Page 14 of His Stolen Bride

This time she takes it, and we turn to face the priest.

“The short version,” I instruct.

He nods and gets on with it. No sermons or platitudes about love, just the sealing of our bond in front of the few people in the room. Her sister and that asshole Leo stand at her side, and I notice Leo seems a bit too familiar with the younger girl. I don’t like him. I may kill him but not tonight. Tonight, we celebrate.

The clock strikes two in the morning when the priest is done.

“You may kiss the bride,” he says and steps back.

“Don’t even think about it,” Bella hisses, fire in her eyes. “You have me. We’re married. I’ll do as you ask, but don’t think you can manhandle me or take me without a fight.”

“Is that so?” I wrap my arm around her waist. “We must seal this pact, my beauty.”

“Let go.” She fidgets in my embrace, but I pull her close.

Her eyes go to my mouth, her desire giving her away. She wants my kiss. But does she want my love? Do I have any to give?

As I hold my beauty’s angry gaze, I realize I do have it to give, and I’ve never found anyone I want to give it to more than this snarling Carrera with the temper of a demon and the face of an angel.

Gripping her harder, I claim her mouth in a searing kiss. Not a church kiss, a real kiss, one that consumes us and binds our destinies together for the rest of our lives.

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