Page 64 of Savage Games

As I waited for his reaction, I couldn’t help but twist the delicate silk of my dress between my nervous hands. I was ruining it, but in this moment, a few wrinkles in the skirt of my wedding dress seemed the least of my worries.

“Goddamn it.”

His harsh curse broke the silence and caused me to jump.

Placing the phone in the inner pocket of his tuxedo jacket, Richard returned to me. Once more going down on his haunches, he placed a warm hand along my jaw. I held my breath, wondering if he would call off the wedding, having no idea if I wanted him to or not.

“It means nothing.”

My breath escaped in a shocked gasp. “Richard! How could you possibly say it means nothing?” Gesturing to the phone in his pocket, I continued, “There are countless photos of you with a laser gunsight on your chest!”

Richard rose and lifted me up by my shoulders. He then sat in the chair and placed me on his lap. It was a little awkward with the heavy skirts of my dress, but neither of us cared.

Placing a finger under my chin, he said solemnly, “Nothing. Nothing,” he repeated for emphasis, “is going to keep me from making you my wife today.”

“Who is she? Why is she tormenting us like this?”

Richard sighed. “She’s a mistake from my past and that is all I will say on the matter, Elizabeth. Do not ask again,” he finished firmly, his anger clear in the tightness of his jaw and furrowed brow.

“What if she tries to kill you?”

“My love, the queen is in attendance. There isn’t a single dark corner of this entire abbey that isn’t at this very moment being patrolled by both my security and her own. We are perfectly safe.”

I lowered my head, unsure of what to say.

Richard placed a hand on the side of my head and tilted it close to give me a chaste kiss on the forehead. “My poor little one. I promise I will keep you safe. You have my word. I will let nothing happen to you.”

“It’s not me I’m worried about.”

Richard tapped my nose, then said in a light teasing tone, “If you’re worried about me, that must mean you like me, perhaps a little bit. Maybe even love me?”

I pouted. “Don’t tease, Richard. You know I love you!”

He gave me one of his rare smiles, which made his dark eyes glow. “I love you, too. So, let’s go make it official; after all, it’s rude to keep the queen waiting.”

My hand flew to my mouth. “Oh, my God! Oh, my God! The queen! She probably thinks I’m this obnoxious American who selfishly doesn’t care about royal protocol! Richard!”

Lifting me off his lap, he stood and straightened his jacket. “As soon as she meets you, the queen will see why I fell in love with such a charming, innocent girl and adore you as I do.”

Looking around for a mirror, I lifted my hand to my hair. “Have I made a complete mess of my hair and makeup?”

After surveying me from head to toe, he lifted his arms to straighten my orange blossom wreath and tuck an errant curl behind my ear. “I think you look perfect.”

Nervously biting my lip, I gave him a sheepish look. “Is it bad I wish we could walk down the aisle together? I was nervous before seeing those photos, but now I’m positively petrified.”

Placing a reassuring hand at my lower back, he said, “Your wish is my command.”

“Richard, really? Won’t they get angry? Mr. Simmons will probably have a heart attack!”

He shook his head. “Since when have I ever let what others might say deter me?”

Walking over to the door that led to the altar, Richard opened it halfway and gestured to someone on the other side. A quick whispered conversation took place. I couldn’t hear what was said, but the person nodded and turned away.

Richard returned to my side. Placing a reassuring hand on my lower back, he escorted me out of the room and once more down the long hallway to my chamber. I was so glad to have Richard by my side, I completely forgot to even mention the missing guards.

Walking through the chamber, I retrieved my simple orange blossom bouquet before we entered the main cathedral and took our place at the top of the main aisle. The seven-piece orchestra began the opening strains of Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry’s ‘Bridal March.’ Looping my arm through his, Richard placed a hand over mine and gave me a wink.

With Richard by my side, we walked slowly toward the altar.

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