Lonzo: Book 1 (Tycoon Series Book 1) by Kat Madrid

really hate being left standing dressed in white tomorrow. I have to hunt you down if you do. I happen to be very good with that. Just a little warning. A pleasure meeting you at last,” she gracefully said.
    He gave a non-committal grin in reply.
    Still smiling, she turned and walked toward her future mother-in-law, leaving them alone.
    He had to admit, he had expected a cosmetically-enhanced, money-grabbing bimbo. He didn’t expect his friend’s future wife to be this saucy. Rocco’s exes were known for their sexual capabilities, not their sense of humor.
    He glanced at Rocco. He wanted to punch his friend for putting him in an awkward situation.
    When Melissa was out of hearing range, they turned to walk and it was Rocco’s turn to ask.
    “Well, what do you think of Mel?”
    “You were right. Not your usual fare—”
    “I told you she was different,” he said proudly.
    “Please, I’ve only known the woman for less than ten minutes. Not enough for me to form an opinion.”
    Rocco snickered. “Oh, really? You have a lot to say about her before you even saw her. Come on, Lonzo. Give me your best anti-marriage shot. You have to admit, I have chosen well.”
    He sneered. “You’re whipped. Had to agree, she’s different all right. For once she’s not after your money and Zia Maria really likes her. But still, you’ve known her for a relatively short time.”
    “That’s not the point. What difference does time make? Nothing. What’s important is, I’m in love with her,” Rocco declared with so much raw emotion which surprised him.
    He itched to hit the back of Rocco’s head to drive some sense into his friend. Six months ago, Rocco would rather be caught dead than say those flowery words. Now he was spewing love words like a besotted swain. What the fuck happened here?
    They continued to walk silently until they reached the stables at the back of the property.
    “Lonz, you may think this is all foolish. Damn, I didn’t even think I’ll be marrying anyone. I’ve tried to run from the marriage trap. We’re too alike, you and I. But I have to say, meeting Mel is the best thing that ever happened to me. We just…clicked. We just do…on so many levels that I simply can’t imagine my life without her. True love really exists, Lonz. Don’t scoff at it.”
    “True love? Give me a break, Rocco. You don’t really believe that.”
    Rocco smiled at him. “You know what? It’s everything that it’s being touted to be…you’ll never know what hit you until it’s too late.”
    He snorted. “Bollocks!”
    His friend just shook his head at him.
    “No, it’s not. So stop trying to ruin my wedding, Lonz. I know what I am getting myself in for. I want this and I need her. ”
    Lonzo realized that convincing his friend against marriage was an exercise in vain. The guy’s mind was really made up.
    He failed. He sighed in defeat. For now.
    “So how many will be witnessing you wear the shackles tomorrow?” he asked, changing the topic.
    “Why? You afraid I’ve invited your exes? I was really tempted at one point but I was overruled by Mama and Mel. Or were you asking me indirectly if Mel’s maid-of-honor’s here?”
    He shrugged. He couldn’t care less for Mel’s bestfriend. He intended to leave the place as soon as the ceremony was over. He won’t be hovering.
    “Lonz, I’ll wait for the day when you will finally eat your words. It only takes one woman, the right woman to topple you from your tower of crap.”
    Lonzo laughed. His friend was really brainwashed in the cult of true love. Dimwit.
    “Then you shall wait in vain, my friend. Hell will freeze over first.”
    Rocco stared back in exasperation. Then his friend checked the time.
    “We have to go or else we will be late.”
    “Late for what?”
    “Dinner…what else? My dear mother is hosting it. You know how a stickler for punctuality she is.”
    “Man, do I have to make an appearance? I know all your relatives already.”
    “Sorry,