Thank God the official photos are behind us.
I swear the photographer must’ve snapped a thousand photos. Not that I’m complaining too much. We’re paying a premium for one of the top photographers in LA. So far, it’s clear the guy is worth his weight in gold. Him and his team are still buzzing about, setting up their equipment in preparation for the cake cutting.
After the obligatory rounds ofthank you for coming, my wife escaped upstairs.
My wife.
Those are two words I never thought would ever slip from my lips.
Even though I’m a willing participant in this fake marriage, I was this close from losing my shit during the ceremony. Knowing the countdown started when the priest uttered,“till death do you part”,is the only thing that prevented me from panicking at the idea of tying the knot with a woman. Michaelaowns my balls for only one year. After that, I’m back to being a free agent. Thank God I have an exit strategy in place.
Speaking of the little dragon, what’s taking her so long?
I stride back inside and climb the stairs two by two to the top floor of my father’s Malibu Colony Beach mansion and make my way to the guest room he assigned to her.
As far as Dad, Slate, Wilder, and Roman are concerned, Michaela and I have a platonic marriage.
I didn’t feel the need to update them on the latest developments.
I knock.
She cracks open the door and pokes out her beautiful face. She’s still radiant. And all but her lipstick, her subdued makeup is still flawless. “What are you doing up here?” She gathers the fabric of her white silk robe.
“Is that any way to talk to your husband?”
I peer over her head. “You don’t have to act when it’s the two of us.”
“I disagree. It’s best to stay in character.”
She rolls her eyes.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m changing.”
“Why? You stop traffic in your wedding dress and tiara.”
The stylists at the Pompadour’s boutique worked their connections to track down a stunning designer dress at the last minute. They’re definitely getting a bonus. When they suggested a tiara adorned with Swarovski crystals as the ultimate regal accessory to complement a princess dress, Michaela hesitated. I told her she should go for it. I’m glad she did. She looked like a queen walking down the aisle.
“Thank you for the compliment. And thank you again for my perfect dress and all the incredible jewelry.” She brings a handto her 2-carat diamond studs. I also got her a magnificent wide diamond bracelet made in Italy. “I felt like a princess today.”
“I’m a generous husband, but then againmy queendeserves it.”
She purses her lips. “Well,your queenloves the way her king spoils her.”
I shouldn’t like hearing those words this much. “So back to my question. Why are you changing?”
“It’s tradition to slip into a less princesscy dress for the party.”
“Okay.” I push open the door and let myself into the room before closing it behind me.
“Phoenix, you can’t be in here,” she says. “People will notice we’re both missing.”
A muscle in my jaw clenches and my cock twitches in my tuxedo pants as I take in every delicious inch of her. My eyes travel down her body, stopping a little too long on her exposed legs and her dainty toes painted in a soft shade of pink.
“Come on, kitty cat, loosen up. It’s tradition for the groom to escape for a little alone time with his bride.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “According to which manual?”
