Page 47 of Sinner's Obsession

“You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you.”

Behind him, a guy I have never met before appears. His eyes analyze me clinically, and a hint of apprehension flows through me. His rugged beauty is hard to miss, but it is muted by an oozing dangerous presence. He has to be another monster, if he’s a friend of my future husband and my brother.

“I’m Cato,” he says. Face-to-face, his posture is even more intimidating. I huff and introduce myself.

He exchanges a glance with Kieran and it bothers me.

“At least she’s a pretty lamb.”

Kieran glares at him, and I get in Cato’s face. I press my finger in his hard chest.

“This lamb won’t get eaten by any wolf.”

All three of them chuckle, and my brother tips his chin approvingly.

Kieran takes my hand, and as we approach the pavilion, I strangle the flowers of my bouquet. I wonder what would happen if I told the wedding officiant I’m being forced to do this.

As if he knows what I’m thinking, Kieran leans his face to mine, looking me square in the eye.

“Aurora, no force on earth would stop me from making you mine.”

He pins me with an intent look that strums at my heartstrings.

No one else is here except the four of us. Perhaps it is better that way. It would only pain me more for others to witness my complete lack of choice.

“Where is your mother?”

“She’s not coming.”

The way he said it, so visceral and utterly dejected, constricts my vocal cords. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask him why. We reach the officiant, and I plaster on a fake smile. Zoning out, I focus on the landscape stretching behind him.

I’m getting married, Mom. I miss you so much.

Kieran says, “I do,” and my heart pounds in my chest mercilessly. If it weren’t for his powerful arms, I would have fainted. He squeezes my hand. I’d like to think it’s because he wants to offer me strength, but I know better. It’s a hidden warning.

I gulp and say, “I do,” binding us irrevocably.

Be careful what you wish for, it might come true.

When the officiant pronounces us husband and wife, Kieran’s lips find mine, keeping me anchored to the present. It’s soft at the beginning, coaxing me into a false sense of security. His kiss hardens, deepens, subduing me completely. The kiss ends too soon, but not soon enough.

My brother hugs me. “If there had been any other way, I would have taken it.”

I want to say there was one, but it’s too late now. The ring on my finger, and my signature on that marriage certificate, makes it real.

I still stare at the certificate, wishing it would disappear. Kieran sighs and walks over to my brother, who’s already popping open a bottle of champagne. I guess my predicament is a reason for them to celebrate.

I down a glass of champagne and grab Kieran’s too.

A taxi pulls into the alley, sending security guards in a tizzy. They run toward the car, guns drawn. Kieran already has his hands around me, pushing me behind him. I peek around him and see Chiara storming out of the taxi and running toward me. I push Kieran away, bunch my dress up, and run to her. We meet halfway and collapse in each other’s arms.

“Am I too late?”

My eyes well up, not because she couldn’t have stopped my marriage, but because she came.

“You’re crazy coming here. Your father will kill you.”

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