Page 35 of After the Vows

Chloe kneels next to me. “You’re not ruining anything. You are perfect in every way. But did you maybe forget you put the rings in the little bag with the bubbles?”

“Yes!” Natalia rushes to the bag on the chair she abandoned. She pulls out two rings. “Here, they are!”

She lays the rings in my hand and I kiss her hair. “Thank you, cupcake.”

Chloe holds out her hand and I place her ring on the tip of her finger.

“With this ring, I, Lucas, take you, Chloe, to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you and trusting what I do not yet know. I will respect your integrity and have faith in yourabiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us.”

I slide the ring on her finger. Chloe stares down at it.

“Is it okay?” I whisper. The rings are the one thing Chloe didn’t help decide on before the wedding. I went to the mainland by myself to buy them.

“It’s perfect.” Her bottom lip wobbles and I fear she’s going to cry. But not my Chloe. She inhales a deep breath. “Thank you.”

I lower my voice. No one on the island has to know this wedding isn’t real. “You’re the one I should be thanking.”

She holds out her hand. “Your ring, please.”

I give it to her and she places it on my finger.

“With this ring I, Chloe, take you, Lucas, to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us.”

I’m surprised she doesn’t make any jokes the way she did with the vows but she appears dead serious as she slides the ring on my finger.

“By the power vested in me by the island of Smuggler’s Hideaway, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride.”

I touch my lips to Chloe’s. My intention is a quick kiss but the second I feel her soft lips, I moan. I press my tongue against her seam and demand entrance. She doesn’t deny me. She opens her mouth on a soft sigh and I thrust inside.

She tastes of the ocean with a hint of the untamed. I growl as I sink deeper into the kiss. Her hands dig into myshoulders and I haul her close until her chest presses against mine.

I want more. I want her naked pressing against me. I want her begging for my touch. I want her. Period.

A whistle breaks through the haze and I force myself to end the kiss.

Chloe stares up at me with swollen lips. Shit. I wasn’t supposed to kiss her. This marriage isn’t real.

I don’t know how I’m going to resist her now I’ve tasted her sweet lips. I am in deep trouble.

Chapter 13

First dance – an excuse to touch the man you just married who you can never have

Chloe

Weston raps his fork against his champagne glass and I groan. He’s one of the few people who know this wedding isn’t the real deal but the knowledge hasn’t stopped him from trying to get me and Lucas to kiss again and again.

“Don’t worry,” Lucas murmurs against my lips. “Friendly fire will take him down.”

“I’ll help you bury the body. I have a list of locations prepared for such an occasion.”

He barks out a laugh. “Of course, you do.”

Since his arm is wrapped around my shoulders, I can feel his body shake with humor. I wish I could feel his body move against mine while we’re naked in bed. I bet Lucas is a thoughtful lover. I bet he’d ensure I get off before he comes.

I shiver as excitement rolls through me.

“Are you cold? Do you want my jacket?”

---