She wants me to. She may not have fully admitted that to herself, but the look in her eye when she asked me if we could pretend told me all I needed to know. Zahra wants me. Wants us. She’s just too scared to take it. Luckily for her, I’m a stubborn bastard who refuses to go down without a fight. Especially if that fight now includes a battle for her heart.
We reach the end of the aisle, my hand still on her waist as I support her walking up the stairs onto the altar. A faint gasp leaves her lips as she takes in the traditional Iranian wedding table in front of her. “Declan, did you do this?”
Leaning down, I press my lips to the shell of her ear. “We’re in an Irish Cathedral. I figured it would only be fair for your culture to be represented as well.”
She reaches out and entwines our fingers, giving my hand a hard squeeze. “Thank you. I love it. Truly.”
For all their bickering earlier, Azula and Aidan are able to put on a united front as they address the crowd. Aidan starts, “Thank you all for joining us in the union between Zahra Ahzimi and Declan McAlister. Please take your seats. The alliance between the Ahzimi and McAlister families has gone on for decades, but today is not about the relationship between their two families and instead is about the love they have for each other.”
My brother eyes me and while he’s putting on a show, I know there’s some truth to his words. He hands Azula the microphone.
“In celebration of their love for each other, we have here the traditionalSofreh Aghd, or Iranian wedding table. Eachitem on the table represents an element of Zahra and Declan’s new life together. The mirror stands for reflection and introspection, honey for sweetness, wild rue to ward off any negative energy, and flowers for growth and beauty.”
“Warding off negative energy is definitely needed here,” I tease, earning a small snort from Zahra.
“The couple will now exchange their vows.” Azula gestures to us.
I move my palm off the small of Zahra’s back so she can turn to face me, not missing the slight frown on her lips as we break contact. Her grip on our entwined hands tightens, a sign she isn’t willing to fully let me go.
She lets out a deep breath. “Declan, to many people here, this may come off as sudden, but that just shows how little they know about us.”
Zahra and I had agreed on the public-facing story that we’d been together for years now in secret. While arranged marriages between allied mobs are common, we want to show a stronger united front than a business agreement. Two mob bosses allied for their own individual benefit is to be expected. As is the reality that one boss would turn on the other. Two bosses getting married because they love each other is unheard of. And that makes us all the more lethal.
Zahra’s thumb draws idle circles on the back of my hand as she continues. “But I don’t want to spend this moment thinking about everyone else. I want to spend it focused on us. I never in a million years thought I would be here today. Growing up, I watched my father love my mom inside and out. There was never a moment when I doubted his adoration of her. My parents' relationship was one in a million, so much so that I had accepted the fact that I would never be able to achieve what they have. Never be able to have a love as strong and safe as theirs. But I was wrong. Few people have made mefeel as seen and understood as you have. And in a world that constantly feels like things are being taken from me, I can’t put into words how much it means to be given your heart.”
My vision blurs for a moment as I take in her words. Naser and Farah’s love filled the room whenever they were with you. My own father would say it was contagious and inspired him to be a better man. The cynic in me screams that Zahra’s words are just an act put on for everyone watching us, but deep down, I know better. I know there’s honesty in her words. Know it because I myself feel the same about her.
Without giving it a second thought, I cup her cheek and press a kiss on her forehead. A wave of joy fills my chest as she melts into me. Aidan clears his throat, reminding me that as much as I wish this moment between Zahra and me could be private, it’s anything but.
“My lovely Zahra. You are the strongest, smartest, most stunningly beautiful person I have ever laid my eyes on. From the moment we met, I knew you were going to change my life forever. I didn’t even try to deny the pull you had on me, because I knew our love would be inevitable. I was never one to believe in the universe or fate, but falling in love with you has shown me what it means to believe. To believe in love, to believe in hope. To believe that someone can be there for you through it all.
I’ve never been nervous about public speaking, but preparing my vows, I found myself second-guessing everything. How do you sufficiently manage to tell someone who has managed to become your entire world how much you love them in just a few words? The task seems impossible. Still, I’m going to try my best with the caveat that you deserve so much more than a small speech, and I promise to spend every day of our lives together telling you how special you are. Zahra, I love your heart, your determination, the way you care for others. Ilove the way your eyebrows crease together when you’re thinking hard. I love your wit, and most of all, I love that you chose me to spend the rest of your life with.” I exhale immediately, aware of how sweaty my palms are, and the slight gleam in Zahra’s eyes.
Aidan clasps his hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “Declan, do you take Zahra, to love and protect, to support and defend, from now until your final breath?”
“I do.” It’s the easiest promise I’ve ever made. Reaching into my pocket, I take out her wedding band and slide it on her finger.
“And do you, Zahra, take Declan, to love and protect, to support and defend, from now until your final breath?”
“I do.” She nods, giving me a soft smile as she slides my ring into place on my finger.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bri?—”
My hands cradle Zahra’s face before Aidan finishes his sentence. I finally,finally,get to taste her. Zahra throws her arms around my neck, locking her fingers in my hair, and pulling my head down so our lips are a mere inch apart. A moan leaves my body when our mouths finally connect. My tongue traces her bottom lip, begging for entrance, which she immediately gives me, and God, she tastes so damn good. Our bodies press closer until we’re flush against each other. With all the layers of her gown between us, it’s easy to hide my hard cock against her, and the gasp that falls from her lips is music to my ears. It takes every ounce of my self-control to break us apart, but not before I nip her bottom lip—a promise of what’s to come.
Aidan coughs, awkwardly clearing his throat. “Please gather your belongings and follow security. They’ll guide you to the cars waiting to take you to the reception hall…”
“You’re coming with me,” I whisper to Zahra, placing a kiss on her cheek, as we run down the aisle hand in hand.
“Where are we going?” She laughs.
“Before I have to share you with the world, I want you all to myself.”
27
DECLAN
Ikick the door to my dressing room shut, pressing Zahra up against the wall as my fingers claw at the back of her dress.
