Page 91 of Lord of Debauchery

“May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Beckham Kennedy.”

Every syllable hung in the back of my mind, focusing becoming more and more difficult. I didn’t want to faint on my wedding day or fall into some crazy case of being sick to my stomach, but I could no longer feel my feet as my now husband cupped my face, tenderly kissing me.

I was surprised I was the one who turned the chaste moment into something more intimate, the passion we both experienced bursting through the seams of decency.

We were both overwhelmed by our needs, trying hard not to lose ourselves in the moment even as he swept his tongue inside. I was clutching his shirt, likely wrinkling the material. As if I cared. Every sound became muffled except the rapid pounding of my heart.

Yes, I loved him.

Yes, I craved him.

And God, yes, I only prayed we would have a future.

“Get a room!” someone shouted, which broke the obvious trance we were both in.

Beckham pulled back, his eyes lighting up like firecrackers.

I grabbed the bouquet his sister was holding and we both turned toward our guests. Hearing the band start to play something more festive than the wedding march allowed me to smile all over again.

“Time to party,” he whispered in my ear even as I was searching the crowd.

Was I hoping my father and brother had somehow managed to sneak onto the grounds, paying homage to a family member? Maybe. Or maybe the real truth was I was thankful they hadn’t showed, pushing this amazing experience into the dumpster.

The next thirty plus minutes were another fabulous blur of being congratulated, pictures being taken, and a glass of champagne being shoved into my hand. Through all the well wishes, the guests truly enjoying the reception as they should, I found myself wandering off toward the beach. I took off my shoes, enjoying the feel of the cool sand beneath my feet.

It was just a little private moment I needed, time to reflect on the life I’d been determined to leave behind and the one facing a newly formed union.

Maybe everything could be alright, allowing us both to make memories we’d cherish in the future.

I wasn’t surprised I felt a presence a few minutes later, but I was surprised my husband hadn’t attempted to find me. Of all the women, the wives of members of the Brotherhood, Jade seemed the most reflective. I’d listened to her stories, I’d known it hadn’t been an easy relationship with Constantine, but she’d refused to back down or allow the powerful mafia Don to rule her life. In my mind, they had a very strong relationship, something to admire.

She stood staring out at the ocean. “You know, it’s funny. I love where we live, the beautiful countryside perfect to raise a family. And of course, we own several houses in various parts of the world, including a fabulous villa in the Caribbean. But with trying to keep the kids on a regular schedule, I can’t remember the last time we were at the ocean.”

“What about summer vacations?”

Shaking her head, she threw me a look. “The love of my life wanted to take the kids on a glorious adventure last year, which meant a dude ranch in Colorado. I’m not knocking it since we own horses, but we spent night after night under the stars in sleeping bags. The kids loved it. Meanwhile, the bugs feasted on my skin. Apparently, I’m super sweet.”

Laughter with the woman came easily. She wasn’t frilly by any means, easily capable of taking on any man, but she had her priorities straight, which I adored. “Think of it this way. This year is your turn to choose the summer vacation spot.”

She narrowed her eyes, glancing toward me. “You know what? I didn’t think of it that way. You’re right. Damn right. I am going to start planning as soon as we return.”

We were still laughing, both paying more attention to the beautiful landscape until something caught my eye on the left. Whatever I was seeing appeared reflective. I narrowed my eyes, trying to figure out what I was seeing. There was a small beach in front of the bank of trees that lined both sides of the property.

“What are you looking at?” Jade followed my line of sight, using her hand to shield her eyes from the sun.

“I don’t know. I’m going to check it out.” As soon as I started heading toward the area, she grabbed my arm.

“Wait. Hold on. I don’t see any of the soldiers. Let me get a few of the guys to check out whatever it is.”

“We’re surrounded by men with big, fat guns. It’s likely nothing. I’ll be right back.”

“I’m getting the guys,” Jade called. “Don’t run off.”

I wasn’t running. I was walking. I took a second to pull the weapon from its hiding place, making certain it was loaded. While the dress dragged even though the long train had been secured to a hook nestled in the material on the small of my back, I was easily able to make my way through the sand. As I crept closer, I scanned the ocean waters. What the hell was I seeing?

I couldn’t make it out even as I inched closer to the shoreline, a few seconds later heading into the forest. I did my best to keep from making any noise, including stepping on twigs. It wasn’t long before I heard rumbling voices in the distance behind me. Reinforcements were coming. As soon as I made my way through the trees, I scanned the water again.

A buzzing sound grabbed my attention. What was that? A cold chill suddenly drifted through me as the single entity in the water shifted, morphing into several boats.

---