I swung the door open and lifted Ava into the chair, immediately going to unfasten my shirt. My fingers couldn’t work the small buttons fast enough and I kept fumbling to slip them from the hole.
“Slow, Victoria. Devlin’s not going anywhere.”
I glanced up only for a moment. “I know, but I don’t want to be late.”
Out of nowhere, flashes of our first meeting at Ricci’s came rushing back. “You’re late. You’re going to pay for making me wait, kitten.” Devlin’s large hand had wrapped around the back of my neck and my breath caught in my throat. At his thumb tracing a path from behind my ear, down to my collarbone, I felt myself stop breathing altogether. “You just wait. The small amount of mascara under your eyes will pale in comparison to when I get done with you. You’re going to be crying for me to give you release. And I will, but not until you deserve it.”
Maybe a little late wouldn’t hurt.
Plastic rustled just as I let my shirt drop to the floor. Ava’s hand pressing against my stomach had me stopping everything and looking down. She’d become accustomed to lying in bed with Devlin and me while we talked to the baby. I lifted her to stand, fixing her dress while she continued to move her tiny palm over the span of the roundness.
“Blaise.” The word came out slightly slurred, but she’d gotten good at repeating his name.
“Yes,” I said, smiling. “I think he’s sleeping.”
“Nigh-nigh.” I laughed at her cute pronunciation.
That’s right. He’s nigh-nigh.”
“Da-da.”
I turned toward my mother, who now had the dress off the hanger and her hands through the top, waiting. I eased Ava back down to sit. “He’s waiting for us. We better hurry.” I leaned down, kissing her cheek before turning to my mother. The dress was lifted and I raised my hands to go through the lace half-sleeves, letting the rest of the gown slide down my body.
“Skirt, dear.”
My head lowered and I nearly cursed as I pulled up the silk length of the dress and took it off. The white stockings, garter belt, and sexy panties had my mom shaking her head playfully. I could feel heat burn my cheeks even though I knew it was silly to be embarrassed around her.
“Turn and let’s zip you up.”
The moment I obeyed, I stopped and froze at my reflection. The tight fitting empire waist went down loosely to allow my stomach freedom from restraint. I’d tried on the dress twice before, but the impact with the make-up and my hair done left me speechless.
“Oh…honey. I can’t believe the day is finally here. I’ve waited so long.” A sniffle had me tearing my gaze from the mirror and throwing my arms around my mother.
“You have to stop,” I choked out. “Or else we’re both going to be crying. I don’t have time to get my make-up done again.” Even though I didn’t want to let go, I forced myself to straighten. Shit, I was so close to tears that it wasn’t going to take much to get me going again.
A knock had both of us turning and Ava scooting off the chair.
“Come in,” I called out.
Lorraine peeked her head in and gasped.
“Oh God, please don’t cry,” I pleaded.
It was too late. Tears rolled down her cheeks and she walked in, hugging me too. My lip quivered and I nearly crumbled under the two women who were balling their eyes out. The two who had been my world and biggest supporters for so long.
“You’re both killing me.” My voice faded out at the end and I sniffled past the building dam that was threatening to break.
“Okay, okay.” Lorraine pulled back. “We have to go. You’re supposed to be walking down the aisle in twenty minutes. We’re running out of time. Devlin already called Sophia’s phone while you both were in here. I told him we were on our way.”
“Shoot.” I grabbed Ava’s hand and came to an abrupt stop just before the doorway. “Bouquet? Oh, God. I…” My eyes scanned the room, stopping at my mother who pointed toward me.
“It’s at the church, honey. Michelle, your wedding planner has it, remember?”
Why didn’t I? “She’s going to kill me. I knew I should have listened to her when she said I should get ready there. It seemed so much more convenient to do it here at the salon. I mean, can you imagine everything they would have had to bring?”
My mom shooed me. “Too late to worry about that now. Hurry.”
All I could do was nod and hold the length of my skirt as I raced for the entrance.
“Victoria!” my bridesmaids exclaimed. They couldn’t have been more in unison.
“Beautiful,” Nell said, rushing forward.
“Thank you. We have to hurry.” I pushed the door open, holding tight to Ava as we piled in the back of the white limousine. The car seat had me breathing out in relief. As I strapped her in, I tried to calm. It wasn’t long before the car was pulling away…right into traffic.
“Here.” Lorraine handed me a bottled water and a hand towel that was resting on the bar not far away. “Breathe. You’re doing great. We’ll be there before you know it. Now, place that on your lap so you don’t get any on your dress. I’m making a stiff one. Sophia?” she asked, turning to my mother. “Oh, who I am kidding?” She took two glasses, filling them with ice and opening a small bottle of liquor.
Damn, I could have used the good stuff. My nerves were shot. Instead, I took a drink of water, closing my eyes so I could try to slow my heart rate. At the sway of us turning onto the main road, my pulse jumped even more. This was it. It wouldn’t be long before we’d be there.
“Let me take that.” Lorraine threw back the alcohol and reached for my water. I didn’t hesitate to hand it over. My hands were shaking like crazy. I couldn’t believe how nervous I was. Anxiously, I reached up and traced my fingers over the pearls Devlin had sent this morning. The matching bracelet slid up, reminding me of its presence. The gift had taken me by surprise and hadn’t been the first to arrive since we’d been parted. Aside from flowers every morning at exactly eleven, the time of our wedding, he’d also attached sweet notes to remind me that he was thinking of me and our big day. It had been sweet, making me anticipate the exact moment I was in now even more.
The church came into view and I glanced around to the women surrounding me. “Before I forget, I want to thank all of you for being here for me and celebrating my big day. It means a lot. You’re all the closest to me and I’m not sure what I’d do without you.”
More tears and a few awws, filled the interior. I held in my own by some miracle. The closer we got, the more I felt the excitement and fear collide. Big crowds had always made me uncomfortable, but in the end, would be my salvation. Devlin would make it all disappear, just like he always did. My ability to tune everything out but him rested in his eyes. Once I got trapped in their gaze, nothing else existed.
“Martin should be just inside, waiting to walk you down the aisle.” Lorraine reached forward, squeezing my hand. You’re going to do great. Devlin loves you. I know that in my heart. And you love him. You’ll both lead a very happy life together.”
“Thank you.” I forced a smile. Not from her words, but because of how bad I was shaking. Even my jaw was beginning to chatter from the adrenaline.
“Alright, we’re here.” My mom’s voice sounded raw and I noticed, although quietly, the tears were still coming. It twisted my heart. I knew she was happy for me and that was the reason why, but to see my mother so reactive to my big day wasn’t making things easy.
The car came to a stop and Clara opened the door. They all filed out while I unhooked Ava. The moment she and I were stepping into the breeze, I instantly felt better. Less claustrophobic.
“Girls, let’s head in. Ava, you want to come with me, sweetie?” Lorraine held out her hand and she took it, walking ahead. I turned to my mother, once again hugging her.
“No more crying.” I forced a grin, wiping away her tears. “It’s all going to be okay.”
She laughed. “I know it will. It’s just hard seeing your
little girl grow up and finally get what she’s always wanted. Do you remember playing dress-up as a kid? You were always wearing those big dresses, running around until they were all torn and tattered on the bottom. Now, here you are, wearing another gown and about to get married. You’ll always be my little girl, regardless if you already have your own,” her hand came to my stomach, “and another baby on the way.”
We held each other as we headed for the church. Lorraine opened one of the main doors and I watched her pause before she headed inside. Her expression as she looked behind me had me slowing. Something was wrong. It was written all over her face.
On instinct, I turned, not believing what I was seeing.
“Mom, go inside real quick. I’ll join you in a minute.”
“Wait…is that?” She took a step forward, but I met her advance just as fast.
“Mom, please. I’ll take care of this.”
With a deep exhale, she turned and headed for the stairs that led to the doors. Daniel jogged forward, a manila envelope in hand. My jaw tightened, even as nausea threatened. Did I want to know what he had up his sleeve now? What was mysteriously concealed in his grasp? I was afraid to find out, but was he going to leave me a choice?
Chapter 11
Devlin
Nervousness had sweat covering almost every inch of my skin and if I pulled at the black bow tie one more time, I was sure it’d come undone. Fuck, I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Fifteen minutes late. Not a big deal. Victoria would come. She’d told me she would.
I checked my watch again, not even really seeing the time. Music played in the background; a soft, classical tune I hadn’t heard before. The pews were filled to the max with friends and family. I didn’t know half of the people on my side and sure as hell not on hers. It left me even more uneasy, but I tried to ignore it. Branson was helping with the repeated mindless whispering. Although distracting—and not in a good way—I knew it was doing me good.
“Jill was late to our wedding, too. You remember? Look on the bright side. You can give her hell about it for the rest of your lives together. It’ll make her laugh.”
All I could do was nod. To talk would mess with my control. I needed to focus. Stop worrying if Victoria would run. She wouldn't.
The doors opened and where I expected to see another guest hurry to take a seat, Sophia came through. Her face appeared calm, but her eyes reminded me of a bull on a warpath. My pulse jumped, racing faster as I walked forward to meet her half way.
“Where’s Victoria? Did something happen?” I whispered the words so no one could hear. Her arm locked around mine and she forced a smile. The tug had both of us headed for the door. I held up my hand to Branson, signaling for him to keep his place, even though my worst fear was seeming to come to life before my very eyes.
I pushed the door open, glad when she came to a stop almost immediately.
“There’s a man out there with Victoria. I haven’t seen him before, but I believe it’s the lawyer. Daniel.”
Rage replaced any fear I may have had. I stepped forward, feeling myself tugged back.
“She said she would handle it, but I thought you should know. I don’t want her getting upset.”
Hell, I didn’t want her to get upset either, but there was no way I was leaving her out there alone with that bastard. Not when I knew his motives. And definitely not after she’d already expressed her desire to have him leave her alone.
“I’m going out there.”
Michelle ran up, panic on her face. Before she could say anything, I brought up my hand. “Let everyone know all is well and we’ll start shortly. Just a minor delay.”
At her nod, I stalked to the door, throwing it open. In the middle of the sidewalk stood Victoria, beautiful, her stomach standing out prominently as the wind molded the gown to her body. The long veil blew out, twirling with the gust. Daniel was pointing to something she held. I couldn’t see exactly what it was, but from the view, it appeared to be pictures. At the idea of what kind, all rational thought vanished.
I took the steps two at a time, zeroed in on Daniel like a shark thirsty for blood. I’d kept my distance until now, but him showing up on what was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives, just to try to ruin it…there was nothing that could save him from my wrath.
His gaze lifted and looked back down at what Victoria held, only to shoot back up and connect with my glare. The image of Justine’s body came into view. Blown up. Each mark glowing in great detail. It burned into my brain like acid. One minute, I was approaching. The next, I had his tie wrapped around my palm.
“Wait!” Victoria’s voice had my fist pausing in its drawn back state. How I’d stopped or even gotten to the stage I was at now was beyond me.
She stepped forward, reaching for the hand that connected the two of us. By some grace of God, I was able to let go.
“Daniel.” Her eyes narrowed while he pulled at his tie. “You make me sick,” she breathed out. “Knowing what these did to me before, you decided to drive the point across even more?” Slowly, she shook her head.
“Do you really want to marry a man who has the tendencies to hurt women? Victoria, you can’t subject yourself to a life like that. What if he does it to you? Think of Ava! Do you not think he’ll do this to her the moment he snaps?”
I step forward, but Victoria’s hand against my stomach made me pause. Pictures rained toward him, some hitting him directly, while others caught in the wind and littered the yard.
“Devlin would never hurt our children. He’d never intentionally hurt me. I’ve already told you once to stay away. If you ever come anywhere near my family again, I’ll slap your ass with a restraining order so fast, it’ll make your head spin. And don’t think with you being a lawyer that you’re safe. I have one now, too. Devlin’s. And I’m going to tell you right now, he’s a hell of a lot better than you are. So come around again and see what happens.”
She turned toward me, her hand sliding across my stomach to grasp around my wrist. I pulled back, bringing her knuckles to my lips.
“Kitten, do me a favor.” I turned and scooted her back. “Stay.” My eyes held hers, letting her know I was serious. Before she could open her mouth, I turned and drove my fist into Daniel’s face. He was out before he even hit the ground. I waited, until he was blinking up confused. “That was for tainting our big day and for me seeing my bride before she made it to the aisle. Take her advice and stay away. Or not,” I smiled, “it’ll be up to you. But let me catch you anywhere near us again and that one hit won’t be a fraction of the pain I’ll put you through.”
I spun around, giving Victoria my arm. She smiled as she took hold and I led her back to the entrance.
“I didn’t get to tell you how beautiful you look.” I paused. “No. Beautiful doesn’t even do you justice.” I wanted nothing more than to kiss her. To hold onto her tightly for not running when she’d been faced with the truth of my betrayal once again. It had been the ultimate test and she’d moved past it. Chose to stay. Chose…me. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
Her eyes searched mine and although I tried like hell, I couldn’t read her expression.
“I’m glad I did. I wasn’t sure how I’d react if I was ever faced again with what tore us apart. It hurt, but I love you. I know what I have to look forward to.” She smiled. “And I can’t wait.”
My mouth crushed into hers, drinking in the sweetness for what felt like an eternity. Talking barely registered through how lost I felt. I broke our connection, blinking past the fog of lust that cloaked itself around me.
“It’s not time for that part yet. Hurry, we’re all waiting.” Lorraine waved us in and I led Victoria inside, right to the back of the line that was formed outside the door that headed into the main room. The music was still playing and I could hear voices humming in the background. Lord only knew what they all were thinking. But truthfully, I didn’t care. I had the woman I loved and this was our day.
“You hav
e to go to the end of the aisle and wait for her to walk to you.”
I shook my head at Michelle, not willing to budge. Now that I had her back at my side, I wasn’t ever letting go. Not for supposed rules and not to make someone else happy. This was our life. “Victoria and I will walk down the aisle together. I don’t need anyone to give her away. She already belongs to me. Isn’t that right?”
Her teeth flashed as her hand gripped tighter to my arm. It was enough to show me that we shared the same train of thought. That she was just as invested in our marriage as I was. We would last and nothing was going to tear us apart. Not Daniel. Not Justine. Not even ourselves.
“Of course I belong to you. Forever.”
The End
Epilogue
Devlin
“Don’t…move.”
The crack of the whip shot through the room a split second before the tip connected with the side of Victoria’s back. She pulled at the cuffs, moaned, and looked back, begging me for more with her eyes.
“What did I say? Face forward.”
My cock jerked, throbbing for some form of contact, yet I held harder to the handle, needing more. Needing to give her what she’d been begging me for, for months now.
Crack!
“Sir.” The purr in her tone called to me, drove me forward to run my fingers over the welts that were raised on her back. Pre-cum oozed from my tip and I pulled her hips closer to me with my free hand as I ground my length along the middle of her back.
“You push me for more. You say you want it all. I hope you can handle it.”
More sounds fell from her lips as I cupped her pussy, sliding my finger deep inside. My arm rose and I let the weight of her breast fill my palm while I teased her nipple.
“Give me everything. I don’t want you to hold back anymore. Ever again.”
I let go, spinning her in the hanging cuffs, letting her fight for footing. The moment she came to a standstill, I spanked her ass, clutching to the flesh and giving it a good squeeze.
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