Page 24 of Bound to the One-Night Stand

“And while I can’t tell you anything about her, I can tell you she has always wanted to go to Greece. Santorini, specifically. Now, they don’t give me any information about the Alphas who get married, so I’m not sure if you can swing this-”

“She’ll have the honeymoon she’s wanted by the time we say I do. Is there anything else you can tell me?”

“I’m sorry, but I’ve already said too much.”

Rising, I give her a nod and head out into the hallway. Thankfully, I have enough time to book our flights, resort, and tell my work I’m taking off for a bit. At least I got the data over to the private eye before I left. That’s one major thing off my plate. Now, I can concentrate on one thing and one thing only—my bride.

I stand thereat the end of the aisle, refusing to fiddle with my tie. Every time I looked in the mirror, it was perfect.There’s no way it’s askew now. Even so, my fingers drift up to touch the knot and straighten it one last time.

With a groan, I pull my hand away. Closing my eyes, I once more conjure the little omega who knelt so prettily at my feet last night. God, what I would give for my bride to be her. Even now, I feel my heart wrench at the inevitable heartache.

I have to remain firm in my resolve. It won’t be fair to my future bride to be wishing for someone else. It’s why I try not to entangle myself with omegas to begin with. And yet…

With a frustrated sigh, I clench my hands before I rake my fingers through my hair, messing everything up. But honestly, that’s what I feel like right now. A mess. On the outside, everything looks perfect. On the inside, part of me feels like I’m dying.

I just need this to hurry up so I can get these feelings out. Once I see my new bride, I’m sure everything will click into place. It has to. Even if I have to demand myself to love, honor, and cherish this stranger above the small, vulnerable newbie submissive, I will do that.

Because that’s what Doms do. That’s what good Alphas do. That’s what I will have to do.

Unfortunately, everything still seems to take forever, allowing time for my mind to continue churning. And yet, a quick glance at my watch shows no matter how much time has actually passed, I’m still early.

Dammit. I just want to get this part over with so I can start building a future. Honestly, that’s all I ever wanted. Just an omega, and hopefully a slave, to call my own.

When the music swells, my heart pounds in time. Soon. So soon, I’ll see my omega. Soft voices float out into theroom from the side hall. Again, I feel as if I know that voice. I wish to God I could place it.

The first person walks out, a bridesmaid by the look of her. I’ve never seen this woman before in my life. Nor the next. Or the next. Strangers, all of them. However, when the next person steps out, my jaw nearly drops.

Kessily flounces down the aisle, her dark skin nearly glowing in the pale lavender dress. She’s all smiles until her gaze catches mine. When her jaw drops, I can’t help the chuckle that escapes.

Instead of the slow, processional walk, she nearly sprints down the aisle and bypasses her seat. “Devin? Oh my God. Devin? Oh. Oh man. Just you wait. You-”

“Please, miss,” the officiant says. “You must be seated.”

My fingers twitch as I turn around, straining in the silence, waiting as the doors open. The music swells again, and it’s all I can do to keep looking at the wall in front of me. She’s so close. I can hear her footsteps as they move tentatively down the aisle.

What’s worse is I can almost smell her. It’s an odd scent. One that teases my memory. It’s a sugary, floral smell. Like a decadent dessert one enjoys on a picnic. No. No, it can’t be.

“You may turn to greet your bride.”

Though she had a mask on last night, nothing can hide those beautiful brown eyes or lovely blonde hair. It has to be my one-night stand from last night. Could I really be so lucky? Could it really be her?

“Devin Adler, I’d like to introduce you to your bride, Jessica Langley.”

“That’s my bestie!” Kessily cries out, removing all doubt.

“Oh, my dear little Jessica,” I purr, feeling out her name on my tongue. “Such a pleasure to meet you.”

CHAPTER 10

JESSICA

What. The. Hell? Standing before me, in all his imposing glory, is the man from last night. It has to be. Though his face was covered, there’s no denying his intense brown gaze as he looks down at me.

He smiles as if he wants to devour me right then and there. How could this have happened? One night. I was only with this Alpha for one freaking night. We didn’t even have sex! And yet, he’s the one I’m paired with?

I was with Alec for a few years and nothing. None of this makes sense. I should have been far more compatible with Alec as opposed to this kinky bastard. Glancing down at his outstretched hand, I contemplate taking it.

If I take his hand, it’s done. The deal is sealed. I’m his for six months. Six months with a man who likes things rough and depraved. Six months with a guy who isn’t Alec. Six months where another Alpha will want to possess my virginity.

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