The car speeds down the road, racing through the mountains of Sicily. We're right at the edge of the island, driving along the very edge of the cliffs. The water below us is bright blue. I can't tear my eyes away. One wrong turn, and we'd dive right into it. But I'm not scared. I'm living in a dream. It feels like a scene out of a movie. Taylor Swift plays softly in the background. Valentino told the driver to play it before I could even ask. He's right beside me, his hand on my thigh. I've had his full attention all day. He's barely been on his phone at all. It's been all about us.
"This is beautiful," I state, still watching the view before us.
"But not good enough for our wedding?" he asks. He suggested a ceremony at a winery high up in the cliffs.
"I don't want to get married outside," I repeat what I told him this morning. "I worry about the wind."
"So no wineries, no beaches, and no boats?"
"Correct," I laugh. He's taken me to the most spectacular spots, but I don't want to risk bad weather. "Am I being too picky?"
"No, not at all," he presses a kiss against my forehead. "There's plenty of other places we can look at."
"That temple was definitely a good option."
"The Temple of Segesta?"
"Yeah," I nod. We had lunch there. "I know that was outside too, but it didn't feel as exposed."
"If we do it there, it would have to be a small ceremony. The temple is not big enough for everyone."
"That's true." Obviously, not the whole family would be invited, but everyone high up would be — the superiore families. And there are hundreds of them.
"How about the theatre there? I know it's more open but it would fit more people."
"I don't know... I like the idea of it, but it's very exposed, and we'd have to do a lot to spruce it up for a wedding."
"Well, if you like the idea of it, I think I might know something."
"Yeah?" I look up at him.
"We're not too far away," he leans forward, mumbling something to the driver in Italian. It's too low and fast for me to make it out.
"What is it?" I ask.
"You'll see."
"You're not going to tell me?"
"Nope," he throws his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into him. "It's a surprise."
"Valentino!" I complain. "You're the worst."
"You'll like it, I promise. We'll be there in 15 minutes."
"15? Can we hurry up?"
"Patience, darling," he chuckles. "We'll get there when we get there."
"Fine," I give in, cozying up against his chest. I'm just excited. We've been on the road all day, and not one of the places we've seen is good enough. I didn't think I had particularly high standards, but we need something big and at least somewhat luxurious. That's what the family would expect — something classy. That's what I want, too. I'm marrying a Sainte, for Christ's sake. All my princess fantasies are becoming a reality.
We start to approach Palermo, the capital of Sicily. It's busy with tourists taking in the sights and enjoying the beach. I don't know enough about the area to know where we're going. The car comes to a halt by the side of the road.
"Wait here," Valentino steps out of the car, not bothering to wait for the driver to open the door for him. I expect him to speak to someone or make a phone call, but instead, he walks right across to my side of the car pulls the door open, extending his hand to help me out of the SUV.
"What a gentleman," I joke. I accept his hand and step out onto the footpath.
"Only for you," he links our elbows, making sure we stay close together at all times.
"Is this where we're going?" I eye the building before us. It's a small restaurant — too small for a wedding venue.
"No. This is," Valentino turns us around. At the end of the road stands a building the size of Buckingham Palace. It's a masterpiece of Sicilian design, with Palladian windows and classical Greek columns holding up the ceiling, surrounding the grand entrance. Two statues stand beside the stairwell. They both show lions, one mounted by a woman and another man. The Building has an orange tinge, with the lights on, it looks golden. It's perfect.
"What is it?" I ask. "Is it a museum?"
"Teatro Massimo," he tells me. "The third largest opera house in Europe."
"Oh my god."
"Shall we go in?"
"Yes," I nod eagerly. "Absolutely."
We start heading towards it. The gate around it is shut, but there's a man by the entrance that Valentino seems to know. He speaks to him in Italian. The man makes a quick call on his phone before returning to open the gate for us. Of course, he can get in anywhere. He probably knows the owners.
Walking up the stairs reminds me of our first night together, when he had to help me down the steps of the gala. It's been a little over a week since then, but it feels much longer. Where we are right now is a million times better than where I thought we'd be. I wasn't even sure if we'd last a day. He could've been the nastiest person alive. But he's far from it. He's sweet, caring, considerate and so, so sexy. He's charming, too. He's my own Prince Charming.
Valentino opens the door for me, ushering me inside. The interior matches the exterior perfectly. The walls are lined with dark wood carved with intricate detail. We walk through another set of doors before arriving at the main room — the theatre itself. It's completely silent. All we can hear is the sound of our shoes on the wooden floor. I look up to take in the space.
It's beyond massive. It's a large round room, stories and stories high. There are chairs set up across the floor, but most of the seating seems to be up on the balconies. There are hundreds of them, decorated in red fabric and separated by smaller light brown columns, each designed with intricate detailing. They look over the stage at the back of the room, which is currently covered by a red velvet curtain with golden tassels. The ceiling shows a large circular painting, surrounded by what looks like decorative gold. With all the frills, patterns and frescoes, this place is a perfect representation of Sicilian design. It looks like an indoor colosseum for royalty.
"What do you think?" Valentino's voice echos across the hall.
"I... I love it," I don't know what else to say. I'm completely in awe. "This is perfect. This is exactly what we need."
"You approve?"
"Yes! Yes, it's... it's beautiful. It's elegant and grandiose, and it's— it's magical," I turn my attention to him. He's already looking at me, taking in my amazement. "We have to get married here."
"It's decided?"
"Absolutely! Don't you think?" I lean into him excitedly. "It's perfect!"
"Excellent," he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him. "We'll pick a date and I'll make it happen."
My smile widens. I can't believe this man. I can't believe he's mine. I couldn't be any happier. I stand on the tips of my toes and throw my arms over his shoulders. He's the perfect size. And he smells so good. I love how he holds me. It's so gentle yet so secure. I feel comfortable with him. I didn't expect to feel this way so quickly.
My eyes scan over his face. The stubble over his jaw has started to grow, only making his jawline look stronger. His eyes are dark and piercing, but they're filled with love. He adores me. I can tell.
"I can't believe I get to marry Valentino Sainte," I run my thumb over his cheek.
"Don't get too excited. I haven't proposed yet."
"No, but you will."
"Are you sure?"
"Definitely," I insist. "You'd be stupid not to."
"I'm glad you think so," he inches forward. "I agree."
"Good," I meet him halfway, pressing my lips against his. He deepens the kiss, his tongue lightly stroking mine. I feel a bulge start to form under his pants. I pull away to catch my breath. "Is there a hotel nearby?"
"Why?"
"I'm feeling awfully... empty."
"Empty?" his lips turn into a smile, still pressed against mine.
"Empty," I confirm.
"Well, I suppose I'll have to fill you up then, darling," his hands trail down to my butt, giving my right cheek a tight squeeze. "Come with me."