I forgot about the kiss.
I forgot his lips will have to meet mine to seal our pretend holy matrimony.
I’m not ready for any of it, as he sweeps me into his arms and plants his lips over mine. My mind spins as the feel of his mouth causes my whole body to ignite like a wildfire, spreading and incinerating every part of my being.
Blood pumps through my veins at a rapid pace, and Draven moans, ravishing my mouth, swiping his tongue against mine.
I cling to him, so I don’t fall over, and he steadies me.
He breaks the kiss suddenly and the sound of cheering fills the night air.
I’m spellbound, still feeling the brand of his lips on mine, trying desperately to catch my breath.
Thank god I won’t have to kiss him ever again.
A small part of me is sad at that thought, and I glance over at Draven’s smiling face. Can he read my mind?
I touch my lips, remembering the way his plush lips felt, wondering if we could try that once more.
For the mirage.
To play the part.
It’s all make believe.
“Allison, I’d like you to meet Rao Tavian, king of the Tavian Clan.”
I don’t know if I should curtsy or shake his hand. “Nice to meet you,” I say, bowing my head slightly to the stunning man in a navy suit. Ebony hair falls almost to his emerald eyes… which are not looking at me with friendliness.
“It’s so nice to meet you. This was a quick romance,” Rao says with a heavy accent.
“It blossomed rather abruptly,” I say. “Yet, I couldn’t be happier.” I fake a smile, hoping he can’t see right through my charade.
Draven’s hand lands at the small of my back. I can’t say I mind it at all. In fact, it’s nice having him here by my side as I meet person after person. I’ve never met so many people in all my life, and my face aches from smiling so much.
“We should get together soon. Maybe I’ll visit you at Draven’s castle,” Rao says.
Draven gives him a curt nod. “If we can tear ourselves away from the master suite. We may need a hundred years alone to ourselves.” He chuckles, and Rao follows suit.
I laugh along with them, trying to pretend my new husband didn’t just say he’d like to ravish me.
“It’s been a long time,” a male voice with the same accent says from behind me.
Draven and I both turn.
A sinister-looking older man with balding black hair stands there. He holds out his hand for Draven to shake, but Draven ignores it, raking his eyes down the man’s gray suit and red power tie.
“Hello,” I say, when neither of them says a word after staring into each other’s eyes longer than normal.
“Hello, my darling. You look lovely.” His cold voice trickles down my spine like ice, leaving chills in its wake.
“Thank you.” I’m not sure how to act, so I figure I’ll go with politeness until told otherwise.
“This is him,” Draven says in my mind.
Ah, the dangerous man this charade is for.
Draven smiles. “Bogdan, so happy you’re here. Meet my new bride, Allison.”