Page 22 of Pirate's Plunder

“Actually, that’s a common misconception. The Catholic Church does not, in fact, recognize divorce. Well, not in the sense of dissolving a valid marriage. It teaches that the Sacrament of Marriage is a lifelong commitment, therefore making divorce a big fat fucking no. So again I say, are you sure’cause this shit is soul deep permanent.” I see his head moving back and forth between us, but neither of us looks his way.

We’re both way too busy in this battle of wills to blink, let alone look away.

“Do it,” Zek grits out.

“Dearly beloved,” he starts, and someone slams something, making me jump, finally breaking off the stare.

“You might want to read this first.” A tall bald man slaps a folder on the counter I got the microwave off of.

That’s when I noticed the destruction I had caused in the room. I covered my mouth as I surveyed the room. Zek moved to see what had been brought in, but didn’t let go of me for a moment.

The death grip he has on me is both comforting and annoying at the same time.

“This changes things,” the bald guy says.

“Nah, this makes it even sweeter.” Zek sounds excited, and that sends a chill down my spine.

“That paperwork is about me, isn’t it?” His grin doesn’t budge when he turns back to me.

“Sure fucking does and it’ll only cost you two words to find out how.” I narrow my eyes at him.

“Fuck you?” He chuckles with a nod.

“Close, I do.” He nods at Padré, who starts the classic wedding speech all over again.

“Dearly beloved...”

Chapter Thirteen

Pirate

“Do you, Ezekiel Maldonado, take…What’s your name, sweetheart?” I roll my eyes at my cousin.

“I do. Stop flirting with my wife.” I hiss at him.

“She ain’t shit until I sign off on it. So stop interrupting me.” If he weren’t family, I’d shoot him right now.

Sad part is I’d miss the asshole.

“I’m not giving you shit,” Genesis smiles smugly like that will stop this from happening.

“Genesis Rose Santos,” Spector supplies from where he’s glaring at the whole scene.

His disapproval of my plan is dripping off him in waves.

“A Spanish Rose in Harlem.” Flip smiles as he taps the paperwork he brought in a moment ago.

“Do you, Genesis Rose Santos, take Ezekiel as your wedded husband. To have and to hold, through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?” I watch Genesis’s face closely.

“No,” she smiles sweetly at me.

I lean in and whisper in her ear so that my men can’t hear what I have to say.

“Alfonso put a hit out on you. I’m the only chance you’ve got, Preciosa. I’d rethink that answer.” I pull back and take her hands in mine.

I wait as everyone watches us. Her face turns red and then loses all color. She glances at the folder on the counter and then back at me. I nod so she knows I’m completely serious.

“I do.” I pull her into my arms and kiss her without prompting.

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