All I feel when my eyes rest on her is impatience to tear apart, piece by piece, the bastard who dared turn my sunshine into a shadow.
A natural smile blooms on my lips because I know there won't be a corner of the house where his screams won't be heard.
Have patience, Damien. Just a little patience.
Chapter 30
Roxy
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the priest's voice rings out, a sheen of sweat on his forehead.
I wonder how many fingers they threatened to break to get him here, but I'm too absorbed by the man grinning like his deepest wish just came true.
"You may kiss—".
Before the priest can finish, Damien's hands cup my nape and pull me gently toward him. My palms settle instinctively over his, and the moment his taste, a subtle mix of mint and whiskey, envelops me, I forget the audience completely and deepen the kiss.
The faint taste of mint and whiskey floods my senses, cool and burning all at once. The garden, the faint music, the voices — they all dissolve into nothing. There’s only the pull of his mouth, the soft scrape of his stubble, and the way my body tilts forward, chasing more. Needing more. I forget the crowd, the eyes watching, the reason we’re even here. All that exists is him, the man who can unravel me with a single touch.
Whistles and applause erupt behind us, and only then does my brain remember where we are.
I pull away, heat rising in my face, and glance around for Luna, but his voice reaches my ear before I can move.
"Told you I always make my dreams come true."
A shiver races across my skin, though I hide it quickly.
"Let's hope your dream doesn't turn into a nightmare," I reply and turn toward my best friend.
A knowing grin spreads across her face, too wide to be innocent, and when I narrow my eyes, she breaks into laughter. Roman comes up behind her, slipping his arms around her protectively.
Victoria bounces toward us, radiating so much happiness she looks ready to explode in a shower of sparkly pink confetti.
"Congratulations!" she squeals, practically jumping, trembling with excitement.
"Thanks, Vi," I whisper and pull her into a hug.
She smells like fresh pastries, and I don't miss the way Max and Roman watch her like she's a priceless artifact. If Niko didn't have an important contract to sign in Tokyo, I'm sure he'd complete the holy trinity of protection around her. I feel sorry for the poor bastard who dares try to steal her away from them, but I'll be ready with my popcorn when the testosterone bombs start dropping.
Luna appears instantly behind Victoria and wraps both of us in a warm embrace.
"I'm so happy for you, Roxy."
I shoot her a look that says "you know this isn't exactly what it seems," but that only brings a sly gleam to her eyes.
"Whatever you say," she whispers with barely masked amusement.
After receiving everyone's congratulations, I feel a strong hand grip my waist possessively.
"I swear you're even more beautiful now that you're bearing my name," my brand-new husband whispers in my ear.
"Nowhere in the contract does it say you're also suffering from myopia, but I'll chalk that up to my good luck."
He bursts into a deep laugh. "Don't be grumpy," he murmurs and leaves a delicate kiss on my cheek.
And I don't know why, but the gesture brings a shy smile to my lips. Probably all the euphoria and endorphins floating in the air.
Several associates appear before us, who, after congratulating Damien, bow to kiss my hand. Each murmurs a few words in Polish, I assume, and I throw Damien a questioning look.
