by Liz K. Lorde
She’s sopping wet already; I can taste her delicious juices on my tongue the moment I touch her clit. From the squirming Ana is doing, I can tell she’ll take just as long to come as I did.
“I want you to think of my tongue on your clit the whole way down the aisle,” I murmur, letting my breath tickle the sensitive skin of her pussy.
Ana whimpers in response to the sensation.
I slide two fingers inside her, and she bangs against the stain glass.
“Cas!”
I ignore the warning; Ana is too close for me to worry about possibly drawing anyone’s attention.
I feel her hands in my hair, pulling on it and pushing me closer against her. So much for the consideration I showed her hair.
A few more expert strokes of my tongue and my fingers, and Ana orgasms as quietly as she can, biting into her shoulder to keep the noise down. I can’t help but be impressed.
I slide her back down onto the pew, locate her abandoned panties, and make to return them to their rightful place.
Ana’s chest is heaving as I gently kiss her neck, her collarbone.
“It’s not enough.”
I look up at her. I feel my cock twitching back to life at her words.
“Ana?”
She runs her fingers back through my hair and kisses me passionately; I can taste my cum in her mouth, just as she can no doubt taste her own in mine.
“Fuck me, Cas. Fuck me now. I want every inch of my body to have been touched by you before I walk out of that door.”
I’ve never agreed to something so quickly in my life.
Chapter 34
Ana
I’m surprised at my own recklessness.
I’m expected to walk down the aisle for my own wedding in ten minutes. I should be checking my make-up and fixing my hair.
Instead, I’m about to get it on with a man who isn’t my fiancé.
He’s my husband.
I could laugh at how soap opera-sounding my life has become.
As beautiful as my dress is, I wish that Cas would simply wrench it from my body.
And no matter how gorgeous Cas is in his tuxedo, I sincerely wish the same fate upon his clothes as I do mine.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so excited to marry Yuri.
Cas’ mouth is ferocious upon mine as he lifts me up and pins me against the wall—I can tell he’d love nothing better than to slam me against it as hard as he can, but given our current situation, he resists.
I listen carefully to the sounds from the other side of the door. They seem to be waning—not a good thing. I wonder whether I’ve mistimed this and whether going ahead with having sex with Cas right this very moment is a bad idea.
But then Cas slides his cock all the way inside me, and I forget about my worries.
He somehow manages to grab my thighs, my ass, and my chest—all the while keeping me up against the wall. It’s so exciting and erotic that I don’t see myself lasting long before I come again.
“Cas, Cas, Cas,” I repeat again and again against his mouth as he pounds into me, filling up every inch of me.
“You’re so fucking hot,” Cas pants heavily. He brings a hand down to finger my clit; I arch my back and moan, biting my lip to keep in the sound.
“Cas, I won’t—I won’t be able to keep it in much longer,” I protest, as his fingers circle round and round the sensitive flesh, even as his huge, hungry cock continues to ram into me.
Cas gently sucks on my neck so as not to leave a mark.
“Don’t worry, baby—neither can I.”
There’s quiet all around us now. The only sounds my ears can catch are the sounds Cas and I are making as we desperately fuck each other.
Keeping quiet is getting more difficult by the second. For one crazy moment, I wonder whether it would be worth throwing caution to the wind and making as much noise as I want.
“Careful, Ana,” Cas whispers into my ear, as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
Probably because he’s thinking the same thing.
He carries me away from the wall and puts me down on the pew to free his other hand, pulling my knees up to pound into my pussy so hard that I dig into his hand with my nails.
“Can’t—too much, I’m gonna—”
“Then do it,” he dares, eyes gleaming.
I close my eyes and desperately try to hold on. It’s too quiet; I’ll be heard, and then we’ll be found out.
But Cas inside me is too much. It feels too good to be silent.
I open my eyes and glance up at him—a single drop of sweat is rolling down his forehead.
He’s struggling just as badly as I am.
“I will if you will,” I counter.
It feels as if we’ve both gone mad in our lust for each other—we could ruin everything we’ve been working for just because of this moment—but we both know we wouldn’t have it any other way.
My eyes roll back into my skull as I feel myself teetering on the edge of orgasm. I know there’s no turning back now.
I pull Cas down and kiss him fiercely, and then I can’t hold it in anymore.
I cry out as I come. It just feels that fucking good.
At the same time, the wedding march begins.
I can’t believe our luck.
This stupid wedding has literally saved us.
I laugh in a pleasure-fueled stupor as Cas also comes; I can feel his cock pulsing inside me as he unloads his cum into my body, truly filling me to the brim.
And then we stare at each other, heaving and sweating slightly, whilst the wedding march continues to play in the background.
“That’s almost my cue to leave,” I comment, breathless.
Cas runs a hand through his hair to remove it from his face as he laughs.
“I fucking love you, you know.”
I grin as I pull him back down for another kiss. “I may have had a notion.”
Cas’ eyes wander downward to my legs.
“I don’t suppose there’s anything in here for you to…clean me off you.”
I giggle somewhat wickedly.
“Let it drip down my fucking legs. I don’t care.”
“That’s the best answer you could’ve given.”
Cas hauls himself off me then, and I move over to the full-length mirror in the corner to try and appear slightly less disheveled.
Kudos to Cas—my hair has remained perfect. All I have to do is clean up a little smudged mascara from beneath my eyes, smooth out my lipstick, and readjust my dress.
I can already feel the evidence of my tryst with Cas slowly running down my right leg.
It feels fucking wonderful.
Cas walks over to stand behind me, bringing his arms round to rest his hands on my stomach. He places butterfly kisses against my neck that send shivers down my spine.
“Just one more push,” he murmurs. “One more counter-attack against your family, and then it’s just me, you, and baby Andreas.”
“I want to name her Maria.”
I watch Cas’ reaction in the mirror.
“Was my imaginary boat not enough for you?” he jokes, though I can see the shine in his eyes.
I turn and kiss him, running my hand through his hair.
“I think your mama deserves much more than a yacht named after her.”
“And if it’s a boy?”
I pause to consider. “I suppose Mario just doesn’t have the same ring to it.”
Cas laughs softly into my hair.
“I guess we can discuss that at a later date. You know, when we’re not fearing for our lives and preparing to kill your father and fiancé.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me,” I say, making a face.
Then I turn back to the mirror, inspecting myself one final time. For all intents and purposes, I look every inch the blushing bride.
Especially the blushing part.
“Okay,” I murmur quietly. The wedding march is drawing to a close. “Okay, let’s do this. I
can do this.”
Cas spins me around.
“You know you fucking can. You’re Mrs. Andreas—you can do anything. I have faith in you.”
I place a hand on his cheek and smile fondly.
“I love you, Caspian.”
“I love you, Ana.”
And then I know we’ve run out of time, and that I really should have left the room thirty seconds ago.
I blow Cas a kiss as I exit through the door, which he returns with a smile.
Outside the large, heavy oak doors of the main church hall, I take a final, calming breath to get myself composed.
Then I open the door and take my first few steps down the aisle, toward a man who, if all goes well, will cease breathing before the day is done.
Chapter 35
Cas
Ana moves quietly through the door, her white gown swishing in the small space. I watch her go, my heart beating wildly at the sight.
I know that this wedding is a sham, that she is my wife and will never be Yuri’s, but my heart aches all the same.
Seeing the woman I love all set to marry someone else is torture, even if it’s all for show.
She throws a final look over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling across at me.
“I love you,” she whispers.
It’s all I can do not to drag her back to me.
“I love you too, Ana.”
With a small smile, she pulls the door close behind her. I glimpse at her the moment before it shuts, her face set in severity, her spine straight.
Her courage astounds me now, as it consistently has since I’ve met her.
I take a deep breath, willing myself to be every bit as sure as Ana. Nothing is going to stop us, least of all Yuri Andreievich.
I stand silently for a moment, waiting for the right time.
The wedding march echoes around the small room, loud and overpowering. On any given day, the sound might make me grin; today though, it sounds like nothing so much as war drums.
When enough time has passed, I slowly reach for the doorknob, easing the door open on silent hinges.
A quick glance around tells me that I’m alone. With the wedding now underway, the halls should all be deserted, every guest now focused on the bride.
Perfect.
I creep quietly from the room, closing the door quickly behind me.
I start down the hall, moving slowly to avoid any unplanned encounters.
My luck seems to hold as I get to my destination unseen. Smiling at my progress so far, I approach the door. I rap my knuckles gently against it, watching as it opens slightly from within.
Nico’s shimmering eyes greet me through the small crack, a smile pulling at his lips when he spots me.
“Right on time,” he says, gesturing for me to enter.
I step into the room, quickly closing and locking the door behind me.
“How are we looking?” I ask.
“Good so far.”
“Is everyone in place?”
He nods, quickly flashing his trademark grin. “Everyone’s good to go.”
“Good. Did you get everything in?”
He looks at me as if he’s offended.
“Yes, Cas. I got everything in.”
“Alright, great. They know not to…”
“Did you come here for an update or to insult my skills?” he asks jokingly. “We’re all set, Cas.”
“Nico, just—just get everyone in place, okay?”
“Fine,” he answers, looking at me like I’m a killjoy rather than a man whose life hinges on his assistance.
I nod once, turning quickly back toward the door.
His hand on my arm stops me before I can open it.
“Just one thing,” he says.
I manage to contain the growl that threatens to erupt from my throat.
“Yes?” I turn to face him.
“Are you sure about this?” he asks. For once, he looks serious, his lips pulled tightly into a grim line.
“Of course I’m sure about this. What do you mean?”
“Well, it’s just—oh come on. This plan is fucking crazy, man. At best, your odds of walking out of here alive are fifty-fifty…”
This time, I do growl.
“So what would you suggest we do instead?” I snap.
His shrug speaks volumes.
“Look, man, I’m just saying that it’s dangerous—more dangerous than most things we get into. Maybe there’s a better way.”
“You think I haven’t thought of that?” My patience is beginning to wear thin. “Nico, if there was a better way, if there was any other way, do you think I’d be here right now?”
He looks exasperatedly around the room.
“It’s not a great plan, Cas.”
“Yeah, well, it’s the only one we’ve got, okay? So just stick to it.”
He throws his hands up in irritation, his face forming a rare scowl.
“Fine, Cas. We’ll do it your way.”
“Thank you.”
“But you understand that if things go south…”
“Yeah, Nico, I understand.”
He sighs deeply, reaching up to run his fingers through his hair.
“Alright, then. Let’s do this.”
His usual smile reappears, but his eyes look dull. I feel his heavy concern in the air around us.
Truth be told, I have my doubts as well.
But I meant what I said: there is no other way.
We might die here today, but the alternative is just too bleak to imagine.
A life without Ana? That’s just no life at all.
I turn back toward the door, this time managing to grasp the handle without any interruption.
I know that I’m taking a big risk here. But in my gut, I know it’s right.
I know it, like I knew that Ana and I were meant to be the moment I laid eyes on her.
I’ve gotten this far by trusting my gut. It seems foolish to stop now.
I straighten my back, remembering how brave Ana looked just minutes ago. If she can walk down the aisle to that monster, I can damn sure hold up my end.
With a final nod to Nico, I turn the doorknob, peering out to check the hall.
Assured that I’m alone, I step out of the room.
I replay my greatest moments with Ana, images of her flashing in my thoughts.
I think of the baby now growing in her stomach—our baby—and imagine what he or she might look like.
We have a life outside of this place. I know we do.
One that has peace and happiness. One with children of our own.
Children who will never know the kind of upbringing that Ana and I had, I guarantee that.
I focus on these thoughts, allowing my mind to roam freely over every possible scenario or our life in the future.
We will have it, all of it.
But we just have to get through the difficult part first.
Chapter 36
Ana
Yuri hulks before me, his hands squeezing mine tightly.
The minister gestures grandly while he speaks, but his words are nothing more than an annoying backdrop to my frazzled thoughts.
“And do you, Yuri…”
I focus harder on my fantasies, trying desperately to ignore the horror now unfolding before me.
“I do.”
I hear Yuri answer, his eyes sparkling at me, full of malice.
“And do you, Ana…” he begins.
I try to swallow the lump that seems to form in my throat. I try to still my quivering hands.
I knew, of course, that this was going to be difficult. But actually being here now, I can barely contain my panic.
It takes every ounce of my strength to keep my feet planted, as every nerve in my body screams at me to run.
This isn’t real, I tell myself, repeating the phrase like a mantra. This isn’t real. This isn’t real.
I picture Cas’ face, trying my best to pretend that it’s him standing acr
oss me. Needless to say, the illusion is just too difficult to keep.
I notice the minister looking intently in my direction and realize that it’s now my turn to speak.
I open my mouth, but the words seem to die in my throat. My body is trying its best to prevent this travesty.
Yuri’s fingers squeeze painfully at mine, prompting a wince from my face.
“I-I do.” I choke out, watching as the congregation seems to release a collective sigh.
“With the power vested in me…”
A loud bang cuts the words short.
My heart jackhammers in my chest as I turn toward the sound.
Cas.
Now it’s my turn to feel relieved.
My husband stands in the entryway, the doors still vibrating from the force of his hands.
He sets his eyes firmly on me as he steps forward, raising his hands slowly.
A gun hangs at his waist, but he comes forward with no weapon in his hands, a small smile tugging at his lips as he walks toward me.
Whispers erupt around the room, some sounding curious, even while others are verged on utter panic.
Yuri, having turned at the same moment as me, stares furiously at Cas, his eyes widening in shock and anger.
“You!” he screams, his hands releasing me as he turns toward the unwelcome guest.
Russian curses flood from his lips, his body visibly shaking in fury.
At the head of the room, my father stands, his mouth opening to give an order, likely one that will cost Cas his life.
Luckily, Cas beats him to the punch.
“I don’t want any trouble,” he says, his voice echoing around the large room. “I’ve only come here to talk.”
More whispers follow this proclamation, gossip flying quickly around the space.
“Talk?” Yuri roars, “I’ll kill you, you son of a bi—”
My father holds a hand up, effectively silencing Yuri mid-rant. “What could you possibly have to say here?” he asks, his attention focused solely on Cas.
Cas reaches the middle of the aisle before stopping. His hands still hover, raised at his sides.
“I want to offer you a truce,” he says.
A chorus of gasps seems to echo around the room.
