By the time the wedding ceremony is taking place, his suit is miraculously clear from his brother’s blood and his hands are patched up. He’s easily the most imposing man in the room, standing in front of the altar and waiting to pledge his devotion to me.
Our gazes connect and for a moment I forget to breathe. There’s only him and me in this cathedral.
He clasps my hand in his calloused one. Andrew had baby soft hands that were perfectly manicured. My man has dirt under his nails and for some crazy reason, it makes me want to trust him.
When the officiant asks Brennon if he takes me as his wife, he keeps his voice quiet. I’m pretty sure he murmured something about ice cream. Even if he did, it never shows on the officiant’s face. He breezes right on by as if everything is normal. But I see the frustration flicker across Brennon’s face before he hides it.
I squeeze his hand in return, wanting him to know it’s OK. I’d be frustrated if I struggled to talk too. Suddenly, I remember the way Andrew mocked his brother’s inability to speak. I thought he was making fun of the fact that he was from the mountains. Now that I know the truth, anger burns in me.
Brennon might be my enemy, but he deserves to be treated like a person. He deserves respect and kindness.
The officiant announces that it’s time to kiss the bride then my groom is leaning in. I brace myself for the kind of sloppy, aggressive kiss that would come from Andrew. But this is different.
Brennon’s lips are gentle against mine and he cups the back of my head, deepening the kiss. I forget about everything when his tongue sweeps into my mouth. About the wedding and our audience and my dad’s problems. There’s only Brennon, sweetly stroking my tongue and making a soft groan. My nipples harden to sharp points and my panties go damp as I imagine what his tongue would feel like on other areas of my body.
It’s over too soon. He pulls away, his blue eyes glittering as he stares down at me. Arousal and desire and something I can’t define mix in his gaze. Relief fills me at knowing I’m not the only one affected so deeply.
We’re announced as man and wife while I stand frozen in place. This isn’t like I thought it would be. I thought the world would feel as if it were ending. But it feels like my world was in gray and is now in brilliant hues of color. All thanks to the sexy mountain man beside me.
Brennon puts a hand on my back. The heat from his skin burns through the thin material of my dress and I look to him. He gives the slightest nod before guiding me down the aisle as all of the high society people applaud us.
Wedding pictures are next, and I spend the next hour in my fancy dress and my high heels that are worth a small fortune. It’s strange to me to think that some people live this way. I could buy a luxury car for what these custom designed shoes cost.
The wedding planner has spent our entire shoot hassling the photographers and making sure the lighting is just right. She finally turns her barracuda gaze on me. “Ten minutes to change before you’ll be in the limo and on your way to the reception hall.”
I’ve just been granted a reprieve, and I don’t have to be told twice. Gathering up my skirts, I hurry toward the bridal suite. I’m blessedly alone and close my eyes in relief. All I want is to change into my faded yoga pants, grab a cup of steaming tea, and get lost in a smutty romance.
But that’s not happening today so I square my shoulders. I remind myself that I’m doing this for my father. That I’ll find a way to get through this marriage with Brennon. Although after that kiss, I’m not so sure that our marriage will be a hardship.
I manage to extricate myself from the dress but just barely. I thought I would have to call for help but by some miracle, I got free. I glance at my reflection in the mirror. My white lace bra does nothing to hide my sharp nipples.
For just a moment, I consider sliding my fingers between my thighs, I’m already swollen. It wouldn’t take much for me to satiate this hunger. All those moments with Andrew and never once did I feel anything stir. But one look from sexy Brennon and my panties turn to ash.
As if he knows I’m thinking about him, there’s a loud, authoritative knock on the door then my handsome husband is barreling through. I love the way that tuxedo jacket is too tight around his arms and shoulders, like he’s about to bust the seams at any moment.