Page 100 of The King of Hearts

What I can’t get over and will never forgive him for is the threats he’s made to my family and the people involved in TheRaven Group. Nothing means more to me than my family, and that extends to the people within the organization.

After checking over my makeup and hair one more time, Emersyn deems me ready. I look at the time on my phone and see it’s time to go. Mom gives me another tearful hug before we leave the room, Em holding the train of my dress. It’s quiet downstairs as we approach the top of the staircase. Everyone is outside. My nerves get the better of me, and my knees shake. I grip the banister with a trembling hand so I don’t tumble down them.

At the bottom of the stairs, Dad is there. Seeing him dressed so handsomely in his black suit, hair slicked stylishly to the side, head tipped back while he watches me descend the stairs with an expression filled with love and pride, it all makes me want to rush down the stairs and throw myself into his arms.

Dad has always been my hero. There’s only been once when he failed in his job of protecting me. The week I went missing when I was thirteen was a terrifying experience, but in some ways, I think it was harder on my parents. Especially Dad. He blames himself for not protecting me, and no matter how many times and different ways I’ve told him he wasn’t responsible, he won’t accept that truth.

I know he blames himself for my current situation as well, and I hate that he does. Ryker is ruthless in the things he wants, and there’s nothing Dad could have done to prevent this from happening. For whatever reason, Ryker wanted me, and he did what was necessary to ensure that outcome. He found one of my only weaknesses and used it against me. The love of my family.

I put on a brave face as I take the last few steps and smile up at Dad when I stand in front of him.

“Wow, Dad. You look pretty damn hot in this get-up,” I comment, inserting just enough lighthearted cheeriness in my voice to mask the unease I’m feeling.

He chuckles, tossing me a wink. “I do look quite dashing, don’t I?” He bends and places a kiss on my cheek. When he lifts his head, he takes a step back, taking in my appearance. “And you, daughter mine, look absolutely breathtaking.”

I smile, and this time it’s genuine. “Thank you.”

His eyes turn critical. “How are you doing?”

Every time I talk to my parents, they ask me the same question. This time though, there’s more emphasis behind the words. Before, I was just living under Ryker’s roof. Today I’m legally binding myself to him.

“I’m fine, Dad,” I reply. “Really. You don’t need to worry.”

“That’s like asking me not to flinch while someone saws off my arm. You’re my little girl. It’s my job to worry.”

I wrap my arms around him and hug him tight. We let go of each other after several long moments.

“Are you ready?” he asks.

I nod.

Mom and Emersyn have already gone ahead, so it’s just the two of us making our way through the house. I know it’s all in my head, but the sound of our shoes seems to echo loudly as we walk over the marble floor.

The terrace doors loom ahead, and my step falters. Dad catches me before I stumble.

“We can leave right now. I’ve got your brothers on standby to grab your mother and Emersyn if you don’t want to do this. Just say the word.”

I look over at him. His brows are lowered, and there’s no missing the worry in his eyes. I love that he included Em in his list of people to protect. He knows how much she means to me.

“No,” I tell him. “I’m doing this.”

After a brief moment of hesitation, he nods.

The warm air hits my face when he opens the glass terrace doors. The loud chatter that could be heard through the glassceases as every person turns in their seats. There aren’t a lot of people present. My family and friends and a few members of The Raven Group that’re on the island. There are a few faces I don’t recognize, which means they must be here on Ryker’s behalf.

My hands are sweaty, and my knees shake as we take the four steps down to the stone path that leads to a gazebo. Up ahead, standing in front of the gazebo is Father Vaughn. He’s in his clerical attire, standing with his feet spread apart, a Bible clutched in both of his hands in front of him.

Just in front of him and to the side is the man of my nightmares. The devil I can’t get away from. He’s there with one arm hanging loosely at his side, with the other stuffed inside his black trousers pocket. The dress shirt he’s wearing under his black suit jacket is also black.

Most men, on their wedding day, would take the time to brush and style their hair. Not Ryker. He looks like he woke up and only ran his fingers through the strands. What’s irritating is the fact that the look is fucking hot on him. This man has no right to look so edible.

His gaze is intense as he watches Dad and I walk toward him. His expression gives me the impression that he’s on the verge of storming over to us and tossing me over his shoulder so he can carry me to Father Vaughn himself.

Why that thought sends lustrous vibes through me is a mystery.

I should be dragging my feet, but I find myself doing the opposite. I feel like I’m forcing Dad to walk faster, like I’m actually looking forward to the ceremony. Who knows, maybe I am. I’m just not sure of the reason why.

We stop in front of Ryker and Father Vaughn, and Ryker still hasn’t taken his eyes off me. It’s like I’m the only person around, and his gaze is magnetically connected to mine.

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