Boxed Set: Dominated by a Billionaire - Part 10-12: Irresistible Billionaire (14 page)

And me – I watch, smile, sip… And think of him.

Last stop of the day: one of the most VIP Turkish baths in Paris. Lily used my future name to reserve this dreamlike oasis – which can accommodate over 100 people – just for us. For five hours, the place is ours. There are ten of us frolicking in the cool hallways, diving and splashing in the hot, cold and salt-water pools, relaxing in the steam bath, throwing laughing fits one after another in the Jacuzzi. In the late afternoon, we placate our growling stomachs with copious helpings of oriental delights, served on huge trays just for us. For the first time that day, I’m enjoying myself. I relax. I manage to convince myself that everything is going to go smoothly.

8 p.m. My maids of honor had planned an intimate evening alone with me, but I end up having dinner just with my little sister. Clémentine apologized a thousand times, but needed to go home and take care of Clovis, which I totally understood. I know that the day was long for the new mommy, who did all she could to entertain me, but was constantly thinking about her new little wonder.

Left in Clarence’s hands on top of that… Let’s hope Mr. Space Case was up to the job – otherwise he'll have D’Aragon dragon to deal with!

"One thing is sure: I picked my maids of honor well!" I say to Lily, who is busy studying the wine menu.

"You couldn’t screw up with me," she smiles, flattered. "Clémentine, on the other hand, is another kettle of fish… But I’ve never heard 'You think Alma is having a good time? You think she’s happy?' so many times in one day."

"Clem is a mom… Watching out for others is what she does best."

"I always thought that that redhead who was following you like your shadow was a first-rate egotist. Not nasty or anything, but a little self-centered. But I was wrong. She’s a good person. A pain in the ass, maybe, but her heart's in the right place."

I laugh hearing her analysis.

"Do you really think she’d be my best friend if that weren’t the case?"

Our boat of sushi-maki-sashimi and chicken skewers is served and we tackle it, talking and giggling with our mouths half full. My sister is wonderful. She has it all. Personality, principles, generosity, cutting humor, a great look and a doll face, which it is quite simply impossible to resist. I always knew it, but I see it so clearly today. Tonight. As I roar with laughter and get all kinds of nasty stares from the surrounding tables. Who cares. With her, I forget everything else.

Quite a hen's party!

"OK, jokes aside," she blurts out in the car outside my building. "Is everything OK with Vadim? And what about you – do you know where you’re headed? Is it the wedding that’s making you all on edge?"

"Now's the time you decide to ask me all that?" I reply, laughing. "I’m exhausted, Lily. I'll call you tomorrow."

"No, tell me. I wanted today to be perfect, so I kept the annoying questions for… now."

"Vadim must be on the plane. He’ll be home when I get up. I'll feel better then. I miss him, that’s all."

"No… doubts?" she insists, shyly.

"About the wedding? Are you kidding, Lil’? I’m about to marry the man I love more than anything in the world! I count on saying 'I do' with my eyes closed!"

"Phew," she says, sighing. "I thought you were having second thoughts. I know you’re madly in love with him, but I also know that sometimes you're not spontaneous enough, that sometimes you’re too rational. I just want to make sure that you are listening to… your… you know," she says, miming a beating heart.

I burst out laughing, hurting her feelings. But she ends up joining in the laughter with me. Two minutes later, I open my car door, ready to hit my king-size bed – without my King.

"Oh, by the way!" I say, turning around before she drives off. "You and Pippa aren’t planning on fighting over Alessandro, are you?"

"Of course not – she can have him if she wants him! But I’m clearly the one he is after… I guess he prefers real blondes! She can try if she wants, but she hasn’t got a chance!" She giggles before revving up the engine of her sardine can.

Lily Lancaster, never-ending, addictive entertainment!

Two days. Two tiny days!!

The sun is barely up when Vadim’s statuesque body slips in bed alongside mine. With my eyes half-open, I turn over and see him, totally naked, a few inches from me, his head lying on the pillow. He smiles lovingly at me. I snuggle up against him, burying my head in his neck.

"I’m back… I won’t leave anymore," he whispers, as if reading my thoughts.

"I’ve been moping for days without you," I whine, my mind fogged by his heavenly perfume.

"Something urgent came up. I’m all yours now," he whispers, stroking my back.

"More urgent than our wed–" I start, suddenly interrupted by a wave of chills.

His hands begin a dreamy descent and land on my butt. I raise my head and am immediately struck by his lips. The kiss lasts an eternity, and I moan loudly when my cruel lover breaks it off to take a breath.

"I think it is time for me to ask for forgiveness…" He smiles naughtily, getting the straps of my nightie out of the way.

"I’ve decided to make you yearn for me, Mr. King. Make you wait until after the wedding…"

"Look at me closely, Lancaster. Do I look patient?" he grumbles, biting my cheek.

"Well, I had to be patient… these past two days!" I say in a shaky voice.

"And I definitely plan on rewarding you," he whispers, slipping in between my legs.

So why do I give in every time?!

Hmm… That’s why…

One day. Oh my god. D –1!

We are driving slowly over the wide gravel lane and can already see the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in the distance. The sight is quite simply stunning; I’m jumping with joy inside. It's a beautiful day, and dozens of decorators, gardeners and technicians are busy at work. Twenty four hours from now, it will be as if time had stopped. My billionaire and I will promise ourselves eternity in this setting worthy of a fairytale.

Vadim parks the gleaming SUV and takes a deep breath. His tan face is gorgeous, but frozen. From happiness, I hope. The butterflies in my stomach are fluttering their wings ferociously; I pray that today’s dress rehearsal goes smoothly.

Come on… This is us we're talking about!

Barely out of the car, we are greeted by Daphné’s hysterical squeals. The wedding planner rushes at my man, sparing no compliments on his outfit or his “glowing” countenance. As for me, I get: “You need some beauty sleep, Alma. Go to bed early tonight. If you're feeling a bit anxious, I have just what you need to make you sleep like a baby…”.

Let me guess… cyanide?

If you could take my place, I bet you wouldn’t think twice!

The groomsmen and bridesmaids, a few close friends and family gradually arrive and the big show can begin. Using a little portable – and perfectly useless – mike, Daphné goes over the different stages of the wedding, talking to each one of us with unfeigned condescendence. Obviously, only my fiancé is spared. Mr. King is given special treatment – which he would gladly do without, judging from how troubled he looks.

"After the wedding party goes to the town hall, the vows will be exchanged here," the shrew explains into her mike, "beneath this gorgeous gazebo. From here, you’ll be able to enjoy the view overlooking the century-old fountains."

And it goes on, and on. Our little group oohs and aahs nonstop. I get a few winks and smiles here and there. I am on my little cloud, not able to entirely believe that my dream is about to come true. Vadim doesn’t let me out of his sight for the whole "tour." His hand firmly holds mine, his intense eyes drowning themselves in mine every chance they get.

A picnic lunch has been planned for mid-day. We settle in the shade of a big oak, around pretty red-and-white checked tablecloths and are served delicious grilled steaks, fish tartars and other refined dishes. Everyone looks thrilled. My Russian beau’s laughter – mingled with all ours – echoes through the estate grounds. I’m reassured. He feels at ease and so do I.

"Felix couldn’t come?" Lily asks us quietly. "I hope it’s not because of me…"

"You have nothing to do with it," Vadim reassures her. "He couldn’t get away."

"I’m sorry your father isn’t here," my mother whispers sadly in my ear.

"Edward isn’t invited, Mom," I say in a harsh voice. "He made his choice and I made mine."

"Let’s say I’m filling in for him," Basile says smiling. "I am not only your brother, but also your fiancé’s best man! Two in one!"

"Three in one! You’re my man, too, I’ll have you know!" Niels throws in.

"All right, Beauty and the Beast, no live break-ups!" My sister says, giggling.

"So you think you can give lessons to whoever you want, Princess Lily?" Pippa teases.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. And I’m going to give you one, too!" the blonde snaps back. "Stop chasing guys who are clearly crazy about me!"

Alessandro: I knew it…

"Girls…" Marie scolds them kindly.

"Oh, no, let them clobber each other – it’s good entertainment," Clémentine says, laughing.

"Shall we bet on it?" Alistair suggests. "I’ll put a hundred on…"

"If you don’t mind, we’re going to serve dessert – we’re running out of time!" the madwoman on the mike informs us, apparently outraged by all the commotion.

That’s what life is all about: arguing, laughing, screaming, hustling and bustling!

Break out of your icy little bubble, Daphné!

"Before I forget," she adds, happy to be the center of attention once again. "The photographers and reporters milling around outside the entrance gate will not be invited in. Security is there to keep them out, but you are not to talk to them for any reason whatsoever; pretend they've got the plague!" she says, getting a little carried away.

"Please, Daphné, we're eating!" Niels exclaims, causing everyone to burst out laughing. "Have a little champagne, it’ll do you a world of good…"

The highlight comes at the end of the afternoon. The master of ceremonies is in place. The big rehearsal can begin. On the arm of a euphoric Niels, I walk down the beautifully decorated aisle, covering the dozen yards between me and Vadim. The brightest, handsomest, most enraging, most mysterious man I have ever had the chance to meet. To tame. To love. To possess.

Almost…

My King stares at me with his purest, truest gaze. His smile is no longer naughty. It is… disconcerting. To the left of the gazebo, which is draped in white and set in tiny crystals, Clémentine and my sister hold back their tears. From her seat, my mother doesn’t hold back a thing. And next to her, Pippa shrieks, calculating how much a single guest seat would cost. Basile is proud as a peacock. Alistair can’t quite hold back a little nervous laugh.

I think we are all ready…

Tomorrow will be the first day of the rest of my life.

Alma King.

Chills.

Tonight I'm sharing my room with Lily and Clémentine. Vadim and I didn’t want to give in to archaic traditions, but our close friends' insistence got to us in the end. One night without him… I should survive.

Clémentine tries to suck in her stomach as she slips on her designer gown for the 100th time.

"Do you think maybe I’ll have lost this roll by tomorrow?" she asks Lily.

"Clem, you’ve just had a baby and you’re gorgeous – just stop it!"

"Speaking of babies, Clarence is going to end up thinking I’m an unworthy mother… I take off all the time to who-knows-where, leaving them to fend for themselves," the redhead replies, trading her coral gown for heart-covered pajamas.

"Your hubby and your son are in the room across the hall!" I laugh, seeing her irked face.

"OK, if we go and see Clovis for five minutes, will you shut up afterwards?" my sister sighs.

"Fifteen minutes!" Clémentine bargains.

"So be it," Lily grumbles, following her reluctantly. "Alma, enjoy these fifteen minutes of peace… And get a rope ready for me."

"And, Alma, don’t snoop through our stuff – we don't want you finding our surprise! Believe me, you don’t want to spoil it!" the redhead says, as Lily kicks her out the door.

In exchange of six months of rent, Lily swore to take care of my best friend for the night… And has bitterly regretted our deal ever since.

A surprise? Hum… Should I be worried?

The room fills with silence and I can let my thoughts wander again. Sitting on the Victorian armchair near the big window, I watch the discreetly-lit fountains distractedly. I imagine Vadim doing the same thing. Is the same happiness running through his veins right now? Is he as sure as I am?

Eyes don’t lie. Today, I read in his how much he loves me. And how ready he is.

Royal eagles have replaced the butterflies in my stomach…

A quick knock on the door rips me from my thoughts. I turn around when it opens and let out a squeal of joy seeing Vadim. All excited, I rush towards him, but my lover immediately holds out his arm to keep me from coming any closer. His eyes are unrecognizable. His face stony and expressionless. I hear him struggle to get the next few words out of his mouth:

"I can’t marry you, Alma. I love you, but I can’t…"

The eagles stop flying. They tackle my gut, famished, out of control, raging mad. Vadim has just stabbed a knife smack in the middle of my heart, but he doesn’t want to see the damage he's done. He rushes out, after his announcement. I have the right to nothing: not an explanation, not a comforting word, not a gesture of compassion: he is already long gone.

My knees give way and I collapse on the floor as my first sob rings out. Followed by thousands of others…

"I can’t marry you, Alma. I love you, but I can’t…"

The eagles stop flying, they tackle my gut, famished, out of control, raging mad. Vadim has just stabbed a knife smack in the middle of my heart, but he doesn’t want to see the damage he's done. He rushes out, after his announcement. I have the right to nothing: not an explanation, not a comforting word, not a gesture of compassion: he is already long gone.