I almost feel bad that I picked someone so young and full of life and wonder if perhaps Mother was right. But it’s too late for regrets now.He’s just a job.A way to win my freedom.
But what will I do with such freedom?
When the priest finally says, “You may kiss the bride,” I turn to my new husband, and he lifts my veil, removing the white haze clouding the chapel.
Then I…I…
I forget everything.
He glares down at me, his eyes dark and dangerous.
This isn’t a man who wants a happy home. He wants to destroy me. To ruin me for the world.
I guess I’ll have to kill him first.
He pulls me to him, holding me against his body in a way that’s altogether immodest at a wedding, and brings his mouth to mine.
“You belong to me,” he whispers as our lips touch. His dark promise reverberates through me, sending my heart racing in my chest.
He places one hand at the back of my neck and holds me in place, deepening our connection as his other hand finds my waist, keeping me firmly pressed against him.
My training didn’t prepare me for the feelings that now course through my veins. How sinful I’d feel. How much I’d like it.
When he finally pulls away, I’m left gasping for breath. The crowd murmurs, and I look over, seeing a mixture of amused and shocked guests.
“Let’s get this charade over with,” he whispers into my ear.
We walk down the aisle and I see that many of the older women look away, blushing. They’re embarrassed for me because of his chauvinist display at the altar. Or maybe it’s the necklace he gifted me. The one that’s really just a collar.
Throughout dinner, I’m kept at a high table, with my mother clear on the other side of the room. He doesn’t introduce me to anyone who comes up to greet us, save three people: his granddad, his mother Bella Donna, and his sister Maria.
His granddad commented on my beauty, but Mateo’s reply was bitter, without a note of happiness. His mother looked me up and down, nodding in approval and his sister looked at me with such scorn, you’d think I was gum stuck to her shoe. She finally forced a tight smile, but there was no warmth to it, and there were daggers in her eyes.
After the cake is served, he leans over and whispers, “I’ve had just about enough of this.” He gets up and offers his hand to me.
“I must see my mother before I leave,” I say sweetly to Mateo.
I look over at my mom, who is seated at a table full of people who look like they’re a breath away from death’s door, and gesture for her to come over.
“Nonsense—”
But my mother is swift, and already just a few feet away from our table. Refusing her would cause a scandal, so Mateo sucks in a breath and glowers.
Wrapping me in a hug, she hisses, “You idiot,” under her breath.
“It’ll be fine,” I tell her, winking as I pull away.
“If you could excuse us, Herminia,” Mateo deadpans. “It is time I take my wife to her new home.”
“Of course! And where will we be going?” she asks, licking her lips, using every bit of her charm on my new husband.
“Me and my wife will be going somewhere private.”
Mother tilts her head to the side, tittering lightly. “You’d agreed that I’d be part of the deal, remember? It’s in the contract. But don’t worry. I promise not to bother you on your wedding night.” She waggles her brow seductively.
“The deal was that I provide for my wife and her mother, not that we would be housed under one roof.” he smiles wolfishly. “I should know. I’m the one who wrote the contract.”
Before my mother can protest, Mateo dips and throws me over his shoulder.
