Page 25 of Conall's Reign

Paddy leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, a wider grin spreading across his face. “You could at least pretend to be excited, Frankie. My brother went to all this trouble, after all.”

“Trouble?” she retorted, her eyes ablaze. “Bringing a judge in here unannounced and dropping this on me is hardly romantic. I’m still in my scrubs, for God’s sake.”

Brody chuckled. “Romance isn’t really my brother’s style, is it? He’s more of a ‘get the job done’ type of guy.”

I rolled my eyes at both of them. Should I be offended that they were teasing me for not being a hearts-and-flowers kind of man? They were speaking the truth. I didn’t date or romance women. First, I had never had time for that kind of nonsense. Second, it wasn’t something I understood at all. Did women like that? I turned a critical gaze towards Francesca.

“Can we not turn this into a spectacle?” I asked, exasperated. Redirecting my attention to Francesca, I softened my tone. She looked exhausted, her hair coming undone, and her clothes wrinkled. I had already pushed this far and knew I needed to get everything legally bound before Angelo got his claws into it. “This is important. The sooner we’re wed, the sooner we can move forward together. This is the right step, Francesca.”

Her jaw tightened as she held my gaze. After a long pause, she exhaled sharply and nodded. “Fine. Let’s just get it over with.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding as she rose from the couch. Brody regarded me with disapproval. He was not fond of this arrangement regarding the blood oath and had expressed his thoughts on it multiple times.

The ceremony was brief and efficient. Judge McTiernan recited the vows in a measured, professional tone. Francesca’s hand was steady in mine as we repeated the words. Her expression was guarded yet resolute.She looked surprised when I slipped the rings onto her finger. The set was something I had bought years ago with her in mind, featuring an eternity diamond band that sparkled and a thick, plain gold band. Stacked together, they were perfect for her.

Paddy leaned toward Brody and whispered, loud enough for me to hear, “Do you think they’ll kiss at the end? Or is that asking too much?”

Brody smirked. “She might slap him first.”

“Quiet,” I growled through my teeth.

Brody wasn’t wrong in thinking she might slap me if I tried to kiss her right now, and I wanted our first kiss to be more than just a peck on the lips. I wanted to kiss her into oblivion, and I wasn’t sure I could do that in front of Judge McTiernan, who was already watching us with disapproval. Still, I’d risk it.

“Got to do it right.”

Her eyes widened with defiance as I pulled her hands forward, causing her to lose her balance. I seized the moment and curled my palm around her head, holding her in place as my lips met hers. Francesca’s lips had always appeared rose-petal soft, twin pillows of perfection that I’d longed to touch forever, which she had taunted me with. Now, as I brushed against them with my own, glided my tongue over their seam, and felt her breath mingle with mine, I was glad I had waited. The anticipation made this moment sweeter. That sigh and the softness of her body as she leaned into my arms were worth it.

Judge McTiernan cleared his throat, clearly eager to end the ordeal of being dragged up to my apartment. Francesca had wrapped her arms around my neck, but now she was pulling away. I glared at the judge with annoyance.

“Congratulations! I wish you both a long and healthy marriage,” he said awkwardly. “I’ll just excuse myself.”

“Sure. I’ll see you out,” Brody, ever the peacemaker, offered, escorting him to the door past me while I glared at him with murder in my eyes for the interruption.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Paddy clapped his hands together. “Well, that was fun! Who’s hungry? I could eat.”

Francesca turned to me, her voice dry. “Is he always like this?”

I shrugged, a faint smile dancing on my lips. “Pretty much.”

My eyes captured the rings sparkling on her finger, and satisfaction filled me. I had done it. She was my wife. A twinge that might have been my conscience flared, but I suppressed it. What did I care if I had cornered her? I didn’t. I had controlled the situation — as always. I wanted her, and I had finally made it happen.

Paddy grinned. “Don’t worry, Francesca. You’ll get used to me. Everyone does.”

Brody shook his head and draped an arm over Paddy’s shoulders. “Speak for yourself. I’m your brother, and I’m still not used to you.”

Despite the tension lingering in the air, I noticed the faintest twitch at the corner of Francesca’s mouth. Small victories.

“I could eat. I’m starving,” Francesca said, and Paddy grinned.

“Do you cook?” Brody asked with hope.

“I do. I’m even pretty good,” Francesca said, winking at them, and my hands clenched. Her smiles were meant only for me. The jealousy within me felt irrational, but it was hard to suppress the emotion.

The boys gazed at her with hopeful expressions, their hearts reflected in their eyes. Our mother had passed away when they were very young, and neither of them had any memories of home-cooked meals.

“She isn’t cooking today, you insensitive arseholes. She’s been hurt, and it’s her wedding day. A catering company will deliver dinner, which should arrive in about twenty minutes.

“Gasp! You’re bringing food up here?” Paddy mockingly covered his mouth with a hand, feigning horror.

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