Page 101 of His Bride

“Have fun.” Leandra waves as I close the door behind me, then lean back against it, happy with my decision to hand everything over to Alexius.

“When you lean against my brother’s office door like that, I’m inclined to think you’ve just signed away your soul.”

I smile as I look at Caelian. “Perhaps I did.”

“If you did, I hope you got a receipt. Souls are non-refundable, you know.”

“Who says I’m looking for a refund? Maybe I got exactly what I paid for.”

He steps closer, eyes gleaming. “A bargain, huh? If I’m the prize, you definitely scored the jackpot.”

I scoff. “More like a clearance sale with no returns.”

“Funny, I don’t hear you complaining when you’re cashing in on the perks.”

“Perks? Please. I’m just waiting to see if there’s a ‘husband upgrade’ option somewhere in the fine print.”

“Upgrade?” He cocks a brow. “Sweetheart, I’m the deluxe model. No upgrades needed.”

“More like ‘limited edition’ with an expiration date.”

Caelian moves even closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing tone. “Limited edition? Good thing you already locked me down. Can’t exactly return a husband.”

“True,” I say, straightening his tie. “But I hear there are trade-in options.”

“Trade me in? You couldn’t if you tried. You’re stuck with me.”

I sigh dramatically, but a smile breaks through. “Guess I’ll have to make do.”

“Oh, trust me, love. You’ll more than make do. Now, enough of your aimless wandering. We have a strict schedule to stick to.”

He takes my hand and leads me down the hall to the foyer. “Where are you taking me, anyway?”

With a gentle tug, he pulls me into a twirl right into his chest. “Back to where it all began.”

Six hours later, we’re in a limousine driving through the streets of New York.

I used to hate this place, the constant hum of traffic and blaring horns. The skyscrapers casting down their imposing shadows. The memories of hangovers that lick the ass of death. But now, it’s not so bad. It’s like I’m looking at it in a different light. Caelian changed a lot for me, even when it comes to this city.

“What are we doing here?”

Caelian grins. “You’ll see.”

The limo stops, and when I look out the window, a flutter of something warm sweeps through me. “It’s the coffee shop.”

“If you’re referring to the one I carried you out of, then yes.”

“I’m referring to the one I punched you in the face in front of.”

His eyes narrow. “Cute. Really.”

I smirk.

“Get out of the damn car. I carried you out of this place. I can carry you inside it.”

I’m still smiling as the driver opens the door, and I slide out. Caelian is next to me, taking my hand and leading me inside.

The air is filled with freshly brewed coffee's rich, enticing scent. Notes of chocolate, caramel, and roasted beans mingle in a delectable aroma.

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