And for the first time in my life, my mind doesn’t offer an objection.
“Fuck, Cora,” Xander utters.
“What’s wrong?” I whip around, the skirt of my gown rippling around my legs.
Fuck, Cora?Fuck, Xander.
My gorgeous husband is leaning in the doorway of his walk-in closet in a tuxedo. I’ve seen him in a tux before, and yet the sight remains mesmerizing. The manwears a tux like a second skin. A quiet kind of smoldering power. Like this is yet another skill he’s mastered.
Though tonight, I also feel unapologetically radiant.
When Saar offered to get me a rental gown in this neck of the woods, I jumped at the opportunity. Her years gracing the catwalk honed her into a true connoisseur of fashion, so I let her pick for me.
And pick she did.
The gown is a deep, burnished chocolate, with a subtle sheen that catches the light with every movement. It fits beautifully against my skin—soft, sculpting, confident. The bodice hugs me in all the right places, the sweetheart neckline framing my collarbones and the soft slope of my shoulders.
“You look… I don’t think we can go.” Xander pushes off the wooden frame and strides toward me, gripping the back of my neck and devouring my mouth.
“What are you doing?” I admonish, breathless. “I just applied my lipstick. Why can’t we go?”
He twirls me around, his chest to my back as we both look in the mirror.
“Look at yourself.” The hunger in his eyes pulls at the corners of my lips, making me stand taller.
He lowers his lips to my neck, the off-shoulder strap slipping lower. I mean, those straps arebarely clinging, more suggestion than restraint. Like it was made to slip.
Xander groans, his lips hot on my skin.
I didn’t accept Lottie’s offer to use her stylist and decided on a natural look. And I’m glad I did, based on Xander’s reaction.
“I think I will steal the show,” I say confidently. Hmm, I guess he did instill some of his self-assurance in me. Xander and this dress.
“You definitely will steal the show, and I see a long jail time in my near future after I kill all the men who see you like this.” He wraps his arms around my waist, his gaze running up and down my body in the mirror’s reflection.
“Behave yourself, Mr. Stone.” I turn around and kiss him. “Everyone can admire all they want. You, dear husband, are the one bringing me home.”
“You’re beautiful,” he rasps.
When he says it, I not only feel it, I believe it. “Damn right I am. But let me get ready.”
“Okay, I’ll jerk off watching you, so I don’t have to walk with a tent in my pants all night.”
I roll my eyes, but the evidence of him liking me in this dress is clear.
I pick the earrings Saar sent me to wear with the gown. “What did you want to tell me last night?” Iguide the delicate hook through my ear. “I kind of stole the conversation. I’m sorry.”
Still standing behind me, Xander’s expression darkens. He looks away briefly and fists his hands.
I frown, picking up my necklace. “Xander?”
He takes the jewelry from my hands, his breath close as he leans in, his eyes firmly on me, no longer devouring, but… I don’t know, certainly worrying me.
The cool metal skims my collarbone before it settles into place. His fingertips graze my skin as he fastens the clasp, slow and unhurried, like he’s savoring the privilege. Or stalling.
My heart hammers in my rib cage as the minutes tick loudly in my temple.
“I know we have a fake marriage certificate…” His voice is hoarse.
