Page 55 of The Exception

Graham gave my hand a squeeze. “I promise to be your partner, your friend, and your husband. You are my family. I will honor our vows,” he said, giving me a meaningful look. “And I will protect you with all that I am as we honor the past, cherish the present, and preserve the future.”

I smiled. It was honest and heartfelt. And the words fit our situation perfectly.

Pierce stepped forward and offered me a ring. I took it from him and slid the gold band on to Graham’s finger. Damn. I hadn’t expected the sight of him wearing a wedding band to be so hot. Why was that so hot?

“Liliana, now it’s your turn,” the officiant said.

I took a deep breath. “I promise to stand by your side through the trials of life. You are my partner and my equal. I will be loyal and faithful, grateful for the past and excited about the future.”

There.Graham gave me a subtle nod of approval.

I met his eyes, and the enormity of what I’d just committed to started to sink in. I was his wife. He was my husband. We were married.

And yet, I didn’t feel as terrified by the thought as I’d expected to. Because this wasn’t a real marriage after all.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss,” the officiant said.

Wait. What?

I tried not to let my panic show. Our first kiss was going to be in front of an audience? Why had I not considered this earlier?

Graham placed his hand on my lower back, pulling me into him. Everything about him was so intense, so consuming, that I couldn’t look away.

He cupped my cheek, sliding his hand along my jaw. His eyes darted to my lips, and suddenly, everything felt too real. Like it wasn’t all for show.

He leaned closer, and my mind short-circuited. It was like that night in Ixtapa all over again, but it felt as if we were on the precipice of something more. Something even bigger.

Just do it. Just kiss me.

The waiting was torture. It could’ve been an eternity that passed, but it was probably only seconds. Finally, my eyes fluttered closed as he slanted his mouth over mine. A sense of peace and rightness settled over me. Confirming my decision.

His tongue briefly delved between my lips, tentative. Exploring. And my body was on fire.

He gave my hip a squeeze, and I wanted him to do so much more than that. But the sound of applause put an end to the moment. He pulled away, and all I could do was stare back at him with a dazed expression.

Whoa.

“Lil.”Lil.There it was—that nickname again. Full of ease and familiarity.

Graham held out his arm, and I slid my hand into the crook. He placed his hand over mine, and even that featherlight touch set me on fire.

“I have the pleasure of introducing Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie,” the officiant said.

Graham guided me down the aisle. “No going back now,” he murmured, his words and closeness sending a shiver down my spine.

I wouldn’t have wanted to even if I could.

“Newlyweds,” called a woman in all black. She had a camera around her neck and had been taking photos the entire time. “Can I get you back out onto the terrace for photos?”

Graham placed his hand on the small of my back. “Absolutely.”

Pierce and Jo remained inside, sipping on cocktails and canapés prepared by the private chef Graham had hired for the event. I wondered what they were talking about. I wondered if Pierce thought this whole plan was as crazy as it seemed.

I’d spoken with him some in the past, but our interactions had always been fairly limited. If he needed a meeting with Graham, I’d scheduled it. But more often than not, he contacted Graham directly.

“Right over here,” the photographer said. “That’s it.” She positioned us just so before snapping a few shots.

“Bride, hand on groom’s chest.”

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