Page 22 of Kiss of Fury

But his guilt over the incident didn’t prevent a wave of longing and hope from sweeping over him now.

His bride looked up at him almost nervously, and he bent his head and brushed his lips against hers. For better or for worse, they were married.

* * * *

Never had a kiss rattled her more.It was a quick, almost-brotherly peck, but her stomach clenched, and her heart raced.

“Congratulations!” Honoria beamed and hugged her.

“Thank you.”It’s done. No going back now.Thankfully, her long tunic hid her shaking knees. Fury had come in, and it was like seeing him for the very first time.

She’d noticed his handsomeness at the start, but today, his attractiveness hit her with a wallop. His rugged features and baby-blue eyes blended into anirresistible combination of masculinity and boyishness. She wondered how he’d remained single for so long.

He could have his pick of women. In other circumstances, he wouldn’t glance twice at a too-pale single mom with mousey hair more brown than auburn, and whose skin turned hot pink if she thought about stepping into the sun. She’d pretty much coerced him into the marriage. He’d agreed out of pity.

The officiant couldn’t know her situation, could she? She worked for Cosmic Mates, not Refuge. But Juju’s comments about forethought, honesty, and commitment had stabbed at her conscience. With no forethought, in a panic, she’d signed up to marry a stranger. She’d omitted any mention of having a child, deceiving Cosmic Mates and Fury, and, from the start, had entered into the marriage planning to annul it at the end of a year. Her commitment had been to her son, not her future husband.

“Sign here, please.” Juju presented her with a tablet. She scribbled her name, and Fury did the same.

It didn’t soothe her conscience she’d had no choice, and she’d do it all over again. She’d had to leave Earth in the fastest manner possible. Shecouldn’t lose Brody to the Dorns. However, she felt guilty for Fury’s sacrifice.

His vow had given her a glimmer of hope that maybe she could turn things around, start fresh. Ireallydo, he’d saidlike he meant it, like he wasn’t parroting what he was supposed to say but intended to give this marriage a genuine try. He’d cleaned up before coming here, his blond hair still wet, darkened from the shower. She’d gotten a whiff of minty toothpaste when he’d kissed her. He’d changed clothes. He’d gone the extra mile. Even after she’d lied, he’d done right by Brody. It was one thing for a parent to protect her own offspring, but for a man to protect an unexpected, undesired child testified to his kindheartedness.

He’s a good man,like Honoria said. Not to mention easy on the eyes.She could do far worse in the husband department. She’d been certain this relationship would go nowhere, but why not give the marriage a chance? Many arranged marriages led to love. She had to remain on Refuge at least until Brody became an adult. Afterward, she’d need to consider her options. If she left the planet, she wouldn’t be allowed back, and who knew what would await her on Earth? The Dorns would not give up or forget. Given thelimited options, why not choose the one that might lead to happiness?

She’d married a good man. She had a year to make something of this opportunity.

“I’ll be running along. You newlyweds are probably eager to start your honeymoon.” Honoria winked.

They hadn’t gotten a chance to finish their conversation—Fury had rushed in—but it didn’t matter; Steel’s genetics weren’t her business. She shouldn’t have even asked Honoria.

“Thank you so much for coming and for the flowers.” She lifted the bouquet. “It was wonderful to meet you.”

“You’re welcome. It was wonderful to meet you, too. We’ll get together.” Honoria waved at Juju and left.

Verity looked up at Fury. “I guess we did it.”

“I guess we did. Care to grab some dinner?” he asked casually, his cheeks dimpling.

It almost sounded like a date. Her stomach fluttered. “I’d like that.” She turned to the officiant. “Thank you for coming all this way.”

“My pleasure. I love marrying people. I’m living vicariously through you all. I signed up for Cosmic Mates myself, but so far, a match hasn’t been found.”

Verity donned her coat. As they reached the door, a shower of rice rained over them.

“For your good fortune.” Juju clutched a bowl.

Verity glanced down at the bouquet from Honoria. She’d intended to save it, but it would be better to pay it forward.

“Foryourgood fortune. Catch!” She tossed the bouquet to Juju.

Chapter Eleven

“I apologize for being late,” Fury said. “Steel and I were way the hell out and gone again repairing the fence, and, on the way back, we hit a rock and broke an axle. We tried to contact Dusty, but we had no service.”

“What did you do? How did you get back?”

“We started walking. After a while, we were able to get a signal. Dusty sent another conveyance to pick us up. Otherwise, we’d still be out there.”

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