Inara
Before Rex,I’d never been to a wedding, much less imagined one for myself.This one is more beautiful than I could’ve dreamed.
Nadia and her team outdid themselves again, transforming the lawns of Roy Manor into a jasmine-scented paradise.Giant urns are overflowing with flowering vines, and peacocks stroll past the guests.They installed seven new fountains and extended the labyrinth.
I feel like I’m floating.As soon as Rex took my wrist, my feet left the ground.I’m flying and never coming down.
When it’s time for our first dance as a properly married couple, I take Rex’s hand, noting how his eyes crinkle when he pulls me in.His back straightens, and his chest swells, and I know he’s feeling triumphant.Just like he did the first time we danced.
“No gloves,” he murmurs.
“No.”I never want anything between us again.
He spins me around, and I glide easily in the direction he guides me.My back twinges a little, reminding me my muscles are sore from our scene last night.But the leather harness I’m wearing holds me together.It’s a reminder of both Rex’s care and control.I’ll never be without it again.
We dance and drink and laugh under the stars, surrounded by our friends.When it’s time for the guests to dance, I see Victor’s white-blond head across the way.He’s dancing with a dark-haired diva who’s wearing red lipstick and a form-fitting navy dress.
Mina and Lacy are sitting in places of honor.They’re my first stop when I make the rounds.
“Damn, girl.”Mina waves her drink around, making champagne slosh everywhere.“Is this your house?”
“It is now.”I grin at her, then turn to Lacy and give her a hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” she whispers.
“Thank you,” I whisper back.
I notice Hamish has seated himself between both of them.I drift away, confident that Hamish will take care of drunk Mina.Although he seems to be more interested in keeping Lacy’s glass filled.
Silva waves at me when I pass.He’s got not one, but two dates, both masc-presenting and gorgeous.Bonds is seated at their table, watching the throuple with an amused look on his face.
Our Fraternitas guests have their own table, as far away from my cop friends as possible.
“Look.”I nudge Rex.“St.James came.”
Rex grunts.St.James raises his glass in a toast to us.I wave while Rex seethes.
“At least he’s behaving,” I say.
“Unlike those two.”Rex points out Victor, who is leading his lady toward the labyrinth.“Shall I send security to break up their fun?”
I remember the times Victor had my back in a dangerous place and how he became a silent shadow.“He’d probably find a way to elude them.”
“Too right.But maybe I will send security after them, just to make things interesting.”
I wait until Rex gets cornered by the mayor and slip away to find St.James.He’s lingering on the edge of the dance floor, studying the dancers.For a moment, the torchlight plays on his face, and he looks lost.Then the shadows flicker, and the vulnerable expression is gone as if it never was.
He turns to me.“Congratulations, Mrs.Ramos.”
“Roy-Ramos.We’re going to hyphenate.”
“Ah.In any case, well done.You’ve tamed the lion.”
“I don’t know if he’s very tame.And it might be fair to say he tamed me.”
St.James dips his head to show his agreement, and I sense a beam of light glowing deep in the foggy depths of his aura.I have a premonition that he’ll soon find the submissive he will want to cage forever.Then it will be his turn to have someone drive him out of his mind and break all his iron-clad control.
“What is it?”he asks.His gray eyes miss nothing.
