Page 140 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim
“Radiant,” Brennan adds. “We’re proud you’re ours.” He moves in closer, brushing a callused fingertip across my collar, sparking memories of their hands claiming me.
Smoothing my gown, I blush. “I’m trying not to crease this before we even get downstairs.”
Dorian’s chuckle is dark, rich. “We’ll behave.”
The two men exchange wicked smiles.
“Mostly,” he adds, his eyes promising trouble.
Brennan lowers his hand. “As beautiful as you are, your outfit is not quite complete.”
I blink and self-consciously sweep my palm across the bodice of my dress. How can it not be? Dorian spent a fortune to ensure I look flawless for tonight’s event.
Brennan pulls a velvet box from his pocket.
My heart misses a beat. “Is it…?” I look at both of them.
He flips open the lid, revealing the ring we ordered in New Orleans.
In the light, the oval-cut pink diamond winks, and I gasp.
The finished creation is breathtaking, even more radiant than I could have imagined.
The twin pavé diamond bands make the center stone glow even brighter.
The memory of Théo’s shop floods back—their insistence, my awe, the way it felt likeus.
“Isla,” Dorian says, his voice rough with rare emotion. He takes my left hand and touches my ill-fitting wedding band. “May I?”
“Yes.” I nod. I’ve never liked the fact it was chosen for my sister, and over the last few weeks, I’ve liked it even less.
He slips it off and drops it on the nightstand before plucking the exquisite piece from the box.
His gaze fastened on me, he slips it into place.
My throat tightens, and tears sting my eyes.
The fit is perfect, as if it’s meant to be. I realize the ring is more than jewelry—it’s a vow. And a claim.
For long moments, I can’t look away from the stunning piece.
When I recited my vows, I wanted no part of a life with Dorian. And Brennan terrified me slightly. Everything was wrong with the ceremony, the deception, the lies I recited.
But now…
Everything seems to have fallen into place.
All of us had a part in crafting this engagement ring, even if the marriage was one none of us wanted.
I look between them, my heart full. When I speak, my voice trembles. “It’s stunning.”
“Youare stunning,” Dorian counters.
“This is us.” Brennan skims his fingertips across my heart. “You, me, Dorian. Forever.”
Dorian’s eyes are dark as he leans in to brush my lips in akiss that is both tender and hungry. “If you’re not careful, little one, we’ll be late to our own party.”
Brennan’s fingers slip lower to find the slit in the gown, and he grazes my thigh. I gasp. Right now, I’m so delirious I’d agree to anything.
