REMEDY: A Mafia Romance (Return to Us Trilogy Book 3) (25 page)

I stare at the ring and put my hands in the pockets of my motorcycle jacket.

How much money you got in your pocket
?

You'll want to put a decent ring on her finger
.

I swipe the pinkie ring from the sink and slide it into a hole in the lining of my jacket, well hidden behind the pocket.

I stroll out of the bathroom with a smile on my face. Bernard gives me an exasperated sigh. He didn't like waiting on me to beat off? Too bad. I had a great time in there.

He clutches my left bicep. "Come on."

His fingers dig into my muscle, pushing my shoulder up as we shuffle to the front of the station. He returns me to the holding cell to the left of the check-in desk, and the door clicks shut behind me.

Rose, so her nametag says, walks in about ten minutes later. I'm still amped up and worried about that asswipe hurting my sweet Ivy.

I stand and Rose hands me my wallet and keys in a clear plastic bag. "You're free to go. Sign by the
X
."

"Before I sign, this isn't my mine." I shrug off my jacket and hand it to her. "It's Ivy's. The girl I was brought in with."

She looks at me with dubious eyes but takes the jacket from me. "Fine."

I sign and give the pen and clipboard back to her. "You'll make sure she gets it?"

She mumbles a placating "Yes" and leaves the cell.

I follow her out and scan the check-in area for Ivy.

Nothing. She's a ghost. A memory already.

I jam my hands deep in my pockets to shield myself from the cold wind as I exit the front doors to the station.

At least she'll be warm… and safe, with Viktor.

I want to wait for her, but it's not our time. I'm not the man for her.

But I will be.

Someday.

I wander to the parking lot and force my gaze to remain forward. I only glance over my shoulder at the station doors once.

Okay, maybe twice.

***

Ivy

I return to the present with him and gaze into his glistening eyes. I run my fingertips along the crinkles at his temple, down his face, and cup my hand around his dimple. This man is so incredible. At every moment, he shocks me with the depth of his love and faithfulness. And I know I'll never doubt him and never tire of him.

"I ended up coming back to the station later to check on you. I truly wasn't planning on kissing you, but you were so damn convincing, I took you and made you mine. I swore that night I'd come back for you someday, and here I am--begging for your hand in mine for the rest of our days. We'll have a glorious life together. I promise. Say you'll marry me."

"Jacade." A huge tear drops down my cheek. "Yes. Yes. I'll marry you."

His grin blossoms into a victorious smile, and his face beams like a beacon in the night. The pain, the suffering, the regret he always carries with him, have finally lifted. He's free to love me, and I'm damn well going to love him forever.

He slips my mother's ring on my shaking left hand.

"That's your engagement ring," he says. He pulls out a velvet pink box from his inside jacket pocket. "This is your wedding ring."

A huge diamond ring sparkles in the cushioned box.

I raise my hand to my mouth and gasp. "My god, it's too much."

"You can handle it. The ring. The life. Everything. Meant for me. Only woman in the world." He clears his throat and points to the chunks of diamond perched on the intricately woven band. "Three stones. Past, present, and future. The future is the biggest one. Accept this ring, my beloved, as a reminder of our unbreakable love and my eternal fidelity to you."

I nod, and he slips the gorgeous new ring next to my mother's old ring. Past, present, and future on my left hand.

I drop to my knees and kiss him. He grabs me around my waist and presses my body to his. Our kiss is deep and passionate. The love in my heart bursts through my chest and beams into his. We're together and connected in the most intimate way two people can be, forever.

"Our time has come." His grin caresses my ear.

"Yes. It's our time now."

He pulls away as the door opens, and I flatten my clothes trying to regain my composure. The lieutenant and his younger cohort enter the interrogation room with sheepish faces.

"Ivy, this is Lieutenant Marconi and Detective Silas. Friends of mine from the Chicago PD."

They nod at me and I smile back.

"What's with the rough treatment, boys?" Jacade asks them.

"Uh, sorry, boss," Marconi says. "We got a little carried away."

"Yeah. Check yourselves next time."

Next time?

Oh shit.

What the hell have I just signed up for?

Six months later

Ivy

My fingers caress the intricate bumps and contours of the ivory lace and hand-sewn glittering crystals of my wedding gown. Two months ago, Bryn, Aunt Helen, and I walked into Lana's Boutique, and I knew from the moment I saw it on a mannequin it was meant to be mine. The mermaid fit with silky gold underlay enhances my curves, and the vintage appliqués on the translucent court train float behind me like clouds. The tiny capped sleeves make me feel covered compared to the low plunge exposing my back.

I run my fingers through the loose spirals Kimber gave me and peruse my silhouette in the mirror. Is this who I am now? The bride of a mobster? I mean... the bride of a legitimate businessman?

I guess I am. I certainly give every indication of being a Mafia princess in this tiara and veil. I have to admit, it looks good on me and feels right.

"It's time, little one." Raymond calls to me from the entry to the bride's room. I suppose some might be intimidated by the eminent Raymond Carillo in a tuxedo with an onyx cravat, but all I see is my kind-hearted grandfather.

I grab my bouquet of coral roses while linking my arm through his. We take our positions and wait for the music to start.

I can't believe it's my wedding day, and we're getting married on the spot Jacade's old trailer used to be. I remember how thrilled I was the day Jacade, Jett, and I stood on the dirt road and watched the depressing relic go up in flames. In its place, Jacade erected this magnificent cathedral hall with 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows. I'm honored to be the first of many brides that will stand nervously in this entrance with their fathers—or grandfathers.

The processional music "The Moment" by Kenny G begins, and my heart skitters as Raymond and I step through the white gauze drapes. Uncle Bernie loved Kenny G.

Blush rose petals line the edge of the silken aisle runner. The only light in the space comes from the setting sun and the rustic, globed lanterns dangling on wire garland from the ceiling.

At the top of the stairs, the man of my dreams awaits me in a black Armani tuxedo, cream shirt, and thin charcoal tie. I'm certain Giorgio Armani had a picture of Jacade's beaming smile and turquoise eyes when he designed that tux. To Jacade's right, Jett and Shane stand sentry in tuxes matching Jacade's but with slate-gray ties—a stunning lineup of hot men, all waiting for me to trek down the aisle.

To Jacade's left, Frank clutches a binder and smiles at me. He's ready to marry us. We couldn't think of any other person we wanted to officiate. When we asked him, a tear fell from his eye, and he bolted to his office to research how to become ordained. Next to him, Bryn looks youthful and angelic in a form-fitting, knee-length, coral bridesmaid's dress. Aunt Helen radiates from behind her in an elegant, pastel-yellow dress.

Thirty-five of our closest friends sit in silk-covered wooden chairs with bountiful coral bows tied around the backs. The guests rise when they hear the Kenny G song. Armond and Tabitha grin at me from the front row. Dix and Rory look spiffy in suits.

"Are you ready for this life, my dear?" Raymond tightens his hold on my arm.

I sigh and look to Jacade. His mouth curves up in a proud smile, and he winks at me.

The untamed passion emanating from him sends my stomach diving. This impossible man is going to be my husband.

"Yes. Wholeheartedly, yes."

He guides me toward the stairs…

Oh no. Stairs.

I am not falling down those things in this dress. Raymond slows his pace, so I can lift the front of my gown and negotiate the treacherous stairs. We make it to the platform at the top without incident, and I hand my flowers to Bryn. Jacade shakes Raymond's hand, and Raymond pats his shoulder. Raymond takes his place next to Aunt Helen, and Jacade and I join hands.

Frank speaks to the crowd. "Friends, we are gathered here today to witness the union of these two people."

Tears. Darn. Oh well. Bye, makeup.

Frank talks about love and marriage for a while but I can't hear him. All I can see are the indigo tines in Jacade's eyes. The authority in the brawn of his neck. The power in the width of his shoulders.

Jacade's deep baritone breaks me out of my stupor.

"Ivy, since the first time I saw you, my soul knew you were mine."

Shoot. I almost missed his vows. I need to pay closer attention.

"You make me want to be not just a better man but a better human being. There's nothing you could ask for that I wouldn't move mountains to give you. I vow to put a smile on your face every day, to encourage your dreams, and comfort you when you feel defeated."

The conviction in his words rings through the cathedral hall. No one here could ever doubt his fidelity to me.

"And, baby, I promise to share all my office supplies, possibly my cars, and love you in limitless imaginative ways."

That evokes a giggle and a blush from me.

"Ivy?"

Huh? Frank's looking at me. "Yeah?"

"Your vows?"

"Uh… yeah." I pull a crumbled piece of paper from my décolletage and hear a few snickers from our onlookers.

My eyes water and I clear my throat. "Jacade, I love how you made me yours. Your generous and humble heart loves me without judgment."

Jacade wipes a tear from my cheek with his thumb. My hands shake, and Jacade's grip tightens on my fingers.

"Sorry. Okay, where was I? You're my protector, my king, my last puzzle piece. I vow to be your devoted queen and put you first above all else. I promise to be true to you and fight by your side till the end of time. I promise to always check the backseat before I steal a car and," I lean in and whisper, "foster your kinky imagination."

He laughs and sneaks a kiss by my ear.

Frank looks at Bryn. "The rings?"

Bryn holds up the ring pillow, and Jacade takes my bling from it.

I give him my left hand, and he smiles at the band we had tattooed there last week. He said,
I've always been married to you in my heart
,
but this tattoo marks our true union
.
The wedding ceremony is just a formality
…
and a party for our friends
.

I replied,
I'll marry you a million times
,
Jacade
.

"This ring is my eternal promise to you that no matter where life takes me, I will always return to us." Jacade's voice hums with the resoluteness of his love.

I can't take it. This is too much.

"As I place this ring on your finger, I give you all of me and all that I will become."

Jacade slips my mother's band and the flawless rocks he bought me over the tattoo on my ring finger.

Frank nods to me.

"Jacade, this ring is my eternal promise to you that no matter where life takes me, I will always return to us." My fingers tremble as I slide his simple titanium wedding band over his tattoo.

"As I place this ring on your finger, I give you all of me and all that I will become."

"You may kiss the bride," Frank says with a smile. Jacade's wicked smirk scares and thrills me. He smashes his warm lips to mine and bends me back. I'm afraid I might fall, but his sturdy arm catches me— like it always does… and always will.

"I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Jacade Jordan. What God has joined, let no person put asunder."

The crowd stands and bursts into applause. Tears streak down Tabitha's face, and Bryn wipes her cheeks. Jacade's triumphant smile could light the darkest night.

"Take Me Home Tonight" plays as we laugh and walk down the aisle. He stops me halfway through to kiss me again, and the photographer snaps away.

I'm so lucky. Some people never find their soul mate, and even if they do, they don't always get to marry them in front of family and friends. But the stars have aligned and given us this blissful moment I'll remember forever.

We make our way to the reception hall attached to the cathedral. Coral and burgundy roses surround a thick pillar candle in the center of each table. The sparkling Waterford crystal and antique bone china place settings were a wedding present from Raymond.

Everyone greets us and gives us hugs and congratulations.

We sit down to a delicious gourmet meal of filet mignon with braised baby red potatoes.

The DJ calls for the bride and groom to take the dance floor. The song Jacade picked for our first dance resonates in all the cells of my body—a dulcet acoustic version of "Only Girl in the World."

I almost cry again, but manage to stave it off. He holds me so close, sways with such grace, he's irresistible. We should go home right now and consummate this marriage on our living room floor! I wiggle my hips and tease his hard cock through the thick fabric of his tux jacket and pants.

He senses my hormone surge and whispers in my ear, "Later."

The song ends, and after our kiss and some applause, the DJ announces the bride-grandfather of the bride dance. Raymond sweeps me onto the floor, and my dress swooshes behind me. "You look beautiful, little one."

"Thank you. And thank you for the family china and crystal. It means a lot to me that it would have been my mother's."

"My pleasure. Are you happy, granddaughter?"

"Elated. Could not be more ecstatic."

"Good. It's about time."

Jacade told me earlier he preferred not to dance with Aunt Helen, so I honored that. Shane and Bryn also made it clear they would not be dancing, so the DJ opens the floor to the crowd and the music picks up tempo.

Jett walks backward, with one hand in Lizzie's and one hand holding Lindsey's. He breaks into some sexy Jagger moves with his two busty blondes. Those hips, oh the plunging those hips have done. He's giving the twins a preview of what's to come later. Lucky girls.

Shane and Bryn are keeping a cool distance. Darn. I'm about to make a move to get them together, when a man with buzzed hair walks in and hands Shane a letter.

As he reads it, his face morphs into red-hot agony. His shoulders pull back like he's been shot with an arrow. Shane snaps a quick photo of the letter with his phone. He takes two long strides to the nearest table and burns the note and the envelope in the flame of the candle. He watches it incinerate with the beaded eyes of a pyromaniac.

Whoa! What kind of evil phantom has just been cast down on Shane?

He turns from the charred dust and marches straight to Bryn. He grabs her upper arm without a word and hauls her out of the room. When they're gone, I rush over to Jacade where's he talking to Jett. His eyes are on the door Bryn and Shane just passed through.

"Did you see that? Shane got a letter and left with Bryn."

"I saw it. I'll check on them."

Jacade walks toward the exit, but Bryn stumbles back in before he gets there.

She takes shuffled, uneven steps and looks awkward on her heels. She tries to wipe the tears that are coming way too fast for her to keep up.

Jacade looks to me, and I nod that I've got her. He pushes the doors open and exits.

I run to Bryn and encompass her shaking frame in my arms. "What happened?"

"He said goodbye and kissed me. Then he just walked away. I stopped him and begged him to explain."

"What did he say?"

"He said he didn't want to hurt me, but he has to leave on a mission."

"A mission?"

"Yeah. He said he has no choice. I don't think we'll ever see him again."

She sobs into my shoulder, and I rub her back.

"Oh, Bryn. I'm so sorry."

Jacade returns through the doors and walks to us with his head down.

"Did you catch him? What did he say?"

"Yeah. He's taking an emergency leave of absence."

"Leave of absence? So he's coming back?"

"I don't know."

"Did he mention a mission?"

"Yes, but I didn't ask the details. We have to let him face this alone."

"Okay."

Shane's abrupt departure dampens the mood of the wedding reception. Jacade tries to reassure me, but it's hard not to worry about Shane.

"Drink." He offers me champagne in a Vera Wang bride's flute. A fizzing strawberry bobs at the bottom.

I take a sip and stare at him.

He watches my mouth turn down. He steps over to the DJ for a second, then returns.

"Dance." He sets my drink down on a table and pulls me to the floor.

The thumping anthem of "Shut Up and Dance" blasts out, and Jacade shows off his stripper moves, popping his hips in his tuxedo like Channing Tatum. Jett gets up and shakes his disco booty.

Bow chicka wow wow.

With a little help from the champagne and two sexy doctors getting jiggy with it, I'm able to push my concern to the back of my mind. I even catch Bryn laughing at their antics.