He pronounces us husband and wife, and I step toward Brielle, framing her face in my hands.
“I know I’m not the man of your dreams and this isn’t how you planned to get married, but I want you to know I meant every word of my vows. Till death do us part.”
Without giving her a chance to reply, I tilt her face up and press my lips to hers, kissing her for the first time as my wife.
“Let’s go celebrate, wife. And then after, I plan to take you home and spend the rest of the night inside you.”
24
Brielle
“You bewitchedme the moment I saw you at the country club. Your independence, determination, and motivation are only a few of the qualities that drew me to you. And as your husband, I vow to stand by your side, nurturing and supporting your hopes and dreams, every day for the rest of our lives.”
Kane’s words threw me off-kilter. We’d agreed to traditional vows, but then he veered off course and spoke the words I had longed to hear. All I’d ever wanted was a husband who saw me as an equal. And when I finally got the words, it was from a man who could give me everything I’d ever wanted … except his heart.
“I can’t wait to peel this dress off you later,” Kane murmurs, reminding me that we’re on the dance floor, having our first dance.
After I picked out the venue, I told him I didn’t want to plan the wedding, that I had too much going on. The truth was, I just didn’t want to go through the motions for a loveless wedding.
I expected him to be an asshole about it. But he simply nodded and said he’d handle it. And he did. While it’s not on the beach with only our family and friends, like I would’ve wanted, the wedding and reception are beautiful and classy.
“Kane”—I glance up at him—“I really am sorry that I forgot aboutthe ring.” I had one job—to get a wedding band for him—and it completely slipped my mind.
“You didn’t ask for this,” he says, smiling down at me, but unlike when he usually smiles at me, it’s pained. “But I meant my vows. Every word of them. I never planned to get married, wasn’t looking for it. But from the moment I saw you, I knew I needed to make you mine.”
“Because of the deal my family made with yours …”
“No.” He wraps his fingers around the side of my neck and meets my eyes. “Because, despite the designer clothes and makeup and ice-queen facade you put on for the public, I see you, Princess, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy.”
“Kane,” I choke out, confused by his words and unsure what to say to that.
This is an arranged marriage gone wrong.
A forced marriage.
So, why does he sound like he wants it to be more?
Before I can ask him, the song ends, and everyone claps. The deejay welcomes everyone onto the dance floor, and since I need a minute to collect my thoughts, I excuse myself to the restroom. But before I can get away, a beautiful woman who looks just like Kane approaches.
“Mom, this is Brielle. Brielle, this is Silvia Morgan, my mom.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Morgan,” I say politely.
“Please, call me Silvia. You look beautiful.”
“Thank you. I didn’t know you would be in town. Will you be staying?”
Silvia glances between Kane and me. “I think I’m going to stick around for a little while, spend some time with my son, and I would love to get to know you as well. I’ve rented a condo downtown …”
“What?” Kane asks. “We have the in-law suite behind the house.”
“I know, and I appreciate that. But I’d imagine, with you being newlyweds, you’ll want your privacy.”
She winks playfully, and my stomach drops because, like my mom, she doesn’t know the marriage is a farce.
“I have to use the restroom,” I tell them both and then take off.
“You okay?” Nicole asks when she walks into the restroom immediately after me.
