Page 14 of Reckless

“Has she a second name?” Now I look at him.

“Why the interest?”

“It would be nice to know a bit about the bride. I see you are still as cagey as ever Michael.” I’m grateful he doesn’t use my nickname this time.

“Hegarty. She’s an only child. Her mother is lovely. Her father doesn’t like me.” I glance at Tom and he grins at me.

“No one likes you.”

I grin back. “I like it that way.”

The car pulls up at the church and nerves kick in but I push them away as I button my suit jacket and walk up the three steps to the building. The church is filled with faces I don’t know. I didn’t invite anyone, only Tom. Richard invited people who had asked me to theirs, along with Margret’s friends and relatives, it was a full house.

I don’t have to wait long for the church bells to ring and the music to announce the arrival of the bride.

My heart picks up as the door opens. This was something I was doing because I wanted it. I wanted Margret who steps through the door a veil covering her face. The white material was simple and flowed down her body like a waterfall but she stole the air from my lungs. Each step allows her face to become clearer. I nod to her father as he reluctantly hands his daughter over to me. Lifting the veil I push it back and I smile into her smiling face. I want to kiss her right here and now. My hand touches soft and flushed cheeks.

“Alainn,” I tell her, not able to form anymore words. She closes her eyes before looking before looking up at me with such love that it devours the darkness that lives inside me.

Chapter Eleven

Michael O’Reagan

“You did all this?” She’s in my arms as we dance under the fairy lights that flow above us. The outdoor reception on Whitewood house grounds impresses me. They did wonders in such a short time.

“I directed them,” I say and she laughs. It’s soft and feminine just like the flesh that I press my hands into. Tonight can’t come quick enough and I can see that want burning in her eyes as well.

“Tell me you’re happy?” I want her to be happy. I want her to be happy because of me.

Her hands leave my shoulders and cups my face. “Nothing in this world could make me happier. All I want is you.” I press my lips gently against hers. I don’t want to be gentle I want to consume her but I want everyone to respect her as much as I do.

Her father approaches and he wears a false smile. One I don’t mind. Margret smiles back at him as if he is truly happy.

“Can I have a dance with my daughter?” I give him her hand and allow him this moment with his daughter. Tom is watching me from the bar and I stop beside him and order a whiskey.

“Are you not dancing?” I ask him facing the floor that has filled with couples.

“I’m not the dancing type.” He drinks a pint of Guinness and right now he reminds me of Father so much.

“Not the woman type?” I quiz and he gives me a sharp look that I raise my brow too.

“I’m only asking.”

“What you think every man who serves time in prison favors men.” The drink turns sour in my mouth at his words.

“I knew you wouldn’t let it go.” I down my whiskey and he laughs.

“Ten years is a long time brother. But I only like women.” I’ve had enough of his chatter and push away to reclaim my wife.

She sees me approach and her face lights up. Her father hands her over immediately and I don’t resume dancing, instead I take her away from the dance floor.

“Where are we going?” She sounds excited as I leave our guests behind and walk towards the house.

Over the last few weeks Margret has been doing up some rooms. It’s hard to get her to spend money, but with practice I’m sure she will get used to it. Catering staff in the hallways move aside while congratulating us.

The noise drops as we climb the steps to our room. Margret doesn’t say anything and her hand squeezes mine nervously. I don’t think she’s aware of what she’s doing.

“We don’t have to do anything,” I say the moment I close the door. “I just wanted you all to myself.”

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