Page 15 of Cruel Vows

Ellie holds tighter to Aiden’s arm, eyes nearly bulging out of her head when they reach the end of the aisle and I hold my hand out for her.

Her hand shakes as she places it in mine, looking up at me from beneath her dark lashes.

She looks like she’s on the verge of tears, but just as I lean in to whisper something—I have no clue what—to her, she stands up straighter, her gaze hardening.

The priest clears his throat as I stand in front of him with Ellie, holding her hand in mine. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Sean and Ellie—two people who were brought together by fate and will be forever united.”

The corner of her mouth twitches, and I watch her fight the urge to roll her eyes.

She winks at me before her tongue darts out to wet her bottom lip.

For a moment, I want to lean in.

Idiot. She’s nothing but trouble.

You don’t like her.

You could spend the rest of your life never having to talk to her again and you would be happy.

Despite the light mood she’s trying to keep, she squeezes my hand so tight I’m sure that my fingers are minutes away from breaking.

She doesn’t want to be here any more than I do, and in that regard, I feel a bit better about this entire situation. We’re both here just trying to do the best we can by our families, even if it’s killing both of us to do it.

The priest turns to me, swallowing hard. “Sean, do you promise to stay by Ellie in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?”

No.

I nod. “I do.”

He turns to Ellie, taking a moment to study her before clearing his throat. “Ellie, do you promise to stand by Sean in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Her voice is soft and sweet, entirely unlike the snarky and mildly amusing woman I know.

No, she doesn’t amuse you. She annoys the hell out of you.

At least she did until I found myself tied to her for the rest of our lives.

The priest has us exchange wedding bands. My hands tremble as I slide the gold band onto her finger, the diamond glittering beneath the sunlight streaming through the windows.

She takes my ring, holding it tight like she’s terrified of dropping it. Ellie’s fingers wrap around my hand, holding it in place as she slides the matching plain gold band onto my finger.

It feels like it holds the weight of the world.

That little ring is an anchor tied to me and pulling me into deeper water. I feel like I’m drowning as I look at her, the room silent around us.

The priest steps back and closes the binder in front of him. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.”

My heart races, sweat coating my palms as I put one hand on her hip and lean in. I brush my lips over hers quickly, but that short kiss is enough to send my stomach lurching.

The color drains from her face, even as she forces a smile.

She looks like she’s going to be sick, so I take the lead, putting on the show I know Dad is expecting.

I take her hand and gently pull her down the aisle, heading straight for the doors. I don’t know about her, but I need a breather before dealing with our families.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Dad is going to want to celebrate the wedding as if it’s real and not just something crafted for an alliance.

Horns blare as we head outside and hurry down the steps.

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