My breath caught in my throat and I coughed a couple of times. “How did you—” I stopped myself from finishing the question the second I caught Enzo looking at the ring. “Never mind. But there’s going to be a reception tonight?”
Luke closed his eyes and uttered a curse under his breath. “Of course my parents would plan something tonight.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Informal or formal?”
“Based on the preparations so far, I would recommend evening attire,” Enzo suggested. “We will be outside on the patio.”
Uncertain of the actual answer to Luke’s question, I looked to him for guidance.
“Wear one of the long dresses,” he said. “They should do just fine.”
Just fine. As if that would go a long way to impressing his mother or father.
“And as for my question?” Enzo pushed.
Luke covered my left hand with both of his and leaned his forehead against mine. “Tonight will be a spectacle, knowing my parents as I do. Perhaps we should postpone springing the engagement on them until tomorrow. When it is just the family.”
I fidgeted in discomfort. “So, you’d like my first encounter with your family to be one wrapped up in deception?”
He grimaced. “I know it doesn’t sound like a good idea.”
“I’d really rather not start on a bad foot,” I pleaded, fear stirring up my empty stomach. “Maybe it’s better to get it over with all at once. You know, if you announce our engagement in front of a lot of people, your parents will have a harder time denying it.”
Enzo’s eyebrows lifted, and he nodded once in approval. “Your lady has made an excellent point. A public announcement would give you an advantage.”
“In a game I have no wish to play,” Luke complained. He ran his fingers through his hair and stalked away from me. “Gah, why can’t things ever be easy with this family?”
I followed him and threw my arms around his body, leaning my head between his shoulder blades. “Because family means fighting for one another. Even if that also means fighting against each other.”
Luke relaxed under my embrace. “But I don’t want to fight. I don’t want anything but to live my life.”
I pressed my face against his back and giggled. “That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you sound like a whiny teenager rather than a grown-up. A very old grown-up to boot.”
He scoffed, taking my hand and whirling me around in some fancy dance move until he caught me by my hip. “And yet under this roof, I feel less like myself and more like a naughty child returning home to receive his punishment.”
“If that’s how you approach the situation, then that’s how your parents will see you,” I said, hoping to get my message through despite my accidental stomp on his foot. “It would be better to adjust your sails and change their expectations of you.”
Luke looked over my shoulder at his old friend. “Do you understand what she means?”
“I think this intelligent young woman is saying that you should present yourself as you wish to be seen. Be on the offensive from the start rather than the defensive,” Enzo reinterpreted.
I stopped dancing to attempt another curtsy. “Thank you for the compliment.”
“It was well-earned, miss,” Enzo said. He pulled on a chain that led into a pocket of his waistcoat and retrieved a pocket watch. “I must apologize, but perhaps I should escort Miss Ruby to her chambers to give her time to get ready.”
After bolstering Luke up, I’d used up my reserve of confidence. The sudden prospect of leaving my fiancé’s side panicked me.
“What are you going to wear?” I asked Luke.
“Oh, one of my fitted suits. When you figure out which dress you’ll choose, let me know and I’ll wear a tie to match.” He addressed his friend, “I assume my dressing room has been replenished and updated?”
“With the latest fashion, Master Luca,” Enzo replied. He bowed again and gestured toward the door. “Miss Ruby, if you’ll allow me, I’ll be happy to escort you to your quarters.”
Luke asked for a moment of privacy. When Enzo left the room, my fiancé swept me into his arms and kissed me with so much passion that my ears rang.
A little dizzy from our intimate moment, I flashed him a goofy smile. “What was that for?”
“For everything you’ve done for me before. For being here with me now.” His charming smile dazzled me. “And for loving me forever.”
“Big talk coming from a vampire.” I twisted the ring on my finger. “You sure you’re ready for this?”
Luke winked at me. “In the words you like to use so often, bring it on!”
Enzo’s and my footsteps bounced off the walls as we walked further and further away from Luke’s chambers.
“I’m guessing Luke’s mother picked what room I would stay in,” I said with a knowing smirk.
“You are very astute, miss,” Enzo said with a chuckle. “How did you guess the truth?”
I snorted. “Because my father went out of his way to make sure Luke didn’t spend the night with me when we first dated.”
“And things have changed now?” the kind man asked.
“Oh, yes,” I exclaimed. “My whole family treats him as if he’s already one of us.” In my head, I pictured a portrait of Luke hanging next to mine on the wall of Jewell ancestors in the foyer of the big house.
Enzo stopped in his tracks, and it took me a second to notice his absence beside me. I turned to face him.
“It warms my heart to know that after all the time he spent alone, he found someone.” He placed a hand over his heart. “And I am beginning to appreciate that the person he chose is you.”
Touching my heated cheek with my fingers, I uttered my thanks. With quick steps, I hurried down the corridor until a clearing of the throat stopped me.
“If you would, miss,” Enzo said, standing by an open door. “This will be your private quarters during your sojourn at Castello di Rossi.”
“Thank you.” I
