress laces up my corset and buttons up all the tiny, fabric-covered buttons in the back, Papa enters the room with a bright smile. This must be the first time in years I've seen him this happy.
"Nicoletta," he says with delight, reminding me of better times that were lost to the past a long time ago.
The seamstress completes her work and I get up to greet Papa. He embraces me and I go stiff in his arms. He's not one for showing affection but I'm pleasantly surprised by the hug, so I finally put my arms around him, too, feeling a blush creeping into my cheeks.
"Thank you for coming, Papa," I whisper. "It means so much to me."
"Of course." Papa laughs jovially. "I wouldn't miss my only daughter's wedding, would I?"
He shoos the maids out of the room until it's just the two of us. I already know what's coming before he poses the question. And when he does, I can't even bring myself to look into his eyes, I'm so damn embarrassed.
"I know there's been a wrench thrown into our plans," Papa goes on quietly. "But regardless, I expect you to have made some headway on the task I assigned you."
I manage a nod, still unable to look at him. This seems to displease him and he huffs before wrapping his fingers around my chin and gently tipping it back. "Tell me, Nicoletta, have you done what I've asked of you?"
"I did my best," I manage. "I'm not certain whether I'm pregnant or not, but I tried, Papa."
"You've had sex?" He raises his brow at me. "With Adrian or Ryder? Ah, never mind."
My cheeks grow hotter and hotter as he paces the room before me, saying, "It doesn't really matter, as long as Ryder believes the child is his. It will be the Bernardi heir nevertheless, there's no doubt about that. Have you seen a doctor yet?"