Page 126 of Sinful Ruin

The hazy air, the surprise, Julian arranging all this.

He didn’t have to do it, but he did.

I glance over my shoulder at Darcy, who gives me a thumbs-up.

This is why she’s my best friend. From the moment I hugged her back, she knew I was okay with this. She may ask me questions later, but she’d never ruin a moment like this by going into interrogation mode.

The priest begins speaking.

He stutters at the beginning, his cheeks reddening as he peers at me.

I offer him a reassuring smile, confirming I’m okay with this.

Poor guy.

I’m sure crazy-ass Antonio put him through the wringer when he kidnapped him, held him at gunpoint, and forced him to officiate their wedding.

It wasn’t the weddingIattended.

No, that one was better organized and legal with another priest, who was lucky enough not to have the looming threat of death over his head.

I say my vows with Julian, surprised I can even form words.

This weird mixture of shock and excitement zips through my veins as I stare at Julian across from me. He’s dressed in a fitted black tux, a black suit vest, and a tie. With his outfit, I assumed we were going to a nice dinner, an event, or a wedding.

But notourwedding.

He hasn’t looked anywhere but at me since Father Jerome began.

His eyes are glued to me, as if he doesn’t want to miss a beat of this.

He stares as if I’m all that matters to him and he’ll deal with whatever consequences will come later.

I’ve fallen in love with those blue eyes—the rarity and beauty of them.

How they’re just as unique and wild as he is.

My heart rate picks up when Julian fishes two black velvet ring boxes from his pocket.

His hand is warm when he grabs mine, slowly slipping a diamond ring on my finger. The ring is cold, a contrast to his warmth. I don’t look at it yet, since I can’t look away from him. I want to see every expression on his face throughout this ceremony.

I take his hand next, take the diamond band from him, and slip it onto his thick finger.

This man is taken by me.

My ownership is branded on him in a loop of diamonds.

“You may kiss the bride,” Father Jerome finally says.

Julian wraps his arm around my waist, tugging me toward him, and his lips are instantly on mine.

While we’ve kissed plenty of times, it feels more real this time.

Intimate.

It feels like a hug you’ve wanted for lifetimes.

As his tongue slides into my mouth, I know this will last forever.

---