It’s what our honeymoon was until it was cut short, but this almost feels like a small second chance at that.
Sebastian hands me a glass of water. “You need to stay hydrated.”
I’d roll my eyes at his overbearing ways if it wasn’t sweet. I down the entire thing in five gulps, shocked by how thirsty I actually am. “Thank you. Clearly, I needed that.”
“You’re still quiet.”
“I might be tonight.”
“Bellamy, you are the most extraordinary woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” he whispers into my ear, his words sending a thrill through my body. “Your beauty is unparalleled, your intelligence unmatched, and your spirit…it’s like a fire that burns so brightly, I can’t help but be drawn to its flame.”
“Sebastian…” I breathe, overcome by his intensity. My heart thuds heavily in my chest, threatening to burst from the sheer force of my emotions.
“Every day I wake up, I thank the heavens that I get to spend another day with you,” he continues, his voice soft and tender. “I am eternally grateful for your love, Bellamy. You complete me in ways I never thought possible.”
His words wash over me, forcing tears to prick at the corners of my eyes. I turn and reach up to touch his face, tracing the curve of his sharp jawline with my fingertips. “Beast or not, you have the heart of a lion. I love you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.
“Forever and always,” he replies softly, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead before trickling kisses down my cheek until the warmth of his breath brushes against my neck, making me shudder. Our heartbeats seem to synchronize, quickening in tandem as we stand pressed close together. I can feel the solid muscles of his chest against mine, our bodies fitting together like pieces of a puzzle.
“Kiss me,” I plead, desperate to feel his mouth on mine.
Without hesitation, his lips crash against mine with a ferocity that steals my breath. Our mouths move together, our tongues dancing in a slow, sensual rhythm that leaves me trembling with need.
“If only I had time to fuck you against these French doors.”
“Can’t we be late?”
He chuckles. “I already promised Althea we wouldn’t be. I think she knows me too well when it comes to you.”
“Fine,” I pout. “But for the record, I’m holding you to a rain check on that.” Just as the words leave my mouth, his phone rings with a call from Rowan, who is once again acting as regent in Sebastian’s absence. “I’m going to shower and get changed,” I tell him as he answers. He nods and I leave him behind, heading into the giant marble bathroom.
I shower quickly and blow out my hair until it falls in thick,soft waves and then I slip into one of the gowns I brought with me. Gowns that were purchased for me before Sebastian and I ever saidI do.
In the brightly lit closet, I stand in front of the full-length mirror as I adjust the hem of my emerald gown. The fabric clings to my curves, highlighting the swell of my hips and the fullness of my breasts. It also hints at the small bump that’s growing more and more difficult to hide.
Despite that, I can’t help but feel confident and beautiful in this gown, even though it’s a far cry from anything I have ever worn before.
“Is this really me?” I whisper to my reflection. My long, wavy brown hair cascades over my shoulders, glistening under the soft glow of the chandelier above. I blink, and my large bright blue eyes stare back at me, brimming with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The diamond earrings Sebastian gave me hug my ears, their facets catching every glint of light, while my diamond heart necklace stays nestled delicately against my chest just above my cleavage.
I touch the sparkling gems, their cool weight against my fingers. It feels surreal, as if I’m playing dress-up, trying on someone else’s life for size. But no, this is real. I am officially Queen Bellamy now, and tonight will be my first high society dinner as royalty.
Anxiety bubbles up within me, threatening to dampen my confidence. I shake my head, banishing the doubts, and remind myself that, as Sebastian said, I deserve to be here.
“Queen Bellamy,” I murmur to myself, practicing the name and letting it roll off my tongue. “This is who you are now.”
With one last glance in the mirror, I turn away, my gown rustling softly as it swirls around my legs, my heels making soft taps on the polished hardwood and carpeted floors. I reach for the door handle and pause to take a deep, calming breath, willing my nerves to settle. I have faced challenges before, and Iwill face them again. This dinner is just another hurdle to overcome, but more than that, it’s a chance to prove myself to the world.
“Let’s do this,” I whisper, and with that, I step out of the sanctuary of the closet and head toward the night that awaits, sending up a silent prayer as I go.
Please don’t let me fuck this up.
13
BELLAMY
Despite the confidence that surged through me moments ago, a shadow of unease creeps into me as I continue to adjust my gown over my stomach. The fabric feels smooth and luxurious between my fingers, but I can’t help fidgeting with it, my actions betraying the nerves simmering beneath the surface. My lower lip finds its way between my teeth, and I bite down gently, hoping to steady my racing heart.
“My queen,” Sebastian’s voice comes from behind me, startling me out of my thoughts. “You look absolutely stunning tonight.”
