Page 39 of Desperate Actions

“Are you sure?”

I reach for the door.

Look at her one last time.

“I’m sure, Aella.”

Then, leaning in, I murmur against the shell of her ear, “I’m gonna marry you.”

A beat.

A breath.

“Then I’m gonna take you back to the hotel?—”

I press a kiss just below her ear, feel her shiver in my arms.

“—and I’m gonna fuck you so good. Every which way I can.”

Chapter 10-Aella

Is this real life?

I’ve seen that meme a bazillion times, but this is the first time I’ve ever actually felt it.

Like I’m floating, weightless. It’s as if I’m caught between dreams and reality, completely unable to tell the difference.

And all because Sammy Ramirez is about to marry me.

“Okay, Miss. Just read this and sign here,” the older officiant says, sliding a long, printed out marriage form in front of me.

I freeze.

Nerves slam into me, sudden and sharp, turning my pulse into a riot inside my chest.

For a split second, doubt creeps in.

The gravity of what we’re doing.

The impossible ache of wanting it to last.

Then, I feel his hand on me.

It’s large, warm, anchoring, pressing against the small of my back.

A steady reminder.

I feel his energy.His heat.Sammy’s undeniable presence beside me.

I just can’t believe it.

The man who has haunted my every waking thought for years is right here.

Marrying me.

He kisses my temple.

Soft.

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