Page 2 of Virtuous Vows

I’m still a goddamn virgin, for God’s sake.

I don’t want to be a twenty-seven-year-old virgin.

And it’s not like I haven’t done other intimate things, but I planned to keep my virginity for my husband. I want to give him that because I was told, virginity is to be cherished and special.

I mean, I’m not a complete saint—I have suckedsome cocks in my life. I even had a man go down on me. However, I didn’t quite enjoy that.

But the cock sucking part? Well, I liked the power I held. I wasn’t giving them everything, but I could still dabble in being what might be considered naughty.

“Honey, are you okay?” my sister asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. I don’t particularly appreciate how Dawson arouses these feelings and curiosity. It’s like I want to explore and find myself through him because why the fuck not?

He’s so attractive.

But he’s completely off-limits.

And probably the fantasy of every other woman here.

And if I told others I’m a virgin, they’d probably laugh at me.

“Honey,” my sister repeats worriedly.

“Did I tell you that I’m still a virgin?” I ask her.

Crue coughs from behind her. I know he heard me, but I don’t care. The man’s now basically my brother, right? But he’s the type you’d never want to get on the wrong side of because you know he’ll bury you six feet under if you piss him off, family or not.

“Father said I don’t have to marry now that you’ve completed the contract between the families, and to be honest, I don’t know what to do—” I stop abruptly, realizing I’ve disclosedwaytoo much, especially on what is meant to be her special day. “I’m sorry. I’m being super insensitive.” I change the subject. “The champagne’s nice. Maybe I should get another glass.”Shutup, Honey, and stop nervously blubbering. You look like a damn idiot.

She touches my shoulder and says, “I have to go back home in a week. Do you want to come with me? To get away?”

“Princess?” Crue says quietly from behind her. “We will be fucking on every surface of our home. Are you sure you want your sister to come and stay with us?” His words are supposed to be a whisper, but I hear him clearly.

Rya turns, her expression somehow reprimanding as she kisses his cheek reassuringly. Crue huffs, and I know she’s gotten her way. It baffles me how she has this powerful and deadly man wrapped around her finger. And yet, I wouldn’t expect anything less of my sister. Hell, even I wouldn’t screw with her.

“You can at least come two days after,” he says to me as if it is his thought and agreement before he walks away.

My sister looks over to our father. “Do you want him to organize an arranged marriage for you? Because you know he will if that’s what you want.”

No, that isnotwhat I want at all. But when it’s implied your whole life that you’re to be wedded on someone else’s whim and then suddenly set free, it definitely fucks with you. I consider her offer. Despite my sister living in New York for the last fourteen years, I’d never visited her as I continued to study and kept my parents happy. But if Rya was able to find herself there, then maybe Icould have the same luck too.

What do I have to lose, right?

“I’ll come,” I tell her.

Her expression asks if I’m sure, but she doesn’t say anything at first. Then she nods, kisses my cheek, and says, “Okay, good. It will be really nice to have you there, and we can figure out the rest I’ll start your visa process so you can work. Maybe you can try for a job? It’s usually a good way to make friends in a new city.”

I’ve never worked a day in my life, but the thought seems almost exhilarating, so I answer immediately. “That sounds really good, thank you.” Maybe I could become a new me. I could have a try at my own income and support myself instead of everything being taken care of for me.

Almost simultaneously, we feel Crue’s gaze focused in our direction as he stands near the bar, ignoring those who approach him. His attention is on only one person in this room.

“Maybe we should talk more about this later,” I say, taking the obvious hint.

Rya chuckles. “Excuse me while I attend to my husband and let him fondle me.” But then she quickly adds, “Don’t stress about being a virgin, Honey. You’ll know when the time is right.”

It still shocks me that I’d blurted that out. But worse, I’ve always thought the same, and now I don’t want it to feel special. I’d held on for too long, and for what?

I make my way to the opposite self-serve bar.Grabbing a bottle of champagne, I pour myself a glass and look at the dance floor.

“Are you still thinking about my dick?” I jump and almost spill my drink. I didn’t even hear Dawson sneak up beside me. My hand presses against my chest over my rapidly beating heart.

---