It can only erupt, since our collision is inevitable.

“Don’t cry anymore.” One more kiss and he adds before stepping back, “You will enjoy the darkness, chérie, as much as I do.”

However, along with hope comes the soul-crushing reality about his true nature and where he thrives. His dungeon. The countless weapons, as well as how he spoke so proudly of his deeds, flash in my head.

A man who kills people has no heart, and he will never show mercy to anyone, least of all to a woman he considers his personal toy. He plays with my destiny as he sees fit.

And people tend to outgrow their toys, so what will he do once it happens to him?

Along with this realization comes fear too, as all the variables have changed in our equation.

Because if he wants me, then he won’t let me go once Amalia gets married!

Oh God.

What did I get myself into?

Remi glides his hands from my cheeks to my neck, my skin blazing with the contact, and I sway to him, clutching his shirt tighter between my fingers. Just as I open my mouth to protest that the truth in the grand scheme of things changes absolutely nothing about us, a flash goes off in the church, blinding us both.

More snapping sounds bounce off the walls followed by a loud squeal. “Congratulations!” Jimena rushes toward us, wrapping her arms around me so tightly she cuts off my oxygen supply. This girl is clearly a hugger. “I figured you’d need at least one photo for the future little ones.” She leans back, grinning widely at me as her ocean eyes brighten with happiness and sadness at the same time.

A combination I thought was not possible for one to have, and yet she proves me wrong.

It seems even princesses living in castles who are doted on by everyone know sorrows and hardships too, and somehow this knowledge depresses me to no end.

Wait.

Little ones?

Is she insane?

Although, at this point, asking this question about all the people currently surrounding me seems quite stupid, as the answer to it is an unequivocal yes.

“Oh yeah. It would go great, right along with the story of how he blackmailed her to marry him,” Florian speaks up as he gets up from the pew and walks to us. “The little ones would love it.” I don’t miss how Jimena places her splayed palm on her stomach and shifts closer to Remi as if seeking his protection, and he gives Florian a hard stare unnoticed by Santiago who murmurs something to his wife, and she blushes hard.

If I didn’t know better, I’d think he is the baby daddy, but that’s impossible.

Why would she fall in love with the biggest manwhore in town when she could choose anyone she wants?

Not to mention… isn’t her father his godfather and vice versa? I imagine that would make all the family gatherings super awkward. And the age gap—he watched her growing up.

Their potential relationship has disaster written all over it.

Florian extends his open hand to me. “Congratulations.” Noticing the weird tension filling the air and Remi’s fingers digging into my waist harder at his friend’s action, I put my palm in his instinctively, and he raises it to his mouth, kissing it softly. “You’re the brotherhood’s bride. We tend to protect what’s ours.” A smile curves his mouth, seductive and warning in its nature, as his gaze lingers on me. “Welcome to our world, Penelope.”

Remi forcefully disconnects us and pushes Florian away. He laughs as my husband growls at him. “Don’t touch her.” I blink in surprise at how heated his words are. By how rigid his muscles become next to me, I don’t dare say a thing or acknowledge Florian’s earlier statement.

He winks at me one last time as he steps back and discretely and intentionally brushes his fingers over Jimena’s while he passes her by. She closes her eyes, the air hitching in her throat.

All this happens within a second. But that’s enough to feel the sizzling energy emitting from them coated in longing and desire, which leaves no doubt in my mind they have a thing going on.

My God.

What will their families do once they find out about it? But then again. The girl doesn’t have a ring on her finger, so Florian clearly didn’t stake his claim, which makes him an even bigger asshole than I thought.

Whoring around is one thing, but to get a girl pregnant and not take any responsibility?

Jerk.