Author's Note:
I just realized I posted the last two chapters of this story wrong, and that I accidentally cut out chapter 24.
So, those of you who are reading this story please forgive me for not realizing it.
Please enjoy this small tidbit either way.
Heidi smiled in delight, as Alice, Sienna, and Rose squealed in excitement.
"Sounds like a plan." Felix sighed, looking at me, concerned.
I ignored the look before turning away, pretending not to notice. Edward pulled me into his side, placing an arm around my shoulders, pulling me slightly towards him. "I have to tell you something…" he whispered.
"What is it?" I asked, turning to look up at him.
"I don't think Felix, or me, and the rest of the guys are going to be able to go." He said.
"What? Why not?" I asked with a frown.
"Before everything happened, my father informed me that I have to be at that meeting. We're leaving within the hour." He informed me.
I looked at him shocked, something about this made my skin prickle.
"Can I— Can I speak to you in private?" I asked.
His brow furrowed as he exchanged looks with his brothers, before turning towards me and nodding in response.
"Sure. Come on." He replied as I turned to leave the room.
I quietly walked back to the room we had gone to earlier.
"Alright, what's going on, princess?" He asked, as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his slacks.
"How long will you be gone?" I asked, calmly.
"A few days at the most." He replied, honestly.
I nodded, "This is necessary. Correct?" I asked.
He nodded, sighing as he watched me pace.
"Alright then. I won't say anything on the subject. Besides this. Something feels off and I really think you all leaving is meant to be a set up. My friends and I will be staying here until we get married. I'll see you when you get back." I replied.
"Look, the last thing I want to do is leave you here, worried. But I have to attend. My father will be speaking to the heads of the families and informing them of our predicament. Endrizzi is not going to attend, he has long stopped caring about the covenants we uphold. I will be back as soon as possible. Just stay calm and we'll be back before you know it." He promised.
"If you say so, in the meantime, I think we'll be hanging around here." I told him.
He frowned for a moment, lifting a brow, before sighing. "If that's what you wish, then fine. But I ask you to please wear this, wherever you go." He said as he pulled out a long and narrow baby blue box, offering it to me.
"What is this?" I asked.
"A necklace with the family crest. I found a way around the rules. You already agreed you'd marry me. And technically I haven't been able to give you your ring, so this is my way of keeping you safe." He explained.
A small smile pulled on the corners of my lips, "By staking your claim on me?" I asked, amused.
He gave me an embarrassed smile, before nodding in response. "So, will you wear it?" He asked.
I pretended to think about it for a moment before letting out an overly exaggerated sigh. "Alright. Fine. I'll wear it." I replied, smiling at the relief in his eyes.
He motioned for me to turn, before slowly placing the necklace, and securing it on my neck. Surprising the hell out of me when he pressed his lips on the place where the chain landed.
I gasped, sharply turning to him wide-eyed. "What the —?!" I cried out in surprise.
He chuckled in response, "Sorry I couldn't help myself." He replied with a chuckle.
I gave him a playful glare, before sighing and wagging my finger at him. "None of that, mister. You have to marry me first." I told him playfully.
"I will. And the day I get to call you my wife will be one of the happiest of my life." He told me, as he pulled me into a hug.
"You're such a cheeseball. " I told him, sighing on his chest
"Only for you, principessa." He replied.
"You've gotten bolder, haven't you, Massimo?" I asked him.
"Only because I can feel you responding to me and my charms." He sniped.
I choked on a laugh before smacking his shoulder. "Come on, we should head back before they realize we're gone." I told him before trying to move away.
He sighed, as he slowly dropped his arms and stepped back, "You're right." He said.
We walked back with less tension between us.