Cormac huffs. “Ciara, you’re acting crazy if you think you’re going to wear that dress.”
I storm over to him and it forces him to take a step back. “I am going to wear this. I love this dress. I will go along with this wedding if it means I get to choose my own dress. Dad is in agreement. So it doesn’t matter what you think.”
“I’m next in line after Dad is.”
“But Dad is still here. So you’re not in charge. I am wearing this dress.” I nod at the sale’s woman. “I’m buying this one.”
Dad looks uncertain but agrees to it while Cormac is fuming. Fine. I don’t care what my brother thinks of me. He was unable to kill Marco when he had the chance and now I have to marry him.
Besides, I’m not even sure I want Marco dead anymore.
All I know is that if I’m going to be controlled in my life, I’m going to make some decisions of my own.
The wedding day comes faster than I realized it would and in that time, Cormac failed at killing Marco.
My brother doesn’t say a word to me on the drive to the church. He still doesn’t approve of my dress and he definitely doesn’t approve of my marriage to Marco. But I have to do this. Dad won’t give me another choice.
My fingers skim along my scar on my forearm and once again, I think of Marco saving my life. I can’t get it out of my head. My scar is a constant reminder.
Dad takes my arm and leads me into the church while Cormac sulks behind us.
“You go on ahead,” Dad tells Cormac.
With a nod and a cold look in my direction, Cormac walks into the main church. I get a glimpse of the people waiting in the pews. Mostly my father’s people. Hardly any of Marco’s.
“Dad, are you sure about this?” I ask. “Marrying me to Marco?”
“He and I can achieve a lot together. I believe it. And he’s already showed I can trust him by saving your life. I know this will work out. Trust me.”
“I just wish I had gotten a say in who I could marry.”
“I know, my darling. But thank you for doing this and being more mature about it than your brother.”
“Cormac is stubborn.”
“I know he doesn’t approve but he’ll come around. I believe it. Now, it’s time for you to get married.”
The church doors open and the music swells and I step into the aisle. All of our guests rise to their feet. Marco stands at the end of the aisle, looking handsome in his navy suit. Granted, he always looks handsome. He’s just one of those men who has aged better the older he’s gotten.
I keep my head held high. The last thing I want is to show I’m afraid and nervous. Marco will not get that from me.
We reach the end of the aisle and my dad places my hand in Marco’s. The moment Marco’s hand envelopes mine, I feel a tingle of electricity. With a gasp, I look up and meet his eyes. There’s a darkness to them but there’s also… a sensuality there. Marco wants me. I can tell. I remember the boys I tried to date in high school who wanted me. The way they looked. Marco’s expression is similar but unlike those boys, Marco is a man. A dangerous man.
I swallow hard.
Once I’m standing before Marco, Dad sits down beside Cormac, who’s scowling. The priest starts the ceremony, going on and on about love and respect and honor. This is it. No getting out of this now. Marco will be my husband.
“Do you, Marco Amato, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do,” Marco says without a hint of hesitation.
“And do you, Ciara Sullivan, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
My eyes flick to my brother and father. Dad gives me a nod of encouragement while Cormac’s face is filled with fury.
I turn back to Marco. “I do,” I answer, knowing I have no other choice.
And that’s when I hear my brother shout, “No!” All eyes turn to him as he jumps to his feet and storms over to Marco. He shoves me out of the way and pulls out a knife, trying to stab my new husband. Marco stumbles back, narrowly avoiding getting hit.
