Page 8 of Madam Alana

Shame, thick and tepid, oozed through my mind. Did he notunderstand that we were marrying for convenience and companionship, not love?Surely Angus had gone over the contract ingreat detailas he had with each candidate. I’d agreed to being purchased as a doting wifefor five million dollars and five years of my time. Love was not for sale, nordid I think I was capable of romantic love after what I’d been through. Celinewas the only person who had that from me, and my feelings for her were that ofa sister. Even my own mother had destroyed the love I’d felt for her when sheabandoned me.

“The ring, Alana?” The officiant broke me from my reverie.

I reached for the platinum circle on autopilot and held italoft.

“Say what you wish,moncoeur,” Christophe encouraged.

My heart.

I closed my eyes, desperate to push aside all the uglythoughts that were at war with the kindness he was giving so easily. It wasunnerving. No one had ever been genuinely kind to me, aside from Celine, inyears.

“Christophe…” I spoke so low I could hardly hear myself.What did you say to a man who was about to change your entire life for thebetter? He had no idea the horrors he was saving me from. The brutal, meagerexistence I’d been living up to this point. But could I trust what I was seeingat face value? A lot of people were excellent at pretending. He very well couldhave been a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Regardless of my concerns, I decided that since I’d neverhave a moment such as this again, because I didn’t plan on marrying afterChristophe, I’d be honest. Give a bit of myself to this man who’d offered menot only financial security, but his very heart.

I didn’t know what to do with one’s heart, but I did knowwhat I could reciprocate that might express a fragment of my appreciation.

He extended his left hand. I held it, hovering the ring overhis finger.

“Christophe, with this ring, I promise to be a loyal,faithful, and supportive wife. I devote the next five years of my life tomaking you as happy as possible and standing by your side in all things.” Islid the ring on and stared at the diamonds twinkling back at me.

When I looked from the ring to his face, I was surprised tosee he was smiling joyously.

For a moment, I once again imagined we were different peopleand that this was the best day of our lives. Happiness stretched between us.And for the first time in a long time, I let myself enjoy it.

“By the powers vested in me by the great state of Nevada, Inow pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride, Mr. Toussaint.”

Christophe cupped my cheeks and brought his face closer tomine. I could feel his warm breath coast across my lips. “May I kiss you,Alana?” he asked.

I was shocked by his request. Technically, he’d paidhandsomely for the right to do whatever he wanted to measlong asit didn’t endanger my life. Part of the contract detailed thatour bodies were to be available to our husbands at their whim.

“You don’t need to ask for my permission,” I murmured,reminding him of something he already knew.

“And yet I’m asking for it all the same.” His gaze traced myfeatures like an artist would a painting. “You are the most magnificent creatureI’ve ever laid eyes on. To know that I get to look upon your beauty for yearsto come is an unbelievable gift I never want to take advantage of.”

My heart clenched and I felt a girlish flush creep up my neckto enflame my face. “You may kiss me,” I answered.

I closed my eyes, waiting for the moment his lips touchedmine. When they did, I wasn’t ready for the flourish of sensation that spreadwarmly through my entire body. I’d never been kissed before. Men who’dpurchased the right to take pleasure didn’t give pleasure in return. This…thiswas soft, gentle, almost ticklish as his lips brushed back and forth.

Christophe pressed his mouth more firmly to mine, one of hishands sliding from my cheek to the back of my neck. His hold as delicate as asatin ribbon across my skin. I lifted my hand to his chest for balance andgloried when he made a pleasurable groaning sound. One that was so deep I feltthe rumble move against my palm. I sighed and opened my mouth just a touch,which he took as an opportunity to flick his tongueinside, teasing myown.

A sizzle of electricity bolted through my form sending myheart skittering and my legs clenching together at the sudden arousal poolingbetween them. I gasped at the unexpected contact and broke our connection, myeyes going wide as I put my hand over my mouth in shock. I’d seen kisses wheretongues had touched on television and between couples on the streets of NewYork. But I was wholly unprepared to receive one or the fiery burst of desirethat came with it.

“Magnifique,” Christophe whispered, awe clear inhis tone as he studied my face.

I could no longer look him in the eye, feeling my inexperienceand embarrassment down to the tips of my toes. The feet I now stared down at,while hoping I didn’t upset him by pulling away.

Christophe used a curled finger to tilt up my chin until Ilooked him in the eyes. “Was that your first kiss,cheri?”he asked.

I nodded, unable to form words after such a special andutterly unique experience.

He inhaled fully, his large chest lifting with the movementas he seemed to grow in height right before my eyes.

“This pleases me,” he purred.

My cheeks went molten once again. Would I ever be able tolook at my own husband without blushing like a child? I didn’t think so. Hisvery presence was so all-encompassing, I didn’t know how to react. He was verymanly, yet gentle too. Almost elegant in his mannerisms. At least in what I’dseen so far.

He tapped my chin, dipped forward, and laid another peck tomy lips, finishing with a weighted sigh. “Come, my Alana. Let us go and get toknow each other.”

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