CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
DANA
Dana gave into Rux when it came to planning their wedding. She was a woman of average means with a career that did pay her a sufficient amount but nothing over the top. But her fiancé convinced her that she was allowed to have one day full of extravagance and indulgence because she deserved it.
Dana was slowly learning that, yes, she did deserve good things and that she was allowed to seek pleasure when it was presented to her. A few good rounds in the sheets with Rux had managed to do that easily.
They agreed to have the ceremony in the field of what was her and Rux’s manor. It was a foggy evening, the sun filtering through the clouds across the soft linen aisle. Dana invited most of her coworkers, along with a few select students and their parents.
She saw Dennis and Jennifer as she greeted the guests, thrilled that they had reconnected so beautifully. Dennis held her hand with both of his, squeezing it hard with gratitude.
“Thank you so much, Dana,” he said with tears in his eyes. “How can I ever repay both you and your fiancé?”
Dana smiled down at Jennifer, then looked back at Dennis.
“Just make sure this one gets the right education,” she remarked, pointing at Jennifer.
They all hugged and then departed to take their seats in the audience, giving Dana time to get ready for the ceremony.
Dana wore an expensive French dress that moved along the valleys of her curves, resting along her breasts and showing off some sensual cleavage.
Dana was trembling as she began walking down the aisle. She saw Rux standing there, his big and obvious form, sporting a three-piece, baby-blue suit. He stood out like a sore thumb, grinning widely, making her feel the entire power of the universe at the center of her heart.
She saw his glassy, moon-shaped eyes glimmering at her, and everything was suddenly all right.
The minister spoke briefly to the spectators, and then they were asked to read their vows. Dana knew that her words would pale in comparison to her obscenely romantic fiancé, but lord, she was going to do her best.
She took out a sheet of paper from her bra and then realized her hands were shaking. Rux gave her a nod and pursued his lips, and she breathed in deeply before opening her mouth.
Nothing had ever made her that nervous, but she knew, finally, that those feelings no longer meant anything terrible was going to happen.
“Rux,” she said, trying to make her voice loud. “There aren’t many words available for me to describe what you have meant to me, what you have done, but I’m sure you somehow found them. With all your strength and power, I cannot believe sometimes how beautifully passionate and amorous you are.”
The crowd let out a rollicking laugh and applause. Rux grinned, looking as stunningly handsome as ever.
“And that’s why I know I will love you forever,” Dana said, trying her best to keep her makeup from running down her cheeks.
It was Rux’s turn, and all he did was grab her hands and hold them tightly over his chest. He rubbed and moved them in circles as she felt his heart beating in sync with hers.
“The best poem that I could ever write you,” Rux began, “is the one that replicates the beat of my heart. Because it can and will only sing for you.”
Dana was shocked, dazzled, and ridiculously swept off her feet.
Someone in the crowd stood and started clapping, which made everyone else roar with applause.
The minister announced that they were husband and wife, and Rux pulled her in. She smiled as they kissed, much to the delight of their jubilant patrons.
They spent the entire night holding hands, mingling with Rux’s mother, charming sister, and a handful of his business friends.
She watched him the entire night, a bright and loving smile never leaving his gorgeous face. She loved being with her friends, having a few drinks, and dancing, but she could only think of their time alone.
It lingered on her mind like something delicious, teasing her with its rich sweetness.
They each had a fair amount to drink, and the later the night became, the more liquid courage Rux developed.
He leaned on her shoulder with his chin at their secluded table, watching as the rest of their guests danced and drank in front of them.
Dana smiled and leaned her head against his, and he slurred his words a little.