Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
My breath catches at the desire in his voice. My heart races, torn between wanting to give him everything and being overwhelmed by the intensity of it all. But this—this—is what I’ve craved. This kind of devotion. I’m his. Completely.
A tear slips down my cheek, and I let go of his hand to brush it away. Mascara and tears are never a good combo. And no, I’m not the kind of girl who thinks ahead with waterproof makeup.
“My love for you is powerful,” he continues. “Intense. And it demands that same love, that same loyalty in return.” He pauses, his fingers brushing mine. “I am yours, and you are mine, never to be shared with another. With every heartbeat, I choose you, Francesca. With every breath, I claim your soul. You are my lifeblood, my obsession, and I vow never to let anyone come between us. Not in this world, or whatever comes after it.”
He inhales deeply, releasing the breath slowly, his expression softening as he speaks.
“Wow, Damien.” My words come out barely above a whisper, too soft for the magnitude of what he’s just promised. Any doubts I had about belonging here vanish in the wake of his vows. Mine feel small in comparison, but as he holds my face and the officiant speaks, “You may now kiss your bride,” Damien brushes a soft kiss against my lips that feels like forever.
“My wife,” he growls, his voice low and possessive.
“My husband,” I reply.
He takes my hand and, turning toward the small gathering of friends and business associates, he raises our clasped hands in celebration. “Let’s celebrate.”
Neither of us has much family here, and Olivia couldn’t make it for obvious reasons, but this moment still feels complete. Like it’s exactly how it’s meant to be.
Damien pulls me back up the aisle, smiling at the well-wishers in attendance. This is my wedding, the happiest day of a woman’s life dammit, and I’m going to enjoy every minute.
“Keep it moving,” Amelia says as she pushes us the last few feet up the aisle. “You lovebirds have fifteen minutes before photos and then the reception.”
“Thank you.” I turn and, in an uncharacteristic display of affection, wrap Amelia in a hug. “Thanks for being here for me today, Ames.”
“Wouldn’t be anywhere else. Especially with those vows.” There’s something odd about her tone and it doesn’t match the smile on her face, but it’s my wedding day and I shake it off. “Go. Don’t mess up your hair or makeup.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I salute her just as Damien tugs me into the bridal suite, which is really just a small room with a full-length mirror, pushing me up against the door. “Hello, husband.”
“Wife.” The word escapes him in a low growl before his lips claim mine, kissing me deeply. His touch is possessive, his kiss commanding, and I’m helpless to do anything but surrender to the rush of pleasure that overwhelms me.
A moan slips from me as I grip the back of his head, pulling him closer because I can’t get enough. I tilt my head to the side, offering him more. My neck, my collarbone, even my shoulder. Anything he wants.
Damien’s hands attempt to crawl under my dress, but they stop with a frustrated grunt. “This dress is beautiful, and you look gorgeous in it, but right now I want to rip the damn thing in half.”
I laugh as my head falls back against the door. “That’ll give you something to think about throughout the reception.” I give his chest a shove, laughing at his disappointed expression.
“Dammit. Okay.” His shoulders drop and he uses his palms to push off the door, putting space between us. “Tonight, you’re mine.”
“I’m already yours.” The look he shoots me is so hot that I swear the lace panties under my dress go up in flames.
For the rest of the evening, it feels as if I’m floating. I can’t say I’ve been this happy since my parents were alive and even though I wish like hell they were here with me today, I lean into the joy and will remember it forever.
“You are absolutely glowing,” Amelia says when she brings me another glass of champagne. “So how does it feel being married to the man of your dreams?”
I shake my head, thinking about it. “Like I’m married to the man of my dreams, but we’ve only been married a few minutes, so I’m sure it’s going to get even better.”
“Damn straight it is.” She leans close. “There are some seriously hot rich guys here, so I’m going to go mingle and you’ll call if you need me.”
“I will.” I watch her saunter over to a cluster of Damien’s business associates with all the confidence and stealth of a jaguar. Those men won’t know what hit them in a few minutes.
Damien joins the group, shaking hands and introducing Amelia formally, which, judging by her expression, surprises her.