Chapter 10
JESSICA
What. The. Hell? Standing before me, in all his imposing glory, is the man from last night. It has to be. Though his face was covered, there’s no denying his intense brown gaze as he looks down at me.
He smiles as if he wants to devour me right then and there. How could this have happened? One night. I was only with this Alpha for one freaking night. We didn’t even have sex! And yet, he’s the one I’m paired with?
I was with Alec for a few years and nothing. None of this makes sense. I should have been far more compatible with Alec as opposed to this kinky bastard. Glancing down at his outstretched hand, I contemplate taking it.
If I take his hand, it’s done. The deal is sealed. I’m his for six months. Six months with a man who likes things rough and depraved. Six months with a guy who isn’t Alec. Six months where another Alpha will want to possess my virginity.
Granted, it’s not as if I have a choice. I’ve never investigated what the punishments were for saying no to the Governing Body. And it’s not like I have friends who have refused. So I’m going in blind. I have no clue what they’ll do to me. Fines? Jail?
Before, I didn’t even think about saying no. Now, I’m wondering which prison will be worse. At least with this Alpha, I’ll get to experience pleasure instead of only suffering. That has to be worth something, right?
My fingers tremble as I reach out and take his hand. It feels so warm and strong in my grasp. Secure. Just like last night, he seems confident, as if he knows what he’s doing. That makes one of us.
“Oh just get up there, already,” Kessily barks out, dispelling the gathering tension.
Everyone chuckles as I turn and shoot her a glare. Of course, she’s happy about this pairing. It’s her best friend and some Alphahole she knows from the club. What’s not to be happy about?
Though she’s never said anything mean about Alec, she sure didn’t seem as enthusiastic as she does now.
Perhaps I should take a cue from her and actually give this a try?
My heart shatters, sending agonizing shards through my chest as I allow my new husband, or is it Master, to help me up the stairs so I can join him.
Looking out into the crowd, I note Kessily’s enormous grin. Handing off her bouquet to one of my other bridesmaids, she gives me a thumbs up, all while flashing her signature wide smile. On the other side of the aisle, I see a few men standing there, all as strong, silent, and sure as Devin.
Are they Dominants from the club, too? Perhaps I’ll ask when we’re done. So many thoughts continue to pound in my brain, nonsensical musings that no one in their right mind would care about. I’m so caught up that I almost miss the officiant telling everyone to sit.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together to watch as I join this Alpha and omega together in holy matrimony. Remember, though this is only for six months, it is a legally binding marriage.”
I almost snort as he says this. Right. Because that’s something I’ll easily forget. Once that ring is on my finger, we have to make it work, come hell or high, kinky water.
Turning to me, the officiant smiles, his grin not quite going up to his eyes. “Allow me to present to you, Devin Adler. What his friends want you to know is-”
“That he’s a kinky sumbitch,” Kessily cries out as the men on the other side turn red as they try to hold back their laughter.
“Please,” Devin barks out, sliding a glare over to her. “Leave my mother out of it.”
“May we have decorum, please?” The poor officiant wipes his face as he looks at everyone in the audience in turn. “This is an official proceeding and will be treated as such.”
“Sorry, boss,” Kessily laughs. “Just trying to help you out.”
“Try less.” Shaking his head, he clears his throat and turns back to me.
“What his other friends and family wish for you to know is that he is a good, kind-hearted, strong, and dependable Alpha. He will never think twice before helping someone out. To have him for a husband means you’ll have the most loyal man you can ever hope to marry. ”
My heart pounds in my chest as Devin looks down at me, his expression earnest. Maybe I could have done worse for a husband? But then, there is all this messy kinky business we’ll have to talk about .
The officiant turns to Devin. “May I present to you, Jessica Langley.” Pausing, he gives Kessily a glare.
Instead of saying a word, she shrugs and pretends to zip her lips before grabbing her bouquet back.
“What Jessica’s friends and family would like you to know about her is that she can be a little bit of a workaholic. It’s an escape for her at times that she’ll use to get out of certain family obligations.”
My mouth drops open as I process what was said. That’s what they have to say about me? Devin gets all these praises and accolades, and I get workaholic?
“I object!” Kessily cries out, her lips turned down into a frown.
This time, the officiant’s face turns so red, I’m a tad worried about his health. “Madam, I will eject you from these proceedings if you cannot be quiet.”
“No. I don’t know who you interviewed, but it wasn’t any of us. Let me guess. It was her mother?”
“I’m not at liberty-”
“Oh, you don’t have to say,” she growls, handing her bouquet off again as she storms up to the stairs. “I know exactly how that woman feels about Jess.”
Ignoring the officiant, she stands next to me and crosses her arms. “Let me tell you what she’s really like. She is sweet. Kindhearted to a fault. She’s always putting others’ needs before her own.” With a frown, she turns her gaze to me. “Often to her detriment. She’s willing and eager to please.”
“Not like that,” I cry out, trying to cut her off.
“Exactly like that,” Kessily counters. “Treat her right, and she will make you the happiest Alpha on the planet. I love this girl like my own flesh and blood. Don’t you dare fuck this up. ”
Devin crosses his arms and looks down at her. “Is that all?”
Kessily’s eyes tear up as she leans over and hugs me. “I promise you. Devin is a good guy and a great Dom. If you open yourself up to him, he’ll make you so fucking happy.”
Tears dot my eyes as I hug her back, clutching her close. “I love you hardcore.”
“Hardcore, bestie.” With a final squeeze, she heads back down and takes her place amongst the rest of the bridal party.
“May I proceed?” the officiant seethes.
She gives an elaborate bow, making me smile again. There’s no room for tears when Kessily is at the helm.
“Now then. Since we’ve had a lot of complaints about this not being a proper ceremony because of the lack of rings, we’ve decided to add it in. So, at this point in the ceremony, you will exchange the rings you picked out earlier.”
I slide the ring off the bouquet and hold it in my palm. It’s warm from where I’ve had a stranglehold on the stems, but it feels solid. Just like the man in front of me. Though I wasn’t sure what type of ring he’d like, I picked out something I wouldn’t mind seeing on him.
Granted, I chose it with Alec in mind. Perhaps that wasn’t the best idea, seeing as the man in front of me is nothing like him. Shame floods my body as I pull my hand back, not wishing for him to see.
“Don’t worry, Jessica,” he murmurs. “I am not so hard to please. Besides, there’s nothing saying we can’t pick out something else later if we wish.”
Right. He does have a point. These rings were chosen for strangers. Perhaps once we get to know each other, they’ll either seem like the perfect fit or we choose something else .
Sliding my hand forward, I turn it palm up to let him see the ring. It’s a simple silver band with a black edging. Something masculine. Gritting my teeth, I ease it over his ring finger and gasp.
Though I picked it out for Alec, it looks like it belongs on Devin. Honestly, now that I see it on him, the other options just wouldn’t have looked good. Somehow, I made the right choice.
He holds up his hand and smiles, moving it back and forth. “It suits me. But what do you think? You’re the one who’s going to have to live with it on me.”
“For six months, at least.” As the words leave my mouth, I hold my hand over my lips. “I didn’t mean-”
“Yes, you did,” he growls, a small smile teasing the edges of his lips. “But I don’t hold it against you.” He slides in closer, wrapping his arm about my waist and drawing me in. “I’d rather hold something else against you instead.”
Heat fans my face as I try to push him away, but Devin holds firm. How easy would it be to just relax into his arms, soaking in the strength he wears like a second skin? Would it really be so bad to give in?
Before I can make up my mind, he releases me and holds out his hand. “I’m most anxious to see what you think.”
When he opens his hand, I drag in a quick breath.
Though I’m not sure what rings they had for him to choose from, this is most like the one I would have chosen.
Where his is thick and manly, mine is thin, delicate, with a beautiful marquise cut diamond in the center.
Tiny diamonds go down the sides, making it a truly stunning piece.
My vision blurs as he slides it over my finger. Why does it have to be so perfect? Why does he? The moment he lets me go, I bring it closer to my face so I can inspect it.
It has to have some flaw. It just has to. But no. It’s perfect.
“Now then, Mr. Devin and Miss Jessica. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Though you are not required to kiss, you may do so if you wish.”
Devin smiles down at me, his eyes darkening. “I’m going to kiss you, my lovely little bride. Now is your only chance to say no.”
The word hovers on my lips, but I can’t say it. I ache to be in his arms again and feel his lips against mine. Ever since leaving the club, I’ve wanted to be back by his side. And now I am. Possibly forever.
Sweeping me up into his arms, he tilts my chin up and gazes into my eyes for a moment. “Good. No protest.” He slants his lips over mine, kissing me with a ferocity I’ve never felt before.
It’s as if he’s devouring me. His tongue forces its way past my lips and teeth to tangle with my tongue. How is it he was holding back so much at the club yesterday?
Every inch of me tingles as he commands me with this kiss. As much as I dreaded the idea of him dominating me as my husband, I find myself melting toward the notion. If it’s anything like last night, it can’t be that bad… Right?
Around us, our friends whoop and holler, no doubt taking yet another year off of the officiant’s life. Scooping me up, he cradles me to his chest. “How about we split this joint and go on our honeymoon?”
Shocked, I pull back and look up at him. “Honeymoon? But I have work. I-”
“You better not think one more thing about work,” Kessily snaps. “They all will know you got married today. We can handle a week or two without you. Now go get fucked!”
Again, that niggle of unease slithers through me as Devin’s chuckle vibrates along my skin. Get fucked. I guess that’s bound to happen at some point. Might as well be on my honeymoon.
Doing my best to distract my mind, I fiddle with Devin’s tie. “Where are we going?”
“Well, that depends. Do you do better with surprises or knowing what’s going to happen?”
“While I do love a good surprise, I don’t think I can handle any more at the moment. Can’t you just tell me?”
He sets me down next to a sleek black car and unlocks the door for me. “We, my dear, are going to Santorini, Greece.”
Blood drains from my face. Santorini. That’s where Alec is. That’s where I was supposed to be. What twist of fate is this?
“We’re going like tomorrow, right? Maybe sometime next week? I mean, it will take time to get flights, hotels-”
“Already done. I have friends and connections. Don’t worry. Anything we need, we’ll get while we’re there.”
The smile he gives me is blinding, making my gut churn. I can’t tell him. Not now. Not after he’s gone through all this trouble. Staring out the window, I watch as the coastline whips past.
This is bad. This is very, very bad.
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The End… For Now