She hugs me close, molded to my side, as we walk over the dead body and leave the room. “I won’t let that happen again. I promise you,” I murmur into her ear. I see my men nod and walk around us. They’ve got us covered so I can just hold her and give her the comfort she needs.
She looks up at me with tears in her eyes. “You'd better not.” She gives me a small laugh, but it’s accompanied with tears.
“I promise you, baby. No one’s ever going to hurt you again.” She buries her head in my chest and wipes her face on my shirt before looking back up at me. I wait until her eyes are firmly on me. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Vince.” She reaches up to kiss me again as we exit the warehouse and I have to stop to wrap my arms around her and kiss her back. “I love you so fucking much.”
Epilogue
Elle
“You look beautiful.” Vince’s mom mouths at me as I walk down the aisle of the church. I smile at her and mouth back a thank you. The church is gorgeous. It's more beautiful than anything I’ve ever imagined. St. Rose. The family church. The large stained glass windows and intricate frescoes on the walls give it an old-world feel. It’s a traditional wedding, during Sunday mass. So I don’t know everyone, but all eyes are on me.
My hands tremble and I hold the bouquet tighter. I love my wedding dress. It has a sweetheart neckline, with an A-line silhouette and it's covered in expensive lace. The gown hugs my baby bump and my curves before flaring out at the top of my thighs. My eyes focus straight ahead. Vince is waiting for me. His hair is styled neatly and he’s clean-shaven. His suit is perfectly fitted to his muscular form, and emphasizes his broad shoulders. His eyes travel down my body with lust, and I find myself walking faster. I have to really work to slow my walking to match the pace of the bridal chorus.
Everyone’s here. Even my mother came. She’s in the back, and I’m not sure if she’ll speak to me, but it’s a start.
I take a step up the stairs and feel my heart swell with happiness. It overrides my nerves and I take another, to stand with him in the center of the room in front of everyone.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” Vince says, as I turn and pass the bouquet to Clara. I feel my cheeks heat with a blush. Behind Clara, Becca’s holding her little girl. I insisted she still stand up here as my bridesmaid, even if Cloe was being a little Velcro baby. My heart swells and tears prick at my eyes.
I can’t wait for the vows, or any of the readings. I’m so overwhelmed with emotion.
“I love you, Vince.” I lean forward and give him a quick peck on the lips.
Vince smirks at my impatience. His hand wraps around the back of my head and the other around my waist and he pulls me in for a kiss. A real fucking kiss. My lips mold to his and my body bows under his touch. The cheers and catcalls from the members of the church make me wanna pull away, but I know better.
“Alright, alright, you two,” the priest says, and Vince finally loosens his grip on me. I know my cheeks are bright red and I’m slightly embarrassed, but Vince takes my chin between his thumb and his forefinger and makes me look him in the eyes. I’m lost in his look of pure devotion.
“I love you too, Elle,” he whispers, and plants another kiss on my lips before taking my hand in his. My heart beats louder in my chest. There’s not a doubt in my mind. I know he loves me. And I love him.