“Sir.” George nods to the man.
“The priest is here. Follow me.” He doesn’t even greet me. Not a hello. Not nice to meet you. Nothing. He strides right past me without giving me a second look. I feel a moment of hurt when I know I shouldn’t. I stand there in a daze, my mind trying to catch up. Did he say that we’re doing this marriage thing right now? I thought I’d have time. That maybe I could talk him out of it or something. “I said to follow,” he barks. I jump, scurrying after him. George shakes his head like a disapproving parent.
We follow him down a long hall, stopping at the end. He pushes open a door. There in the center of the room is in fact a priest. My eyes travel around the rest of the room, taking every inch of it in. Every wall is covered in bookshelves. My fingers itch to grab one of the books off of them. I bet this place holds all the classics. I almost gasp out loud when I see that there is even a spiral staircase that takes you up to another floor.
“Wow.” I spin around. This room is a freaking dream. “I could live in here.”
“You will be living here,” the deep voice rumbles, causing a flutter to go up my spine. I turn back around, having gotten lost in the moment. “Here.” He points at the ground next to him.
“I’m not a dog,” I mumble as I move to stand there. George hides his laugh with a cough.
“No, you’re going to be my wife.”
I peek up at him through my lashes as the priest starts to talk. I can’t believe this is really happening.
“Your hand, Fawn.” Right. I lift my hand as he slips a ring onto my finger. My mouth drops open a bit when I get a good look at the ring. It’s a giant purple sapphire that is surrounded by diamonds. It’s beautiful. He hands me a simple gold band. I stare at it dumbfounded for a moment. “Put it on me,” he growls, holding his hand out.
My hand shakes as I grab a hold of his and then slip the ring onto his thick finger with my other. I have a fleeting sense of relief that I can’t explain. As though something inside of me has finally settled. Maybe I’m just happy that it’s over with. That has to be it. He grunts with satisfaction. The sound makes everything inside of me perk up. What the hell?
“You may kiss the bride.” Before I can register what is said, he grabs me, wrapping his arm around me as his mouth comes down onto mine.
Soft is my first thought. I didn’t expect for his lips to be soft. His mouth moves against mine until I find myself opening for him. The kiss becomes possessive as though he is trying to claim me. And for a few moments I let him do exactly that.
I pull back, gasping for air, my lips feeling swollen. A slow smile spreads across his face. I was right, it does make him more handsome. Not that it matters. He’s the devil, and I’d do best to remember that. I try to step back but realize that my fingers are clinging to his shirt. I quickly drop them away. His smile leaves his face and is instantly replaced with a look I can’t explain. I watch as he licks his lips. My nipples tighten against my will at the sight. What the hell is happening here?
“I just need you both to sign here.” I jerk my gaze back to the priest. I’d completely forgotten about him. Heat rushes to my face, knowing he not only witnessed us taking our vows but the small make out session that happened after. Hell, at least I look the part of a willing bride at this point.
Roman takes the pen and paper from his hand before walking over to a table and signing it. He then turns his attention back on me, holding the pen out for me to do the same. I walk over, taking it from him. I stare down at the marriage license. I’m married. It was something I’d always wanted. But I never imagined that this would be the way it happened. As I sign my name, I know I’m signing away a life I’ve dreamed about since I was a little girl. One that included true love.
Roman lets out another one of his approving grunts, handing the paper back to the priest. “She’ll need a name change as soon as possible.”
“What? Why? That wasn't part of…” I stop talking when he levels me with a look that tells me this isn’t up for discussion. I glare right back at him, letting him know I’m not happy. You know what that handsome jerk does? He smirks! I’m not sure why I even care about the name change. It’s not as if I want my father’s name, but still.