The Mafia & the Diplomat

Chapter II - An Italian Wedding

Amarantha

With a light touch on my back, he guides me along the garden path and onto a clearing where a formal garden is laid out. Rose bushes are lined up and boxed in with hedges. The centre path is lined with close to 300 chairs, all decorated and filled with the most extravagant looking people I have ever seen in my life. Men with dark or silver hair are dressed in black tailored suits. The women all look like they've stepped straight out of fashion magazines with dresses and hats that probably cost more than anything I own combined. A handful of smartly dressed servants are flitting around the space, making sure everything is taken care of. All except the photographer it would seem.

At the end of the formal garden there is a romantic white pavilion, covered in flowers. Beneath stands the groom with several groomsmen and bridesmaids. All eyes are fixed on Laurence and I, and my nerves make me tremble. Laurence seems to notice and lays his warm hand more firmly on my back, his thumb drawing small soothing circles beneath my hair.

"It will be okay. I am taking you to Camilo first, the bridegroom." He says in a low whisper and as we walk, I catch his mother's eyes, who gives me an encouraging smile.

Camilo looks far more nervous than I do, which actually calms me. He needs help and I can help him. The adrenaline pumping through me now has a purpose. Camilo eyes me wearily with his dark eyes. With the same strong yet elegant facial features, it is obvious he and Laurence are related.

"You're not the photographer." He says nearly accusingly as he takes me in.

"The photographer you hired is a lying bastard and will be dealt with. This is Amarantha, who has very kindly offered to help you out. Don't bite her head off." Laurence responds instantly and there is an edge to his voice. Camilo seems to hear it too and now eyes his cousin with the same weary look.

"I can't believe this."

"I know, but now is not the time. I'll assist Amarantha where I can today so you and Francisca can have some beautiful photos. You can thank her later."

Camilo turns back to me, curious.

"Amarantha?"

"Yes, that's what you get with botanist parents. Rose or Lily was too basic. But you can call me Amara. I am sorry about your photographer. I'll try my best for you."

My dig at my parent's naming choice brings some humour as it usually does, and there finally is a smile tugging at the nervous groom's mouth. I see him relax slightly and catch Laurence's gaze, who too appears amused and even grateful.

"Well, thank god you decided to come by Amara. I owe you. You're at liberty to shout at us all day if it means getting one good shot." Camilo tells me and straightens his tie before turning to one of his groomsmen. "Can you tell Valentina that Francisca can come?"

The man gives a small nod and dials a number. Laurence turns back to me and walks me to the side of the pavilion with view of the guests.

"I am sure you'll get more than one good shot." He says and I raise a brow.

"How do you know?" He gives me another once over, and I can feel the heat of his stare.

"You've been holding that camera as if it's an extension of yourself. I think you'll be fine." I grin back.

"And I have never had an assistant before. This might even be fun."

He actually laughs aloud at that.

"Oh I'll make it fun, I promise." He winks and I feel my cheeks heat at his suggestive tone.

Before I can react, he turns to the crowd.