“Marcus and I barely knew each other when we got married. And we’ve been through hell this past year, but it’s only served to bring us closer.” Ella stroked her flat belly. At nearly four months, she hid her pregnancy well, at times forgetting she carried their second child. “When I see you and Roman, I can feel the love he has for you. Just let him in. Tell him how you feel.”
Isabella beamed at her words. “The chance would be a fine thing. His secretary, Theresa Von Bitch, won’t put my calls through. Every time I call, he’s busy. I think she’s deliberately keeping me from him.”
Examining her friend closer, she wondered again whether anything else was going on. Isabella rarely appeared insecure and emotional. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you sound a little jealous, which is ridiculous as you’re getting married to the man in a couple of hours. Theresa isn’t anyone special.”
“I’m sure you’re right, but I feel inferior around his kind. Roman’s existed for centuries. He’s amassed power and wealth, as well as a long list of lovers. I can’t compete with that.”
Ella grabbed her friend’s hands, lifting them up. “Izzie, you don’t have to compete. Roman choose you. Out of everyone over the centuries, he chose you. Just be yourself.”
The witch sighed and smiled as she clenched her hands. “But did he really choose me, or did I put him in a situation in which he had no choice?” The witch shook her head, studying Ella intently. “Your hair, it’s growing long again.”
Ella looked down and twisted the ends of her wavy tresses that fell to her waist and shrugged. “Pregnancy has that effect, no matter what I do. Anyway, I like it this way.”
“So do I,” Isabella said.
Right then, before her eyes, the witch transformed from the flawless model into her natural, makeup-free self. Thick auburn hair tumbled down her back, and her fresh face stared at her. Isabella strolled back to her dressing table and picked up a pale pink lipstick, which she ran over her lips. “There. Roman either accepts me as I am, or not at all.”
A cool breeze brushed across her shoulders, making her shiver, and she flicked her head to the side, stunned at the handsome sight before her.
“Perfect,” came a rich baritone voice. Standing dressed in an immaculate fitted black tux with a dark-purple waistcoat was the mysterious vampire prince. He sauntered past, pulling at his silver cuffs as he smiled and nodded at Ella. He mouthed the words, thank you.
Right away, she knew he had heard their conversation. Damn the man.
“Two beautiful women, what a delight. Ella, you look stunning as always.” He dropped a light kiss on both cheeks as his hand gently rubbed her belly so fast, she wasn’t sure he had. She narrowed her eyes to study him and he winked at her before focusing on Isabella.
“Ah—the temptress who has tamed me.”
Ella couldn’t help but be captivated by the charming man who ensnared everyone in his presence. Roman lifted the witch’s hand, turning it over to lay a soft kiss on her wrist, and her pupils flared. The love for the vamp clearly shone in her bright-green eyes and parted lips that begged to be kissed, despite her concerns.
“Any last-minute doubts, my love?” He stroked Isabella’s cheek softly. His voice was husky and deep, almost hypnotic.
Isabella met her gaze, aware of their conversation earlier, and merely shook her head in denial instead of replying.
“I know our betrothal seems quick to you, but I’ve waited centuries to find you. You are the one I want, don’t ever doubt that. There will never be anyone else for me. I will always look after you, even when you think I’m not. I will protect you with my life, now and always.”
Ella couldn’t help but stare as the fierce vamp leaned in and kissed the witch, wrapped up in his heartfelt words and passionate embrace. Understanding full well what it was like to be drawn inexplicably to a man of such magnetism without any rhyme or reason. Her heart accelerated as she thought of the lure her soulmate, Marcus, held over her.
“You shouldn’t be here. It’s unlucky for the groom to see the bride before the wedding,” Isabella scolded, pushing at his jacket and trying to untangle herself.
But the vampire grabbed her waist and spun her around in a whirl. “Surely you of all people do not believe in such idiotic superstition. We control our own destiny. Now, hold still, my love. I have a small gift for you.”
The witch covered her mouth in surprise at the vamp’s romantic gesture, and Ella couldn’t move if she wanted to, desperate to know what he had bought. The witch shook her head at the vampire. “Roman, you shouldn’t have. I have nothing for you.”
Roman stroked her cheek. “Yes, I should. You see, I’m a selfish man. I will not share you with anyone, and you’ve already given me the greatest gift I could ever want, Isabella—your love. This trinket is but a small sign of my devotion in return. I thought you may need something old…well, besides me.” Lowering his head, he kissed the witch’s slim, arched neck.
Ella blinked and her cheeks heated, the room suddenly too small. About to flee and give her friend some privacy, she caught sight of a glittering strand of precious gems, which he slipped around the witch’s neck. Isabella gasped, lifting her hand to touch the ancient pendant and twisting it around. She stared up at him. “It’s magnificent.”
“As you are, my love. The emeralds reminded me of your eyes. I hope it will go with your dress.”
The witch hooked her hand around his neck, weaving it through his
