Dynamite Touch

PHOENIX

‘‘Phoenix! You need to sit! You’re going to mess with your dress, hair, and makeup!’’ my best friend’s voice boomed through the room of the Italian cathedral we were in.

I snorted, “Like if I care.’’

I glanced out the tinted window; the sun shining through, creating a beautiful, colorful glow. If it weren’t because of where I was, in the situation I was in, I’d probably enjoy it much better.

The door squeaked, and I tensed, but relaxed when I saw Jeremy come in. He looked good in his charcoal tuxedo with a black tie, accentuating the dark chocolate orbs he had for eyes.

‘’Damn, you look good.’’

I rolled my eyes at him. My best friend was a bit of a player, and usually made me laugh with his compliments, but not even he could brighten my dark mood today.

‘‘Jeremy! Thank God! Can you please help me get Nix to sit? I’m going crazy here.!’’ Hazel’s hysteric voice expressed. Her hazel eyes frantically assessed my looks and her hands clutching her hair desperately.

Jeremy snickered; ‘’Come here, muffin.’’ He extended his hand in my direction, so I grabbed it and he pulled me into him, making me trip and hit my nose on his chest.

‘‘Ah! You idiot! Oh my God, I’m going to tear up hazel!’’ I shouted. Hazel is going to kill me if I ruin the makeup.

‘‘Phoenix, don’t you dare let a tear drop!’’ she ordered.

I glanced up at the ceiling, holding up my nose while Jeremy was laughing and blowing in my eyes, trying to dissipate the tears he had created.

‘‘I’m sorry, Muffin. It wasn’t in my plan to get you hurt’’ his brown eyes shone with sincerity.

’’Well, I’m blaming the carpet and these pumps.” I lifted the dress to show off a glittery pair of Valentino Garavani pumps that were strapped to my feet.

Hazel and Jeremy both laughed at my statement, both becoming serious again quickly, which only makes me more uneasy.

‘‘Nix, you know both you and Hazel are the only family I have, all I want for you is the best, and yeah, this may not be the best decision ever, I mean, you’re marrying a mob boss,’’ he rambled, so I swatted his arm annoyed and he shrieked, ‘’ I can only hope everything will be good for you, and you guys can learn to love each other… or at least tolerate, so none of you end up dead, you know.’’

“Jeremy, I think she got it, that’s enough,’’ Hazel reprimanded, her copper eyebrows furrowed deep, and pouty brown lips in a scowl.

‘‘I’m joking!’’ he lifts his arms innocently.

“Either way, Nix, we love you so very much, and you’re the most beautiful forced bride I’ve ever seen in my life,” Hazel stated, her caramel and green-infused eyes clouded with tears.

I couldn’t help myself anymore. I threw myself at them, bringing them in for a hug. Their mixed cologne and perfume drifted into my nostrils and reminded me of home.

They were my home.

“Anyhow,” Jeremy said, breaking the hug; ‘‘That’s a nice dress. When did you choose it?’’

‘‘I did not’’ I answered. “My husband-to-be did.’’

I turned, glancing at my reflection in the elegant floor-length mirror. The dress he had selected was indeed magnificent and fitted like a glove.

Waves of ivory tulle overtook the mirror, crystal embroideries in the top section, and beads clutching the light provided an extra glimmer to the dress. A front slit on the left leg, hand-beaded with a coral motif and a plunging illusion of open-back and cap sleeves with a floral appliqued overskirt.

The dress was fit for a queen, with rubies and gold accents that covered the entirety of the piece.

“He surely has taste,” Hazel observed, admiring the dress. “It makes you look regal, but romantic at the same time… perfect.’’

And she was right, it did.

The darker and lighter hues of the tulle create a marvelous sight, the small corset incrusted with the crystals… perfect for a queen.

A mafia queen, at least.

“That color really suits your caramel skin,” Jeremy pointed out.

He ran his fingers through my hair. It was down, flowing down my back in big loose curls. Delicate crystals strategically placed around creating a ‘‘Starry Night’’ on my head.

With a huff, I sat down in front of the vanity.

The door opened again; I glanced at the reflection in the mirror, refusing to turn around to greet my dad. It still pissed me off he brought me into this gigantic mess.

He smiled, looking down at the floor, almost ashamed. He should. He was basically selling his only child.

He slithered next to me, his eyes assessing my look smartly. They settled into my own eyes, which were exactly the same as his.

“You look stunning, buttercup’’ he caressed my shoulders lovingly. His eyes clouded with unshed tears; “Wish your mom was here today, so she’d see the amazing woman you’ve become’’.

A traitorous tear slipped down my cheek before I cleaned it angrily.

“Yeah, bet she would love to know that you’re selling me off, papa.”I hissed, staring straight into his eyes in the mirror.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I watched as Jeremy and Hazel left the room, leaving us alone.

‘‘I’m sorry Nix, I promise it was the only way.’’

‘‘No, dad. It was the easiest.’’

He eyed me, tears falling down his peppered beard before he cleaned them and reached for something in his pocket. He came closer and opened a little velvet box, revealing a necklace I knew all too well.

‘‘This is yours now. I know your mom wanted you to use it on your wedding day… and that’s today’’ he sniffled.

I tried to contain the fountain that was preparing to happen in my eyes.

He locked the thin diamond strap securely on the back of my neck. A beautiful rose-shaped diamond resting on my collarbones.

“Magnificent’’ He whispered.

A couple of knocks sounded on the door, and I cleaned off the tears that had spilled and tried to fix the mess I was in.

My dad backed up a couple of steps and cleared his throat: ‘‘Yeah?’’.

“Pardon me sir, but the Romano family has arrived.” Leo stuck his head in and beckoned my dad outside.

‘‘Thanks, Leo, I’ll be out in a second.” He nodded his head once and closed the door. My dad turned back to me and added, “I love you, Nix. You’re my blood and flesh. I’d always do everything in my power to protect you.’’ And with that, he exited the room.

Not long after, a regal-looking woman with pitch-black hair stepped inside. Without uttering a single word, she circled around me like a hawk waiting to attack its prey.

She smiled, apparently pleased with what she saw. She extended her perfectly manicured hand for me to shake.

“I am Isabella Romano, and you, my dear… pictures do not give you enough justice. My son is a lucky man indeed.’’

I could not believe what was happening. This woman is Alessandro’s mother… my future mother-in-law.

‘‘Come. Let me fix you up.’’ She led me to the vanity, and I sat down. She dabbed at the moisture and powdered my face until the slight redness from my tears was gone.

‘‘Never show your weakness, darling. You’re a Romano now.’’ She smiled, and I couldn’t understand the smile she gave.

Her delicate fingers rested under my chin and shifted my head so she could see my profile from all angles.

“You truly are a sight for sore eyes. I have never seen such a beautiful woman.’’

I breathed harshly. Looks like she doesn’t have a mirror then because she’s breathtaking.

The door creaked once again, but this time it was a handsome-looking boy. He couldn’t be older than 18, but he was still stunningly beautiful.

“Mamma, Alessandro wants to see his bride.’’

So he was Alessandro’s younger brother, Matteo. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on me. His eyes glowed with interest and curiosity, but his face remained expressionless, cold. Like a statue.

“Matteo, tell your brother he cannot! It’s of bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony. It’s tradition.’’ Isabella instructed.

Matteo was about to answer when a tattooed hand grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back, and an imposing figure appeared.

“Good thing non me frega niente, madre’’

(I don’t give a damn, mother)

A hoarse, manly voice articulated.

I knew that voice could only belong to him.

Alessandro Romano, vineyard owner by day, mafia don by night.

My future husband and nightmare.