Page 132 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

Over the past week, Brynleigh had perfected her acting skills. In front of Jelisette and Zanri, she’d worn a mask of indifference as they finalized their plans to murder Ryker. She hadn’t revealed River’s confession, even though it pained her to hide things from Zanri. He was her handler, and she’d come to realize over the last week, her friend. But Brynleigh couldn’t risk him telling Jelisette that she’d changed her mind. She’d gone through all the actions, pretending that tonight, after the reception, she still planned on killing the captain.

But that’s all it was.

An act.

This kiss, though? Isvana help her, Brynleigh was not acting now. This embrace was real. The emotions coursing through her were real. The vows she’d spoken were real. Their relationship was real.

Well… as real as something could be when it was built on a foundation of lies.

But she and Ryker could get past their rocky beginnings. They had to. Brynleigh wouldn’t accept any other alternative.

Brynleigh would fight for this relationship because she was meant to be with Ryker. She knew it in the depths of her soul. Even though she’d entered the Choosing with dishonorable intentions, she still wanted Ryker to be hers.

His tongue flicked against her fangs, and she moaned his name. His hardness pressed against her, sending a surge of want through her.

Brynleigh couldn’t wait until Ryker saw the surprise she had waiting for him under her dress.

Someone coughed in the audience, and Brynleigh’s eyes snapped open.

Oh, gods.

She had completely forgotten they weren’t alone. Judging by the sheepish look in Ryker’s eyes, so had he. They split apart, their mouths plump and cheeks flushed, but he kept hold of her hand.

Priestess Plyana looked amused as she studied the newly married couple. Her cheeks were flushed, and her fangs were fully displayed and she smiled warmly. “Well, I suppose we have additional proof the Choosing works.”

A smattering of laughter rolled through the crowd, and even Ryker chuckled. Brynleigh’s chest warmed, but before she could crack a smile, the hairs on her neck stood on end. She turned her head ever so slightly, and sure enough, Jelisette’s black eyes drilled into her.

Worry churned in Brynleigh’s stomach. Had she gone too far? Did her Maker know she felt more for Ryker than she’d been letting on? What if?—

Actually, fuck that. It didn’t matter.

When the sun crested the horizon tomorrow and Ryker still breathed, Jelisette would know Brynleigh had broken all the rules. She would have to deal with it.

Brynleigh was an adult, not a puppet that her Maker could boss around and make do whatever she wanted. She had married this fae, and he was hers. They’d vowed to be with each other, for better or for worse. They were bound together beneath the eyes of the law. They’d Chosen each other, and no one, not even Jelisette, could break them apart.

Plyana rested a black cloth across Brynleigh and Ryker’s joined hands. The ceremony was almost over. “In the name of Isvana, the goddess of the moon, it is my greatest honor to declare you husband and wife. May your union be Blessed from this day until your last.”

She lifted the cloth, and the crowd roared their approval.

It was done. They were married.

Brynleigh thought she’d be nervous or frightened, but instead, a warm, fuzzy feeling filled her stomach. When she entered the Choosing, she’d never expected to feel like this on her wedding day.

She was happy.

A pleasant lightheadedness floated around in Brynleigh’s head as she nursed her glass of Faerie Wine. She’d already had two servings of blood while Ryker and the other non-vampiric guests had their appetizers, and she’d moved on to the pink wine while the guests enjoyed their dinner.

The grand reception hall reminded her of an elegant, five-star restaurant. Low-hanging chandeliers cast a light over the space. Off-white tablecloths covered round tables. Classical music trilled from hidden speakers. Servers dressed in black delivered copious amounts of food and beverages. The windows were bare, and the moonlight provided a romantic ambiance for their joyous occasion.

Brynleigh and Ryker sat together at a high table, just the two of them. Their family and friends, along with guests and several undercover guards, were scattered throughout the hall.

Jelisette stood at the back of the reception space, talking to a man cast in shadows, but Brynleigh had yet to see Zanri. It was strange since she’d ensured her friend was issued an invitation. After all, it wasn’t like she had any family to invite to the wedding. It stung that he wasn’t here.

What could be more important than this?

A warm hand landed on Brynleigh’s thigh, drawing her attention to Ryker. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and he brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Are you alright, sweetheart?”

Gods, this man was so considerate. She loved that he was checking in on her.

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