Fidelity (Infidelity #5)(106)

Nox was speaking with his cousin Luca, laughing and jabbing playfully at one another. And then I spotted Oren. If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought he looked concerned as he watched my mother with Vincent from afar. What did he possibly think Vincent would say to my mother?

“Princess.”

I turned to the deep voice of my husband. “Yes?”

Nox reached for my hand and pulled me close. “Our first dance is coming up, but I was wondering…” His lips quirked upward and his blue eyes shone.

I looked around the room full of people. “What were you wondering?”

“There’s a gas station down the street. I thought maybe you and I could go there before our dance, because, Mrs. Demetri, I’m dying here, not being able to touch you like I want to. You’re the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen and as much as I appreciate all that my family’s done for us, right now I want to get you alone.”

My cheeks warmed and pulse increased at the memory of Nox and I at a gas station along Highway 101. “Get me alone?” I wrapped my arms around his neck as our bodies came together. “And, pray tell, what would happen if we were alone?”

His warm breath skirted my neck, leaving goose bumps in its wake as he leaned down and whispered, “Trust me, another standing ovation.”





SINCE THE NIGHT we brought Adelaide to New York I’d gone without alcohol. I’d taken the whiskey to my lips the one night I’d met with Vincent, but I never drank. That said, throughout those months, I’d never craved it as much as I did at this reception. Watching Vincent speak to Adelaide was about to do me in. Maybe I should find Eva and ask her about a tranquilizer. Hell, being part of this family, she surely carried a bottle in her handbag.

It wasn’t that the reception wasn’t going well, or even the inclusion of the Montagues with the Costellos. Angelina’s family had embraced Alex and Lennox in a way I’d never envisioned. It was Adelaide who concerned me. I couldn’t imagine her mix of emotions.

“Oren,” she said, her sweet voice pulling me from my thoughts. In my worry, I hadn’t even noticed that their conversation had ended. “Are you all right?” she asked, reaching for my hand.

“I am.” I eyed her up and down. “Are you?”

“I’m simply overwhelmed by Angelina’s family. The way they’ve welcomed not only Alexandria but me as well.” She shook her head and took a sip of some pink punch. I wasn’t sure what it was, but it was the same thing the children were drinking. “They’re lovely people.”

Taking her hand, I led her to a back hallway.

Her eyebrows danced. “Oren Demetri, are you planning to make out with me at our children’s reception?”

“No, well… not here.” I added the last part with a grin.

She looked about at the empty, secluded space. “What is this about?”

“I should have told you. I’m sorry. You should know that Vincent—”

She touched two fingers to my lips. “I know who Vincent is. You told me his name many years ago.”

“You know?” I couldn’t believe my own ears. “And yet you’re here talking to him?”

“He threw our children a wonderful party. Why wouldn’t I talk to him?”

“Adelaide.”

She lowered her voice. “Stop, Oren. Never again.” She looked around the hallway to make sure that we were alone. “You and Vincent aren’t the only ones to blame for what happened.” Before I could speak, she went on. “I’m not the victim I played so well. I knew full well what I was doing when I told my father that Russell was leaving me, that he was planning not only to divorce me but also to take Alexandria with him. I knew, and I chose his fate over allowing him a safe escape and me suffering the consequences of divorce and disgrace.” Her blue eyes widened as she spoke, her words slow and message filled with determination. “I knew. That makes me equally culpable. I played a part. My father was the one who initiated the request. There is no one responsible party.”

“You know how it works?”

She shrugged. “I understand a little. You see, a long time ago, I dated this man. I think it’s still called dating when you do what we did. Anyway, this man fascinated me. He told me stories. Some were dark, but all were sugarcoated with enough sweetness to make them palatable.

“I wanted to know more. My knowledge is from books, TV shows, and movies. In my head the theme song from the Sopranos will be the kids’ first dance.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “And you’re here. With me. With all of us.”

“Again, Oren, why wouldn’t I be?” She brushed my lips with hers. “I love you. You’ve said you love me. You’re divorced. I’m widowed. Isn’t it wonderful how life works out?”

In the distance music filled the hall.

Adelaide reached for my hand. “Okay, so it isn’t Woke Up This Morning or even Speak Softly Love.” She gave me a soft kiss. “Sir, may I have a dance?”

The lights had been dimmed with only a spot on the newly married couple. Lennox and Alexandria had everyone’s attention as the whole room watched. Alex’s dress shimmered as she waltzed in Lennox’s arms. It wasn’t their attire that held everyone’s interest, but the expressions on their faces. The way they stared into one another’s eyes.