Page 26 of Bound to the One-Night Stand

Kessily’s eyes tear up as she leans over and hugs me. “I promise you. Devin is a good guy and a great Dom. If you open yourself up to him, he’ll make you so fucking happy.”

Tears dot my eyes as I hug her back, clutching her close. “I love you hardcore.”

“Hardcore, bestie.” With a final squeeze, she heads back down and takes her place amongst the rest of the bridal party.

“May I proceed?” the officiant seethes.

She gives an elaborate bow, making me smile again. There’s no room for tears when Kessily is at the helm.

“Now then. Since we’ve had a lot of complaints about this not being a proper ceremony because of the lack of rings, we’ve decided to add it in. So, at this point in the ceremony, you will exchange the rings you picked out earlier.”

I slide the ring off the bouquet and hold it in my palm. It’s warm from where I’ve had a stranglehold on the stems, but it feels solid. Just like the man in front of me. Though I wasn’t sure what type of ring he’d like, I picked out something I wouldn’t mind seeing on him.

Granted, I chose it with Alec in mind. Perhaps that wasn’t the best idea, seeing as the man in front of me is nothing like him. Shame floods my body as I pull my hand back, not wishing for him to see.

“Don’t worry, Jessica,” he murmurs. “I am not so hard to please. Besides, there’s nothing saying we can’t pick out something else later if we wish.”

Right. He does have a point. These rings were chosen for strangers. Perhaps once we get to know each other, they’ll either seem like the perfect fit or we choose something else.

Sliding my hand forward, I turn it palm up to let him see the ring. It’s a simple silver band with a black edging. Something masculine. Gritting my teeth, I ease it over his ring finger and gasp.

Though I picked it out for Alec, it looks like it belongs on Devin. Honestly, now that I see it on him, the other options just wouldn’t have looked good. Somehow, I made the right choice.

He holds up his hand and smiles, moving it back and forth. “It suits me. But what do you think? You’re the one who’s going to have to live with it on me.”

“For six months, at least.” As the words leave my mouth, I hold my hand over my lips. “I didn’t mean-”

“Yes, you did,” he growls, a small smile teasing the edges of his lips. “But I don’t hold it against you.” He slides in closer, wrapping his arm about my waist and drawing me in. “I’d rather hold something else against you instead.”

Heat fans my face as I try to push him away, but Devin holds firm. How easy would it be to just relax into his arms, soaking in the strength he wears like a second skin? Would it really be so bad to give in?

Before I can make up my mind, he releases me and holds out his hand. “I’m most anxious to see what you think.”

When he opens his hand, I drag in a quick breath. Though I’m not sure what rings they had for him to choose from, this is most like the one I would have chosen. Where his is thick and manly, mine is thin, delicate, with a beautiful marquise cut diamond in the center. Tiny diamonds go down the sides, making it a truly stunning piece.

My vision blurs as he slides it over my finger. Why does it have to be so perfect? Why does he? The moment he lets me go, I bring it closer to myface so I can inspect it.

It has to have some flaw. It just has to. But no. It’s perfect.

“Now then, Mr. Devin and Miss Jessica. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Though you are not required to kiss, you may do so if you wish.”

Devin smiles down at me, his eyes darkening. “I’m going to kiss you, my lovely little bride. Now is your only chance to say no.”

The word hovers on my lips, but I can’t say it. I ache to be in his arms again and feel his lips against mine. Ever since leaving the club, I’ve wanted to be back by his side. And now I am. Possibly forever.

Sweeping me up into his arms, he tilts my chin up and gazes into my eyes for a moment. “Good. No protest.” He slants his lips over mine, kissing me with a ferocity I’ve never felt before.

It’s as if he’s devouring me. His tongue forces its way past my lips and teeth to tangle with my tongue. How is it he was holding back so much at the club yesterday?

Every inch of me tingles as he commands me with this kiss. As much as I dreaded the idea of him dominating me as my husband, I find myself melting toward the notion. If it’s anything like last night, it can’t be that bad… Right?

Around us, our friends whoop and holler, no doubt taking yet another year off of the officiant’s life. Scooping me up, he cradles me to his chest. “How about we split this joint and go on our honeymoon?”

Shocked, I pull back and look up at him. “Honeymoon? But I have work. I-”

“You better not think one more thing about work,” Kessily snaps. “They all will know you got married today. We can handle a week or two without you. Now go get fucked!”

Again, that niggle of unease slithers through me asDevin’s chuckle vibrates along my skin. Get fucked. I guess that’s bound to happen at some point. Might as well be on my honeymoon.

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