I blink, adjusting to the darkness. Wilder waves his hand, still managing not to drop me. Dozens of candles burn.
Soft-looking rose petals litter the floor and the bed. My eyes water. It is beautiful, like a moment straight out of a scene in a movie, and it’s Gianna’s doing. When I see her again, I must thank her in a big way. She honestly thought of everything, while I was morbidly focused on the portal. Everything is exactly as I imagined: beautiful suite, soft candlelight, achingly handsome husband. I’m the luckiest girl in the universe.
Using my hand, I wipe a tear from my face. It’s hard to believe I traded my soul for Aradia’s several hours ago. Without thinking about the big picture, I trapped myself in Mictlan. I’d been so focused on repaying Aradia for everything she did for me and our country that I hadn’t thought about how mychoices would impact me or my future. I’d been brash, and that brashness almost cost me my life. Not to mention this perfect moment.
We left our reception early, and I have no regrets. Our marriage is about us and no one else.
Wilder sets me on my feet, gripping my hand as if he’s afraid I’ll disappear. I squeeze him back. I’m not going anywhere—today or any day. We are bound through sickness and in health. Till death do us part.
The gods gave us another chance. I’m not going to squander it.
“It is beautiful.”
“Perfect,” Wilder replies in a whisper.
I face him, feeling the intensity of his gaze. His green eyes glow with an inner light, and I can sense their penetrating power stripping me bare. My hands tremble as I struggle to remain still under his focused attention. He looks at me with such adoration it’s clear that he loves me, and there’s no way to express how happy I feel in this moment. He is gorgeous and loves me enough to want to share his life with me. Our souls are bound, just like our hearts.
I want to show him how much I love him and how thankful I am that he didn’t leave me behind, even after I begged him to.
“There was a moment where I didn’t think this day would ever happen,” Wilder admits.
I caress my thumb over his. His skin burns with the warmth of his solar powers. I place his hand flat on my chest. His eyes widen. “You feel that?” He nods. “I’mreal.” His heartbeat is like a caged animal. “You’rereal.” I moisten my lips. “I’m not going anywhere withoutyou.”
“Promise?” he rasps.
“Promise.”
I press my lips against his. Wilder kisses me back, breathing life into me. Deep-rooted frost melts from my muscles, and I coil my arms around him. Our kiss turns molten. His touch is nothing short of a brand. My tongue teases his lips, begging for entry. He gives me what I want and more, massaging his tongue with mine with expert strokes.
I’m his, no matter what.
Wilder draws me closer. I chase his kisses, eager for more—another taste, another touch. I swallow his love like nectar, until I am drunk on his touch, drowning in his kisses. I thread my fingers through his soft hair and give a gentle tug.
“I want to eat you up,” he murmurs against my lips.
“I’d like that.”
We erupt like a supernova. I gasp, and his tongue dives into my mouth. I suck on it, savoring his taste. Wilder grips me around my waist too tightly, suffocating me, and I retaliate by pulling his hair, drawing a delighted groan from deep within his chest.
My pebbled nipples rub uncomfortably against my dress.
“Get me out of these damn clothes,” I demand, untying his hastily retied bow tie.
Wilder undoes the silk buttons, but it’s not fast enough.
“Hurry.”
Wilder pulls the loosened fabric apart, tearing it into ribbons.
I yank the skirt down until it encircles me like a halo on the floor, and stand in my fancy white lace underwear. Wilder stares at me, his pulse jumping in his throat.
“How’d I get so lucky?” he breathes.
“Touch me.”
Wilder releases an appreciative sigh. He kneads one of my breasts over the fabric with one hand while unhooking the bra with the other. The strapless garment joins the rest of my belongings on the floor. He stoops, sucking one of my nipplesinto his mouth. I gasp, burying my hand in his hair, holding him against me.
Heat spreads between my thighs until it is unbearable.
