Page 159 of Sinful Sacrifice

As we seal our marriage with a kiss, butterflies swarm my stomach.

No one can take this away from us now.

No one can throw our names into a marriage contract.

We’re one now.

I had no problem with Damien wanting to rush to get married. I’d wasted over a year because of my stubbornness. I couldn’t do it for another day.

Damien inches back some, his arm wrapped around my waist, and says, “My wife, Mrs. Bellini,” before placing another kiss to my lips.

I chose the blush-pink dress I wore to Swan Lake, which I’ve now deemed as my good-luck dress. I wore it the first time Damien told me he loved me and now, when we’ve devoted ourselves to each other for the rest of our lives.

We hear congrats and clapping from people as we pass them in the halls. The sun heats us, warming our faces as we step outside.

“Congrats,” Julian says, hugging Damien and then me.

“Thanks, brother-in-law,” I say, hugging him back.

He’s our only witness.

There’s no guilt about not inviting others. I love the idea of a small ceremony. Damien told me he’d give me the perfect wedding later, but I’m in no rush.

Just like with the weather, a perfect wedding doesn’t mean a perfect marriage either.

Sure, we’re not being traditional, but I don’t care.

Nothing in our lives has ever been traditional.

We both avoided marriage contracts and fought against the rules.

As we reach the bottom steps, Damien takes my hand and brings it to his mouth. “Finally, you’re all mine.”

“And you’re mine,” I whisper, a bright grin spreading across my face.

“Always have been and always will be.”

55

“Your plan worked out,” Antonio says, squeezing a stress ball from behind his desk in his home office.

I relax in the chair across from him. “You doubted me, didn’t you?”

“No, I doubted your coconspirators. You know I don’t trust people.” He tosses the ball on the desk. “What’s the plan with Riona and the Koglins?”

“Surprisingly, the bastards didn’t contest her becoming boss.”

“Shocking, knowing how Cernach treated women.”

“I’m positive a large part of their acceptance has to do with her killing Odhrán and Kian being at her side. Had it been her alone, they’d never have gone for it.”

He arches a brow. “Our weapons deal?”

“Still in order. Same as with Cernach.” I smirk. “Better rates, though.”

He snaps his fingers and points at me. “Good job. Now, the dance studio. When are you telling Pippa’s mom that hers is getting shut down?”

One thing about Antonio is, he is going to ask all the goddamn headache-inducing questions. The man always needs to not only have his ducks in a row but also others’ ducks.

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