Page 12 of Mine to Keep

She could feel the blush that burst across her face. “Thankyou, sir.”

He patted her hand. “Are you ready?”

She nodded.

“Okay, I’ll go in and get them in place. Come in when you’re ready.”

“Thank you,” she said again. She counted to fifty, opened the door, and stepped in. Her gaze immediately went to Roland. He looked so tall and handsome in a nice suit. His gaze was hot and pleased.

She vaguely saw that his friend, the doctor, was there, and his father was beside the man who was going to marry them.

Laila had no recollection of walking to him. When he took her hand and squeezed it, she exhaled. It was going to be all right. She didn’t take any time to understand her emotions, but there would be time for that later.

The ceremony took less than ten minutes. She was aware of the ring he put on her finger, and he even had one for himself. A gasp sprang from her mouth when Roland pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He didn’t let it go on like before, but it still made her body feel warm and needy.

The four men talked, and the whole time, Roland didn’t release her but held her tight against his side.

The doctor, Daniel, hugged and kissed her cheek.

“Congratulations. If he gets out of hand, just call me.”

Laila grinned when Roland snorted.

The older man walked out with Warren, and Daniel had to get back to the hospital. When they were left alone, she couldn’t bring herself to look up at him.

He lifted her face with a finger under her chin. “How are you doing?”

She tried to smile. “I’m not sure.”

“Do you regret marrying me this soon?” he asked.

“No. Not at all. I’m just afraid I’m not going to make youhappy.”

He pulled her against him and held her for a long time. “I can never see that happening. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted in a wife.”

“I’m glad. I’ll try my very best, but I’d like you to tell me if I’m doing something wrong or if there is something you need from me,” she said.

“Everything is going to be okay. I made reservations for us at my favorite restaurant. Do you feel up to going?”

“I’d like that.” At home in Argentina, she never had a lot of chances to go places. She knew her father had been embarrassed by her childlike behavior, and although it hurt, she knew it was best for him to think she was slow.

The day was turning into something she never imagined would happen. She just prayed she didn’t mess it up.

Chapter Six

Roland stared at his wife over the candlelit table. They were drinking champagne and eating lobster and tender steak. They took their time, and from what he could see, she was enjoying herself. It took some time for her to relax when they sat down, but he kept asking her questions about her life and her dreams.

The owner of the place, a friend of his, and a brother in the Society, made sure their table was isolated, so they had some privacy.

He was still getting over the shock of feeling jealous of the male attention Laila got when they walked through the restaurant. It was an emotion he’d never felt before, and he didn’t like it. He figured with time, he would settle enough that it wouldn’t bother him. It helped that she didn’t seem to notice, and in fact kept her attention on him the whole time.

“This ring is beautiful,” she said.

“It was my grandmother’s, and the one I’m wearing was my grandfather’s.”

“Oh, I love that. I promise to take care of it.”

“I know you will.”

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