We both share a smile as she nods. “I know it’s corny, Liam, but?—”
“No buts, Luv.” I cut her off with a kiss. It tastes of promise and forever. I pause above her lips. “I’ve spent me whole life buildin’ walls. I’ve spent me whole life protectin’ a crown I never truly wanted. But you? You’re the only one who makes me want to burn it all down just to see the way the fire reflects in your eyes.”
Her body melts before me. “You have burned it down, Liam. And I couldn’t be more proud or more honored to be your wife.”
Fuck. Electric heat warms my body. I scrub a hand down my face, incredulous at how she still manages to ignite my soul. She leans toward me, trying to claim a kiss, but I pull back. Because if she touches me, I might just come in my pants.
“You think I’m a hero because I saved ye from Brett, from Darragh?” My brogue thickens, darkens. “Darlin’, I’d kill a thousand men and walk through Hell twice just to hear ye speak my name one more time. You’re not my salvation. You’re myreason.”
With her presence sealing the oath into my bones, I vow, “Before I give you my virginity, Elexia Carter…I’m going to give that lovely arse a proper spanking.”
CHAPTER 27
Elexia
My ass is burning.
I’ve loved every minute.
With my bridal skirts bunched around my hips, I wiggle, thrusting my hips back, pushing my ass out as the belt comes down again. A vicious wallop. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Liam’s expression. Despite the twisted smirk and the caresses of his hand between blows, it looks like he’s unleashing something. Something dark and feral.
If I hazarded a guess, it’s because of what’s happening tonight. He’s giving me something…sacred.
“Fuck, such a beautiful shade of red, Darlin’.”
The metal of the handcuffs clinks against the radiator. Despite the awkward positions and maneuvering, we’ve sworn to keep them on all night.
Liam drops his belt, kneels, and covers my back with his torso. I hiss at his hardness, rubbing the stinging flesh of my backside through his pants. He takes a handful, and I moan, touching my forehead to the cast iron.
“I’ve loved this sweet bottom since the moment I lifted that skirt and took the abominable mafia book to it. Prettiest arse I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen quite a few, my wife.”
My head shoots up. “Oh, say it again, Sir. Please.”
He chuckles darkly and massages the smoldering skin. “Wife. Soulmate. Forever.”
“What is your favorite trope, my husband, Sir?” I wonder.
“Hmm…” He traces a thumb down my spine, and I shiver, hanging on his every word. “The one where the sweet wallflower saves the mafia boss, and fast-burn love before the wedding with slow-burn fucking. For I mean to fuck ye all night long, till you can’t walk, mo Róisín. And then, I’ll be bringing ye breakfast in bed.”
I toss my hair back onto my shoulder and beam. “Sounds like a perfect happily ever after.”
“No, Lexie.” He takes my hips, raising me and reaching around me. A ‘clink’ and the other cuffs fall, letting him turn me to face him. The skirts fall in a cascade of blue chiffon, lace, and silk. My breath catches at the undeniable hunger and unconditional love in his expression. “This…is ouronce upon a time.”
I lift my cuffed hand, and we join our fingers. His stare is fervent, somewhere between adoration and violence. But more of a violence of passion.
“I know my apartment isn’t ideal for a honeymo—” I yelp when he slaps my ass with his other hand.
He cups my chin, firm but tender. “This apartment is where I first fell in love with ye, Darlin’.”
I let out a deep exhale and ask, “When was that?”
“Hmm…” he muses, combing his fingers through my hair, “Might’ve been when you were wondering if I’d put your body parts in jars. Or when you loved my dinner. Or when ye drugged me, then loved the spanking I gave ye.. Hmm…I fell in love with ye over a million different moments, Mrs. Donovan.”
My stomach flips at the name, and heat rolls through my center. “Oh, I love that one.”
“Well, then, Mrs. Donovan. Bed or couch?”
I blink, then register what he means. “Um…” I make a split-second decision. “Bed.”
