Free Bleeding Heart by Alannah Carbonneau Page B

it?”
    “I do,” I paused. “But I’ve never really worn anything like it.”
    “I know.” He said matter of fact. “But you’ll wear it for me today, love.”
    Slowly, I nodded. “I will.”
    The cobalt of his eyes turned dark as a bang sounded on the door of his bedroom and a female voice rang out. “Calix McKnight, you open this door right now!”
    I frowned, stunned. “Is that Gabriella?”
    Calix growled. “Yes.”
    I watched him prowl from the room before shaking off the stunned sensation creeping through my body, to follow him. I saw Calix open the door of his bedroom and then I saw Gabriella sweep into the room in a soft purple gown. It really was lovely, and she looked lovely, but she also looked stern enough to make me wonder why she was here.
    “We have two hours before Nova is expected to walk down the aisle, Calix. I’ve been waiting all morning to get my hands on her.” She plopped her fists onto her hips. “Now, get out.”
    Calix raised a brow. “I was just showing her the dress. I can help her into it.”
    Gabriella raised a brow right back at him. “You will not be helping her into that gown, Calix McKnight.”
    “And why is that?”
    I squeaked. “It’s bad luck.”
    Calix swung his head to pin me with his eyes. “You believe in that crap?”
    “I do.” I nodded. “It’s bad enough that you’ve seen the dress before the wedding day, but it would be twice as bad if you saw me in the dress - before the wedding.”
    He rolled his eyes. “It’s myth.”
    “It’s tradition!” Gabriella snapped, pointing to the door. “Out.”
    Calix grinned. Shaking his head, he walked determinedly across the room to me. Looping his arm around my waist, he pulled me against his chest before dipping his head to whisper-growl in my ear. “Don’t encourage her, love.”
    I giggled at the play in his tone and he kissed the tip of my nose.
    Gabriella sighed heavily, audibly. “Calix. Out.”
    “I’m going, grandma.” Calix huffed.
    “Don’t you sigh at me, Calix!”
    Calix disappeared into the closet only to reappear with a black leather bag. Obviously, he’d been expecting Gabriella to kick him out of his room this morning, as he was so readily prepared. “I’ll see you at the altar, love.” Calix smiled gently and I nodded, feeling uncertain and determined at the very same time.
    “Kay,”
    He stiffened. “You good?”
    I could see in his eyes that if he thought I wasn’t good, he’d kick bad luck to the curb before kicking Gabriella out of his room. I didn’t want that. I might not be good, and without Calix next to me, I might start thinking of reasons why I shouldn’t marry him, but I also didn’t want to ruin any part of this day. The wedding would happen and although I wished I could have my family present, I had no desire not to make this day as perfect as it could be.
    Slowly, I smiled and nodded. “I’m good.”
    He released a breath I hadn’t even noticed he’d been holding. “Are you sure?”
    “Calix!” Gabriella appeared beside me. “She’s fine. She’ll see you in under two hours. Get out.”
    Calix didn’t remove his eyes from my face, so I said again. “I’m fine, Calix. Really.”
    He nodded, moving from the room. And I instantly wished he were here with me again.
    ***
    Gabriella ushered me into the bathroom, combing through my long hair. For a woman who I assumed had stylists at her beck and call, she really was very talented with hair, and I would later find out, makeup.
    “How did you do this?” I marveled in the mirror at the elegant up-do she’d twisted my hair into after curling every strand to perfection. I was wearing my hair in a low bun, and although I rarely wore my hair up, I actually really liked it. Curls framed my face gently and a little pearled hairpiece had been placed above the bun where the veil would sit.
    “I’ve always loved working with my hands. Beauty has always been an interest of mine.” She beamed at me in the mirror.