After Mercy helps me in the restroom, which was humbling because she had to stand in the stall and hold my dress—apparently, this is what sisters are for—I go in search of my husband.
My husband.
He’s in an intense discussion with Wells, who is the clear leader of his crew. Not only do they refer to him as Chief, but he has that same dominant caretaking gene that Axel has. He also absolutely adores his wife, Ivy. His eyes track her, no matter what else is going on. Although, now, they dart to me as I inch closer.
Axel doesn’t notice in time to halt his side of the conversation. “You have enough influence to ensure me a week in Greece,” he barks. “One goddamn week. Let me give her th—”
“Speaking of your beautiful bride,” Wells states, cutting him off.
In harmony with that pronouncement, I reach for Axel’s hand, dragging his gaze to me. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing, darling.” He wraps his arm around my waist and kisses my cheek, his lips caressing my ear. “Hello, Mrs. Noire. I’ve missed you.”
“I was only gone for”—I check his watch—“almost a half hour. That’s pathetic. Better have some time set aside to get me out of this dress.”
“Days—getting you of out of it and keeping you out of everything.” He moves his hand to the back of my neck and presses my diamond collar against my skin, as if to add,Everything but this.
“I can’t wait,” I assure him with a peck on his jaw. My eyes drift to the handsome Chief watching us. “Is the honeymoon an issue? It was so last minute, and Axel loves to spoil me, but we have a lifetime for that if there’s something you need him for. Especially if it’s something for Rena. We can wait.”
I’m not sure what business Wells has with Axel. The only tidbit that I picked up on was that they erased people. They also said a few things in passing that were military phrases, so I’m guessing they served at some point, which would be a fitting background for an erasing business. They must be the people Axel would’ve used to give me a new life if I’d requested that.
The entire family—women included—belongs to that life-taking club. That makes sense for former soldiers and perhaps even an erasing business, but my gut tells me there’s more to it.
Wells smiles; his green eyes are kind, but they also hold something I can’t discern. “No issue. And Rena will be beaming about this for a month, so no worries there. You should both enjoy this celebration stress-free and go on your honeymoon as planned.”
I’m missing something, but it occurs to me that it’s an intentional obscurement, even on Axel’s part. Maybe standing beside my husband will entail a lot of details being omitted. I’m not sure how I feel about that if I’m expected to be a Noire first, but tonight isn’t the time to dwell on it. Especially not when Axel sweeps me into his arms.
“Don’t extend offers that I’m unwilling to follow through with,” he chides against my lips. “There is nothing that could prevent me from spending a week alone with my wife.”
“All day long, I’ve been having pinch-me moments.” I brush my fingertips against his scruff, my heart clogging my throat with overwhelming gratitude. “It’s hard to believe this is real.”
His forehead crinkles, as if that pains him. “It’s just the beginning, baby. Your dreams and desires are my only mission, remember?”
“In that case”—I nuzzle my face against his neck, eager to have him all to myself—“I’d like another dance with my dashing husband.”
Axel flashes one look at the band, which is essentially a mini orchestra, and they switch to “Tonight, Tonight” by The Smashing Pumpkins. He bears an eerie sense of power, but it’s intensely comforting to be under the umbrella of it.
The opening chords of the song are nothing short of spiritual, violins lifting our steps, drums rumbling in our bones, a crescendo of notes reaching for the vaulted ceilings. It’s immersive—hopeful and haunting.
“Twelve hours until we leave for Greece,” I muse, my stomach flip-flopping. “This has been the most incredible day. The honeymoon will be amazing, but I’m not ready for today to end.”
“Good, because I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise?”
“Yes. A wedding gift, but it’s optional.” He has one hand on my back and the other clasped in mine. He squeezes that one to ensure I’m affording him my full attention. “I only want to venture into it if it’s something you feel good about.”
“Well, now I’m intrigued.” I bite my lip, drinking in the party as he guides me smoothly to the soaring music.
ONE-two-three. ONE-two-three.
Axel teased me relentlessly yesterday, edging me without mercy. He made us both abstain for the past forty-eight hours so tonight would be special. It shouldn’t be torturous to go two days without an orgasm. It certainly never used to be, but this was delicious agony. Like when you don’t eat all day because you’re saving room for your favorite feast.
“Did I mark this optional wedding gift on my form?”
“You did, but curiosity and willingness don’t always coincide.” He hesitates, searching for how he wants to phrase it, which only compounds my budding enthusiasm. “This was our celebration with the people we love. But my members who are regulars, who have been with me for years and years, havewaited for this—for me to find my queen. It might sound odd, but they are invested not just in La Lune Noire, but in me.”
“That makes sense. You’re royalty to them. They all just want to touch your crown.” I study him for a beat, still not grasping what the surprise is. “I’m not sure I understand the correlation.”
