THE BRIDE - By Shaxee
A bachelor’s life is a fine breakfast, a flat lunch, and a miserable dinner. - Francis Bacon
Marco Orsini’s POV
“…so what do you think of that brunette over there.” She discreetly nodded in the direction of the young woman talking animatedly to a group. “She comes from a good family. I think she will be good enough to meet your grandfather’s expectations.”
I had long ago stopped listening to the woman beside me who babbled non-stop about every single eligible woman who might be suitable for my quest.
She invited me to a luncheon hosted by a wealthy Italian prince. Honestly, I am not interested in those women but I kept that information to myself.
Ever since the day I kissed her in my grandparents’ vineyard, Francesca Marcolini has maintained her distance. It’s frustrating, all I wanted to do was kiss those sinfully delicious lips but she always managed to slip away as fast as she can.
“Marco?” Francesca inquired a little irritably. “Are you listening to me, Marco?”
“Of course, my dear.” I lied smoothly, giving her a reassuring smile.
“No. You are not.”
“How cold.” I replied, moving closer to her. As usual, she backs away lightning fast and avoided my gaze. “Why not loosen up, Cara?”
“I can’t.” She whispered softly while looking down at the perfectly trim lawn. “The reason we are here is to find your prospective bride.”
“I know.” I feel like a predator advancing in her direction.
I keep reminding myself to take it easy because this is the first time in months since I kissed her that I can monopolize her again.
“But take it easy, mia bella. My grandfather’s birthday is still far away.”
“But…” “Signora Marcolini.”
A voice interrupted our conversation. It took every ounce of my patience not to throttle the bastard as it turned out he’s the host of this party.
“Principe Agostini.” Francesca curtsied regally. “Thank you for inviting us to your party.”
The prince took Francesca’s hand and kissed it. I nearly leapt at the old fat prince when his lips lingered a
little too long on Francesca’s delicate hand for my liking.“Are you enjoying the party, my lady?”
“Of course,” She answered conversationally. “It’s fantastic as well as your home, sir.”
The prince had laughed loudly as if Francesca’s answer was so witty. “How clever, Signora. I don’t believe you introduced me to your date.”
“Pardon me for my rudeness, sir. May I present Marco Orsini.” She performed the introduction, slipping her hand in my arms. “Marco, this is the respected Prince Vittorio Agostini.”
I hide my smile. The formidable woman seemed to also be leaning on me for support when meeting an intimidating person like this one—not that I am intimidated by him. I am the great Marco Orsini who never bowed to anyone.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Signore Orsini.” The prince offered his hand with a wide grin on his old face. “Likewise.” I answered.
I had heard a lot about his womanizing and vices. Like the woman on his arms right now. She’s probably half the age of this old prince. The woman wore a show stopping dress draped with diamonds; it was enough to blind me when it caught the sunlight.
The prince never failed to show off his wealth with his current mistress.“Excuse us, will you?” The prince inquired. “I have other guests to look after.”
“Of course, sir.” Francesca replied with a grateful smile.
Once the old fat prince and his mistress left us Francesca scowled at me.
“That was rude.”
“I, rude?” I repeated, not following why she’s suddenly mad at me. “I don’t think so.”
“Yes, you were.” Francesca insisted. “You were rude to our host.”
“I don’t know what are you talking about, mia bella. I suggest you don’t accuse me again or you will not like what I will do to you.”
Francesca’s eyebrow snapped with anger. “What will you do?”
I advanced again on her. “Something like…kissing you?”
The look on her face was priceless.
Alfonso Orsini’s POV
“…oh, really? That’s good news. All right, thank you for telling me. Ciao.”
My wife’s cheerful voice as she answered a phone call broke into the library. While I continue to read the local newspaper, I couldn’t help but wonder who had just called to have my lovely wife beaming happily after ending the phone call.
“Oh, Alfonso.” My wife said. “You won’t believe who just called to deliver good news.”
“Who was it?” I tried to remain not too interested in the information as I let my gaze remain on the newspaper. “Your spy, I presume.”
“Spy?” She asked innocently. “Why would I need a spy? It’s Anna.”
“Oh? What does she wants?”
Anna Bellini was probably the best friend of my dear wife and to think that she just called, she probably shared some gossip with Claudia Orsini.
“She told me that she attended the luncheon prince Vittorio Agostini threw in his palatial home.”
“And…” Oh, come on, mia moglie. I told my wife silently. Can’t she see that she’s killing me with the suspense?
My wife couldn’t contain her tears of joy. What could possibly be the news she heard?
“Anna just told me that our dear Marco showed up with a beautiful woman on his arms.” Claudia dried her eyes with her handkerchief. What a fine actress she was. “I knew it. They’re perfect for each other.”I lowered the newspaper I’d been reading. “Who are you talking about?” I asked my wife in confusion. “Who are perfect for each other?”
The fearsome Claudia Orsini eyed me as if I am a mentally handicap man.
“Really, Alfonso? Really? Have you lost your brain somewhere, dear?” I frowned at the beautiful woman who stood in front of me with such a sharp tongue. She’s the only person on earth who had no fear for the head of Orsini Industries.
“If you could just explain to me who you are talking about my dear, I think I will understand.”
She expelled a heavy breath. “I’m talking about our Marco and his pretty Francesca, you imbecile.” Imbecile.
My lovely wife just called me an imbecile.
And I would like to ask her since when Francesca belonged to Marco? I’m sure the lady will have a thing or two to say in that matter.
“How do you know that Marco’s date was Francesca?” I asked as I resume my reading.
“Simple.” She answered haughtily as she poured herself a cup of tea. “I asked Anna if there’s any chance that the woman with Marco was brunette with pretty hazel eyes.”
“And Anna said…”
“Absolutely!” Claudia sipped her favored tea. “She also told me that our Marco is smitten by the lady.”
I hid my smile behind the newspaper I was reading.
“Oh, really?”
“Yes.” My wife replied placing the saucer cup on the table and walking towards the window, she stared outside. “All I need do is set my plan in motion.”
Uh-oh. Run, Marco. Run.
And when I say run, my dear boy, run as fast as you can.
Because when your nonna catches you there will be wedding.
You and your lady friend will play the central characters.
All I need to do is sit back and watch my wife work her scheme and see what will happen.
The sun here in Italy never shines this bright, not until this afternoon.
Francesca Marcolini’s POV“Goodnight, Francesca.”
That deep dark sexy voice haunted me all the way to my penthouse.
He just dropped me in front of my penthouse building and whispered those sinfully sexy words.
Ever since the last kiss he stole from me in his grandparent’s vineyard I avoided him like plague. For weeks I managed to avoid him until I came across this opportunity to search for his bride again at the luncheon given by the wealthy prince.
As usual, his predatory manner kept my guard up. I don’t like the way his eyes gazed at me, it keeps my heart thundering in my chest. It’s disturbing to think my nemesis can manage to do that.
My mobile phone rang. I picked it up to look at the screen. A smile fitted my lips.
“Tatiana!”
“Sorry to disturb you Francesca but I am in dilemma.” Tatiana’s worried voice sounded on the other line. “What’s the matter, dear?” I asked, as alarm sneaked up my spine. “Is it about the twins? Are you okay?”
A laugh escape Tatiana. “Oh, no Francesca. We’re all fine.”
“Thank goodness.”
“Francesca, dear?” Tatiana inquired on the other end of the line “How far you can you go to help your friend in her dilemma?”
“Of course. I will help you with anything Tatiana, just tell me.” I told her as I started to change my clothes. “Really?” A grateful voice sounded on the other line. “Actually, I need a favor. Please meet me tomorrow if you are not too busy. Thank you very much in advance Francesca. You are really an angel to me.”
When I ended the phone call I have a feeling that I might get into trouble for this favor…
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