Page 58 of Betrothed To Love

“Not until we reach the venue. I need to remain sober to keep you calm. I was given strict directions.”

“Duke? He does the damn most,” I sigh.

“Not Duke,” she says with raised eyebrows. “A higher authority.”

“Who?” I ask curiously.

“Quintus.”

Now even more curious, I sit up, to DVonne’s dismay. “Quintus? What did he say to you?” I ask and she just grins.

“Lean back and just worry about your makeup.”

When she picks up her phone and starts scrolling instead of answering me, I just suck my teeth and roll my eyes. I also down half my wine and lean back because DVonne is shading me with her eyes.

After closing my eyes, I utter, “Well, can you at least see where Alex and Kyrah are?”

“Already done. Kyrah is leaving her house in thirty and Alex is on her way now. She’s going straight to the winery to be your final eyes and ears there.”

“Oh good,” I sigh, relieved knowing Alex is going to the winery. She’s a perfectionist. Between her, Duke, and Tae I don’t have to stress anymore.

“Lift your head a little more,” DVonne whispers and I comply.

“You know we forever have you,” Giselle says.

“I know.” I beam.

“Mireya,” Niya calls out in a soft voice.

“Yes, baby?”

“I gotta pee,” she says.

“Oh, okay,” I say and try to sit up, but Giselle stops me.

“I got her. Stop moving,” Giselle says.

“She can go by herself. Just make sure she⁠—”

“I said I got her. Stop talking. Stop moving and just let DVonne work her damn magic,” Giselle insists.

“Pleeeaasse!” DVonne hisses.

“Okay,” I relent.

Giselle takes care of Niya and I relax into my chair and let DVonne work. By the time she’s beat my face to the gods, Jae’s done with Niya’s hair. She looks like a little Nubian princess. While Jae does my hair, Niya eats a small snack. We’ve been nonstop all day and she hasn’t eaten since our early lunch. Because dinner is soon, I simply order a bowl of berries and yogurt for her.

Right around six, we are dressed, looking pretty, and on the elevator heading to the lobby to meet Quintus, his brothers, and his parents. We hired a large Sprinter to comfortably take us to Divine Wines. When the elevator stops and opens on the ninth floor, it’s Quintus and Shiro on the other side, both looking handsome in all-black suits. However, my husband looks too damn good. He can wear anything, but him in a tailored suit is pure-fucking-perfection. He’s so fine.

“Wow,” Quintus utters. “Damn.” The expression on his handsome face is pure adoration and it warms me all over and causes Niya to giggle.

“Bruh, the do’ ’bout to close,” Shiro says as he slaps Quintus on his shoulder.

They walk on and Quintus leans down and pinches Niya’s chin. “Look at my little princess. You look so pretty,” he gushes and she giggles more.

“Thank you, Daddy,” she gushes.

Then he stands upright, steps toward me, and as if we are the only ones in the elevator car, he pulls me into him and plants a soft kiss on the side of my neck. “You look so damn gorgeous,” he utters in my ear. He kisses my neck again, then my lips, claiming them passionately.