Father Pezzi becomes background noise. The woman I love standing before me becomes the focal point and floods every one of my senses.
“I can’t wait to fuck you as my wife.” The thought pours from my lips before I can stop it.
A beautiful blush paints her skin. “Rico,” she admonishes.
I hear the Priest cough uncomfortably but I’m too unabashed to care.
He continues to drone on through the testament of marriage. Reading verses from the Bible I have never and will never believe in.
I feel Pietro slightly nudge me on the shoulder as he tips his head towards the Priest, telling me to listen.
Father Pezzi eyes me cautiously, clearing his throat and repeats the vows, “Rico, have you come here to enter marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?”
“I have,” I say.
“Do you promise to love Imogen in sickness and in health? For as long as you shall live?”
“I do.” No truer words have ever been spoken by me.
As he addresses Imogen he’s warmer and gentler. “Imogen, have you come here to enter marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly.”
“I have.”
“Do you promise to love Rico in sickness and in health? For as long as you shall live?”
Without hesitation she vows, “I do.”
“At this point I would ask for the rings but it seems as if we have this step already covered.” His smile is strained at best. “You may now kiss the bride.”
I wrap my arm around her and pull her flush against me. Her hand with her wedding ring rests over my heart. She meets me halfway as I bend down slightly to kiss her senseless.
This is a kiss I’ll remember until the day I die. How her hand curls around the material of my shirt to pull me closer. The way her body feels like clay against mine. Her lips, soft and pliable, open for me with the anticipation for more.
As I break the kiss the feel of her lips linger. Her eyes remained closed but her face is aglow.
And I think to myself how can one person be this stunning? And how has she ever allowed herself to be mine.
“Why are you more nervous than my wife?” I ask Pietro mildly as we await Constantine and Carina in their home.
Only three people are allowed security access. Myself, Pietro and Gino. Constantine even has an office for me here but I prefer my one at home. The lighting here can be quite nauseating and sound travels too much for my liking.
Imogen, my beautiful brilliant wife, is tucked by my side. Before we left I advised her to change. As upset as she was I wasn’t the one undressing her to experience a night filled with carnal passion she conceded. She’s still just as gorgeous in her athleisure attire as she is in a gown.
I run my knuckle along the apple of her cheek. She smiles brilliantly at me.
“Carina could show leniency towards her but certainly not for us.” He shifts back and forth on his feet.
“Because I’m a woman?” Imogen asks curiously.
“No,” I tell her. “Because in certain ways she sees herself in you. She’s always perceived you as innocent and that has not changed. But if you ever betray me. . .”
“Then I’m as good as dead.”
“Si.”
Pressing up on her toes she plants a kiss on the underside of my jaw. “I’ll never betray you.”
“And I you,” I promise.
