Page 54 of War

“I didn’t know that was part of this agreement—” At a loss for words, I duck my head and wring my hands. I never considered that he’d be celibate for the entirety of our marriage, but he seems so affronted by the idea that he’d be with another woman. With a deep breath in for courage, I add, “We’ve never even kissed.”

He brushes his lips against mine. “Seulement dans mes rêves.” Then his mouth is on mine, stealing my breath. I may not know what those words mean, but god, he could have told me I’m the devil, and I wouldn’t care.

He devours me with his kiss. Obliterates every preconceived notion I had about this marriage. Groaning, he grasps my hair a little more firmly and tugs me closer. “That’s it, Vicious. Give me every last piece of you,” he murmurs against my lips. Then he’s diving in again, tangling our tongues and absolutely ruining me.

I claw at him, finally free to touch him, pulling him closer, wishing more than anything that we didn’t have layers of clothes between us and winter weather swirling around us.

This, I realize now, is what a kiss is supposed to feel like. This is what my sister and I dreamed about, what I never imagined I’d have.

At the sound of a car horn, I startle and pull back, panting.

Wearing a delicious grin, Tyler clutches me to his chest and holds me tight. “It was everything I dreamed of and more,” he whispers. Before I can wrap my head around his words, he spins me in his arms and rests his chin on my shoulder. “Your wedding gift, wifey.”

A gorgeous burgundy SUV is parked in front of me, decorated with an obnoxiously large bow on the top of it.

“It’s a seven-seat Rolls Royce with all the bells and whistles. I wish I could stay and spend the day driving around with you, but maybe you could drop me off at the airport?”

My breath stutters as I take it in. “You bought a car for me?”

Without replying, Tyler grasps my wrist and guides me down the steps. Like a kid showing off a new toy, he points out each feature, hisface bright and his tone giddy. “Wait, I forgot to show you my favorite part.” Encircling my wrist once again, he drags me around the back.

When the license plate comes into view, I let out a loud laugh and peer up at him. “Mrs. War?”

He grins. “Now everyone will know you’re mine.”

I shake my head, stupefied by this eager, sweet side of him I’ve never seen. “I didn’t know?—”

Cupping my cheek and leaning in close, he smiles. “Now you do. So promise me, wifey. Promise me you’re mine.”

It’s impossible not to smile as I make that promise. Then I kiss him again.

In a daze, I navigate through Boston traffic to the airport, then to the Langfield Corp building. It isn’t until I’m sitting in my office, rereading the text I just received from Hannah, that I realize this wasn’t all a fever dream.

Because on the device in my hand is a screenshot of Tyler Warren’s Instagram page. The first image is of the two of us on Christmas morning. It’s a photo Josie forced us to take. In it, we’re sitting side by side in front of the tree, looking tired but happy, my hand held up to show off my gorgeous ring.

The caption below the picture readsOur forever starts today. Mr. & Mrs. Warren.

TEXT MESSAGES FROM TYLER’S AND AVA’S PHONES

Dad: Could you give me a call, son? Dory told me about your news, and we’re a bit confused.

Sara: OH MY GOD! Did you just see War’s Instagram? Ava! We need a FaceTime chat immediately! Why do we have to be on a road trip for two weeks!?

Lennox: You’re complaining? I get no sex for two weeks.

Lennox: Also, congrats, Ava! Though I already told you in person at work.

Hannah: Our girl is all different shades of red.

Hannah:

Hannah: The number of comments on that Instagram post is insane! Our little Ava is a star!

Ava: You guys are crazy. It’s all becauseit’s Tyler.

Hannah: No, it’s because you’re the gorgeous woman wearing no makeup and Tyler’s Bolts T-shirt in the photo he decided to go official with. #mostwholesomepictureever #mybestieishot

Xander: What the fuck is this about you marrying my asshole stepbrother? Is this some kind of ploy to get me to apologize? Okay, fine. I’m sorry I left you there. But how the fuck are we supposed to get married and have kids if the guys my father works with think you play stupid games like this?

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