C28 A Stolen Kiss

Stefano's grip on her elbow tightened a steel band that pinned her arm to his side. Nadia's initial flinch was met with an unyielding pressure that stole the breath from her lungs. "Smile," he hissed, his voice a low growl barely audible above the crowd's murmur. "You are the bride, act like it"

The word hung in the air, a bitter mockery of the situation. A bride, she thought