Page 46 of Buckled in Barbwire

I scrub at my wet eyes. Fuck, this is getting out of hand. It’s not too late to throw a stone at the deceptive mirage I’ve created. Guidance would be much appreciated.

That’s the precise moment Paisley sweeps into the building like an avenging angel sent to rescue my soul. The sight of her so soon is staggering and weakens my knees. If the wall wasn’t already at my back, I’d be crashing into it. She managed to get ready in record time, but her speedy appearance isn’t what shocks me. It’s just her. I’m not the type to submit, but this woman could convince me to kneel at her feet.

She’s simply breathtaking. The long white dress hugs her curves like a lover’s embrace. There’s just enough sparkle to make her shine without overdoing it. Her golden hair is loosely braided and hangs over one shoulder. A light dusting of makeup highlights her features, somehow brighteningwhat already glows. The pink gloss on her lips is too inviting. I force my boots to remain rooted to the carpet.

June and Neil ditch the mayor to greet their daughter in a whirlwind of excitement and expectations. Nervous energy wafts from their fumbled movements. This is a special occasion they’ve been waiting to celebrate and will never forget. Paisley hugs her parents, searching the small cluster of guests. Her siblings aren’t in attendance. Another strike against me, but there wasn’t time to include them.

“You chose well,” Dad mumbles from his place beside me.

When Paisley’s smile stretches wider, a strange warmth spreads through my chest. I press a palm over the inflicted area. The joyful pounding threatens to break free. It’s been so long since I’ve experienced even a sliver of this intensity.

“She looks happy.” I could almost be convinced she actually wants to get married.

My father glances between me and my bride. “Why wouldn’t she be?”

Guilt threatens to weasel its way in again, but I manage to trap the pest before critical infestation. “We barely know each other,” I deflect.

“That’s what the honeymoon is for.” He chuckles and wags his brows, making me feel sick for an entirely different reason. “C’mon, kid. Let’s get you hitched.”

We straighten off the wall as a cohesive unit. Neil and June escort Paisley toward us. As predicted, the stars in my cowgirl’s eyes dim when she looks at me. That doesn’t stop me from openly admiring her.

“You’re radiant, Twinkles.”

“Not too bad yourself, almost husband.” Her smile is brittle and saturated in betrayal.

The tie around my neck suddenly tightens. I put that stain on her usually sunny expression. She’ll be rid of me soon enough.

“We make quite a pair.” My suit is entirely black to contrast her pure white. I hold out a bent elbow, which she hesitantly accepts.

Our pace is slow and leisurely as if we’re headed to a blissful happily ever after rather than a corrupt ceremony. Ted stands at the front of his chambers, beckoning us forward. Paisley’s steps falter.

“The mayor is officiating our sham of a wedding?”

“He owed me a favor.”

Her bottomless stare attempts to burrow beneath my scowl and stubble. “You’re something else.”

“About to be yours,” I rasp.

“In name only,” she reminds on a whisper.

I nod and Ted proceeds with the farce. The vows are basic and bland, quickly leading to when we exchange rings. I grab both from my pocket, holding her delicate band aloft.

My pulse sprints, booming in the quiet space. “Do you accept this ring as a token of my unwavering love and devotion?”

Paisley’s slender throat quivers from an audible gulp. “I do.”

The thin loop slides onto her finger, fitting just right. I had her set custom made to appear as one when connected, like barbwire and grit. That’s what she’ll need to withstand our matrimony.

Paisley shifts her hand to admire her new embellishment. “Black diamonds?”

“Like my heart,” I explain. “Figured you could use a reminder of me.”

“As if I could forget who I belong to,” she mutters.

Heat floods my veins at a dangerous speed. An image of Paisley beneath me, begging for more, slams into my mind.

“Careful with what you say or I’ll want to keep you that way.” Getting aroused in front of this crowd is shameful, even for me.

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