Page 101 of The King of Hearts

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” Father Vaughn asks.

I don’t look at Dad because I can’t physically take my eyes off Ryker, but I feel the arm my hand is wrapped around tense before he utters, “I do.”

I force my eyes away to look at Dad as he bends and places a kiss on my cheek. He turns me toward Ryker and extends my hand. Ryker’s jaw tics and his eyes blaze a stormy gray as he glares at Dad for whatever reason. Ryker’s grip is surprisingly gentle when he takes my hand and helps me up the two steps of the gazebo. He pulls me close to him, probably closer than a bride and groom usually stand.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Ryker West and Savina Rivers. Is there anyone present who wishes to object to this union?”

I hold my breath and force myself not to look around, part of me expecting Dad or one of my brothers to speak up. Ryker doesn’t look worried in the slightest. Other than the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, there’s not a sound to be heard.

What happens next, I couldn’t tell you. Every word Father Vaughn speaks goes in one ear and out the other. All I hear is a light buzzing in my ears.

Before I’m prepared—not that I ever would be—the ceremony is over, and Ryker steps forward at the same time he wraps an arm around my waist. I’m forcefully tugged against his body, and then his lips are on mine.

If I had enough willpower, I’d push him away. I can only imagine the anger Dad and my brothers feel at this display. But then I’m not thinking about them. Ryker sweeps his tongue into my mouth, and all thoughts of anything else other than this kiss fade away. Ryker is a damn fine kisser, not that I have any experience to compare him to.

I’m pulled further into his body, and I feel the hard wedge of his cock press against my lower stomach. An ache blooms between my legs, and my first instinct is to rub against it. I don’t even think about the fact we’re in front of a small crowd of people, some of whom are my family. My only thought process is that I want more. More of his taste in my mouth and more of his body pressed against mine, preferably with our clothes off.

Ryker lifts his head but keeps his face close to mine. “Keep rubbing on me like that, and I’ll fuck you right here in front of your family and friends,” he whispers.

It’s then that I remember where we are. Embarrassment coats my cheeks, and I silently beg God to open a hole so I can fall through it.

My mortification is still in full force when Ryker turns us to face everyone. A few people clap, but my family doesn’t. Dad and my brothers look pissed, while Mom looks on the verge of tears. Tomas doesn’t look much happier than Dad and my brothers, but Emersyn has a knowing smirk curving her lips. She winks at me, and it makes my cheeks grow a deeper shade of red.

Later that evening,I’m on the edge of the dance floor in the estate’s ballroom, sipping on a glass of apple juice. What I would prefer to have is a glass of champagne like everyone else is drinking, but that’s out for me. Alcohol and baby don’t mix.

It’s been a long, exhausting day, and I’m ready to shed it and go to bed. I’m surprised that Ryker allowed everyone into his home for this celebration. He’s private to the point of ridiculousness, so to have people in his private space wasn’t something I expected.

I wanted to change out of my wedding gown earlier, but Ryker insisted I keep it on. I was too tired to protest, so here I am. I love the dress and it’s light and easy to move in, but it’s too much material to wear for long periods of time.

Tomas and Emersyn just left me to go take a whirl on the dance floor, and that’s who I’m looking at now. To an outsider, they’d assume the pair was a couple because they move so naturally and fluidly with each other.

I’m distracted from watching them when someone comes up to my side. I look over and see Father Vaughn. He’s not looking at me, but at Emersyn and Tomas.

“They’d make a great pair,” he remarks, then takes a sip of his champagne.

I don’t say anything for a moment because I’m not really sure how to respond. And also, I still don’t feel entirely comfortable in this man’s presence. Especially alone like we are. There are people around, but they’re far enough away that it still feels private.

“I was just thinking they do look like a couple,” I finally say, looking back at Em and Tomas. “The way they move is in sync with each other.”

When he doesn’t respond, I sneak a glance at him. He’s still watching my two friends, but the muscle in his jaw appears tense, like he’s grinding his molars.

Just to fill the silence, I add, “Of course, that’ll never happen, as much as Emersyn wishes it so.”

Father Vaughn spares me a side glance. “That so?”

“Yes.” I look away. “Tomas prefers—” I search for an appropriate phrase to use in front of a priest, “—men.”

I keep to myself that Tomas would very much prefer the man beside me.

Again, Father Vaughn stays quiet and goes back to watching Em and Tomas. It stays that way for several moments. Then I feel his eyes on the side of my face.

“Would you care to dance?”

I’m staggered by his unexpected question. I wouldn’t have pegged Father Vaughn as a dancer. I’m actually surprised he’s even here. He usually doesn’t show up to these types of gatherings. Typically, the only time I see him is in church or on occasion at the grocery store.

My eyes dart around the room, searching for a pair of gray ones. The last time I danced with a man, he ended up getting the shit beat out of him. Father Vaughn makes me feel uncomfortable, but I’d never want him to get hurt, especially because of me.

When my eyes meet Ryker’s, he’s already looking at me. His gaze moves to the man next to me, and they darken. I don’t have to be in close range to know the muscle in his jaw is twitching and the little pulse in his temple is thump thumping. I wouldn’t put it past my new husband to slaughter a man of God and steal his heart.

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