Page 24 of Bound and Blitzed

I dress in a simple navy suit, pausing to fasten my cuff links, and taking extra time to style my hair in the mirror over the hotel room’s desk. Valentina has claimed the bathroom and while she’s a no-frills girl, there’s an anticipation in the air that causes us to slow down this morning.

We woke up leisurely, looked at each other, and laughed. We ate pancakes and sipped coffee in the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast. Our conversation was easy, yet I noticed the spark in Valentina’s eyes. There was a shyness, a sweetness, in her gaze.

Today, I make her my wife.

My wife.

Two words I never thought I’d say, much less own.

Valentina opens the bathroom door, and I turn slowly. When she steps into the hotel room, I exhale audibly.

“You look beautiful.” It’s the truth. She’s a fucking vision in creamy lace. Her dress is simple, skimming the tops of her knees, and delicately draping over her shoulders. It’s flirty and romantic and it suits her perfectly. “I like your kicks.” I laugh, noting her practical white sneakers. The laces are some kind of delicate, ivory lace to match her dress. It’s the perfect combination of dressy yet functional. Something I know Valentina values.

She grins back. “Had to keep it real.” Her gaze sweeps over my frame and I stand still, waiting for her assessment. “You look good, Avery.”

“How good?” I quip.

Her cheeks turn that delicate shade of pink I’m starting to love. “Good enough.”

I snort. “You ready?”

Valentina exhales. “Ready.” Then, a small frown dips between her brows. “Wait, you’re certain we filed all the proper forms?”

“Had my lawyer go through them twice.”

“Okay,” she breathes out nervously. We read through all the documents earlier in the week, each signing and initialing where necessary. Valentina meets my eyes and gives me a nod.

I move toward the door. “Let’s get hitched, Lena.”

“Okay, Avery.” With her shoulders back and her chin held high, Valentina Garcia strides from the hotel like a woman who knows exactly what she wants.

And right now, it’s to become my wife.

I park in front of the local courthouse and glance at Valentina. Her knuckles are practically white from how hard she’s gripping the door handle. Her bravado faltered the moment she clipped in her seat belt, and with each passing street on the drive here, she withdrew more into herself.

Shit. I turn off the engine and lean back in the driver’s side.

“Valentina, look at me.”

She does. I hate the fear that rings her irises.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask.

It’s her last chance to back out.

Her tongue swipes over her bottom lip, slightly smudging the pink lipstick she’s wearing. She nods.

Damn.

“I need the words, sweetheart.”

“I’m sure.” She looks anything but certain.

I sigh and reach over the center console to clasp her hand. “I know this is crazy and if you’re having second thoughts, tell me and?—”

“We’re gonna have to kiss,” she blurts out, cutting me off.

“What?”

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