Page 116 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

The reception continued.

More people came to congratulate us. Elena and I responded to each one. She gradually relaxed, and though still a bit nervous, at least she could smile and chat with guests. I finished my champagne and turned to Elena. She was watching me, something unreadable shining in her eyes.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing," she said, lips curving into a small smile. "Just... you were really hot just now."

I froze, then laughed.

"Yeah?" I slipped my arm around her waist. "Should I be scary more often?"

"No." She pushed at me, cheeks pink. "You're terrifying enough already." I leaned down and whispered in her ear. "What about tonight? Am I scary tonight?"

Her face went redder. She elbowed me.

"Lucifer!"

I laughed and kissed her hair.

The reception lasted another hour. When the last guests left, it was past ten.

Elena kicked off her heels and walked barefoot across the soft carpet, rubbing her ankles.

"Tired?" I walked over and scooped her up.

"Lucifer!" She yelped, arms instinctively wrapping around my neck. "I can walk—"

"I know," I said, carrying her upstairs. "But I want to hold you."

Her face flushed again. She rested her head on my shoulder.

"What about the kids?" She tried to wriggle free. "I should check on them—"

"The maids already took them to their rooms," I said, nipping her ear. "Liam stood too long today. He needs rest. Anya's tired too. And you—tonight, you're not getting away—"

"Lucifer!" She swatted me, but I felt the bond pulse in my chest, the golden thread carrying her emotions—shy, nervous, and anticipation.

I couldn't take it anymore. I carried her into the master bedroom and kicked the door shut.

Candles flickered. Rose petals covered the bed and carpet. A faint fragrance filled the air. Moonlight spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in silver.

"This is..." Elena looked around, voice trembling.

"Our wedding night," I said, setting her gently on the edge of the bed. "Elena, this is our real wedding night."

She looked at me, amber eyes glowing in the candlelight.

"I'm..." She bit her lip. "I'm a little nervous."

"Nervous about what?" I chuckled, leaning over her. Elena had to lean back until I braced my hands on either side of her, fingers interlacing with hers, pinning her beneath me.

I deliberately brushed my nose against hers, lips trailing soft kisses.

"No." She cut me off, face even redder. "It's not that I don't want to, it's just... It's been five years, I..."

She couldn't finish.

I leaned down and kissed her lips.