Page 95 of The Reluctant Wife

Yep, that's the title I was granted, and the princess is now the Duchess of Verenza. The chair creaks as Tyler settles himself. "How does it feel?"

"That I am married again? Or that I’m royalty?" I shrug. "On the first, I’d say I’m surprised how good it feels. On thesecond, it’s notional, as far I’m concerned. But if it makes my wife happy..." Hearing myself call her my wife sends my protective instincts into overdrive. I glance toward the door she disappeared behind, wondering how long she's going to be. We have another hour until the wedding reception we're expected to attend in the palace’s staterooms.

Hosted by the king, and with the rest of her family and mine in attendance, it promises to be an absolute shit-show. I’m not looking forward to it.

"Hmm." He strokes his chin, as he watches me closely. "You're worried that since the person targeting her didn’t show, he’s regrouping to come back in a more dangerous fashion?" It’s as if he read my mind. Which is why I trust Tyler’s instincts almost as much as my own.

I shift my weight from foot to foot. I'm used to long days as a Marine, and functioning under enormous stress when on a mission, but none of it felt as personal as this need to keep her safe. It shows how entwined I am in this relationship with her. Something I’ll worry about after I’ve caught the guy who’s got her in his crosshairs. "I’ll be glad when today is over," I confess.

Though likely, the day after could be worse, since whoever is targeting her might think security will be lax and try something. So, it’s best to stay alert.

"Preach." Tyler rolls his shoulders. "How are you doing, really?" He peers into my eyes. "I was surprised when you agreed to Arthur’s scheme."

Me too, bro, me too."It was the only way to ensure she’s safe."

"You going to change your entire lifestyle for her?" There’s no judgement in his voice. Only curiosity.

"I’d turn my world upside down for her," I say with vehemence.

Before he can answer, his phone buzzes. His face lights up, and he answers the call, "Hello, poppet."

Serene’s childish voice comes through, "Daddy. Look." She must show something to him, for he laughs.

"You’re so clever, baby."

"Daddy, coming back soon?"

"Soon, baby. Uncle Ryot needs me here, but I’ll be with you soon." He blows her a kiss. "You be a good girl for Aunty Summer now."

I hear other voices in the background, then Summer comes on the line. “We love having Serene; she’s such a doll.”

"Thanks for taking care of her; I appreciate it.” Tyler murmurs.

"I owe you, Summer," I call out.

Tyler flips the phone.

I wave at her. "No really, thank you. It’s been a godsend to have Tyler here."

Summer waves it off. "You keep the princess safe. And congratulations on the wedding. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, but I’ll see the both of you in London soon." There are more voices in the background, then she signs off.

"Summer’s been amazing, to step in and take care of Serene. But I need a permanent solution." He looks harried. "Why is it so difficult to find a nanny who Serene likes and who’ll stick with us?”

The door to the room opens. A vision in white steps into the room. She’s changed out of the wedding dress into an ivory satin gown with a square neckline and a fitted bodice that flares into a modest A-line skirt. The jeweled waistband accentuates her waist and shows off her curves.

She has her hair down with the tiara she wore earlier holding the strands back from her face. Other than her earrings, the onlyother piece of jewelry she has on is the wedding ring I placed on her finger.

I finger my own, remembering how it felt when she slipped it onto me. I felt connected to her in a fashion that rocked me to the bone. And when the bishop pronounced us husband and wife, a feeling of possessiveness—almost proprietary in nature—consumed me.

Seeing her standing there like an angel, I want to gather her in my arms, peer into her eyes and kiss her before I claim her all over again. I’m dimly aware of Tyler leaving us. The door snicks shut behind him, and I move toward her as if in a dream. When I reach her, I go down on one knee and take her hand in mine.

46

Aurelia

"My queen. My empress." He holds out his hand and when I place my palm in his, he kisses my wedding ring. "My wife." He enfolds my hand between his much larger ones. "You are beautiful."

He looks up at me with naked adoration in his eyes. There’s something else there. Something possessive and primal. Something that sets off a flurry of heat pulsing through my veins and turns my pussy into a miasma of need.

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