Page 124 of Mob Bride

“I trust him, pumpkin.”

I look at my dad and nod. “So do I. For better or for worse in all of this, Shane is the only right choice.”

“If that changes, come home. You know I never talk about it, but don’t forget I met your mom when she patched me up after I nearly died during the mortar attack. I’m not a British Royal Marine anymore, but I have a long memory. Shane’s not the only one who’s skilled and protective.”

“I know, Dad. Thank you for understanding all of this. You and Mom.”

“We want you happy and safe. We see you can have both with Shane.”

“We’ll see.”

My dad lets go of my arm and stands next to my mom as the judge begins. My parents speak when it’s their turn to say they’re giving me away. They’re holding hands, and it makes me wonder if Shane and I will get to where they’re at. I look at his parents and the other older couples. They’re all the same.

My gaze meets Shane as I listen to him recite his vows. Then it’s my turn. We both pledge to love, and it saddens me. I know I’m there. But I don’t think he is. Yeah, he’s fond of me. Wedefinitely enjoy fucking. That doesn’t change the reason we’re here. He’s marrying me to protect me, not because we love each other.

I can’t believe the ring he slips on my finger. It’s gorgeous. It’s an antique style, but the diamond must be at least three carets.

“It was my nana’s.”

How can I accept something so special?

Nikki taps my shoulder and hands me a man’s yellow gold band.

“That was my grandda’s on my da’s side.”

Shouldn’t a different couple have these? The couples who meant their pledges of devotion. It feels like we’re stealing these from them, even though Cormac’s the only guy left.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Shane slides his arms around my waist, and I glide my hands up his biceps until I encircle his neck with mine.

“No one has ever looked more beautiful than you,cailín. I’m the luckiest man alive because I get to be your husband.”

Before I can respond, he lowers his lips to mine. The rest of the world disappears. It’s the two of us. This kiss is unlike any I’ve had before. Not just with Shane, but ever. I’m completely lost to it. It’s perfect.

Neither of us moves to pull apart. It just keeps going until we’re breathless. He cups my jaw and kisses me again once we’ve taken a breath. I wrap my arms around his waist. I feel the gun I should have expected. I’m certain all the men have theirs. I don’t want to know how they got theirs past the metal detectors we all went through. It’s a stark push back toward reality, but he doesn’t let me tumble into it. He keeps kissing me.

No one rushes us, but I sense people walking away. He brushes his thumbs over my cheeks when we finally pull apart and look at each other.

“Husband.”

“Yes, Wife?”

“Just trying it out. I like it.”

“So do I. I think it suits me when you’re the one saying it.”

“Will you call me Wife again?”

“Wife, get used to hearing it. I like it as much ascailín.”

We gaze at each other, and something passes between us.

“Shane—”

I’m interrupted by Cormac hurrying toward us, saying my husband’s name at the same time as me.

“We have to get out of here. Joey spotted some of Jacek’s men in the parking lot.”

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