Page 29 of Reckless Promises

Your bride.

Cillian steps toward me, and even in my heels, I have to tip my chin up to face him. His expression doesn’t falter as he looks down at me, but this close, a hint of emotion splashes his eyes. It might be uncertainty about what we’ve done, or it might be anger toward my father for putting him in this position. But then he leans in, and his gray eyes soften just enough to make my heart flutter.

Cillian dips his face to the side of mine, whispering in my ear so no one else can hear him. “There are many things I will force you to do, Odette. Marry me. Live with me. Help me destroy your family. ButI vow to kill anyone who dares place a hand on you without your permission. And I don’t exclude myself from that promise. You are mine now, and I will protect you.”

“Okay.” My entire body shakes.

The officiant might have read us our vows, but for some reason, Cillian felt the need to tell me this—just between the two of us. And I’m not sure what to make of it as he pulls back and doesn’t immediately move to kiss me. He watches me, waiting for his promise to settle. Waiting for me to grant him permission.

“Kiss me, Cillian.” The words might come out because I know the room expects it. Or they might be a confession I’m supposed to resist. But whether I wanted this or not, Cillian is my husband, and I understand being his wife means he needs to do this. “Just kiss me.”

I shouldn’t want his lips on mine. I shouldn’t want the beating heart of a monster who cares about nothing outside of his own motivations. But my family bargained me—sold me. They couldn’t care less about my safety, while Cillian just vowed it.

Cillian lifts his hand, cupping my jaw and brushing his thumb over my bottom lip. “You’re mine now, Clover.”

His warm lips press to mine. Soft at first, gentle. No hint of the beast that’s sure to come out eventually. And I sink into his kiss like it’s not all his revenge. The black wedding. The dyed flowers.

I drink the lie from his lips.

I’ll survive this.

I have to.

11

Cillian

There are very fewthings that take me by surprise.

I built a business on the fact that I don’t get caught off guard. That I’m careful and always watch my back. Always arrive fully prepared for any situation. I know to expect the unexpected and have a backup plan for everything.

But my wife tests every one of my natural instincts.

My wife.

Those two words alone placed blinders over my eyes when I’m not in a position to be distracted.

Her lips on mine at the altar shook something loose. It broke free, and now it’s rattling around, begging me to pay attention to it.

She’s a means to an end.

I remind myself of that fact every time her emerald eyes glance my way. Because this wedding is business. Nothing more.

“Nice piece.” Shane stops next to me, handing me a whiskey.

His gaze lands on Odette standing beside Fallon across the room. She has the attention of all the men in here because her beauty is undeniable in her black lace wedding dress. It fits her perfectly, accentuating every curve. And even though it’s not white like the dress I’d planned, somehow in her darkness, she’s even more innocent.

Fallon leans in and whispers something in Odette’s ear, and for the first time since she climbed into the car after the auction, her collected façade breaks. A hint of a smile crawls up the corner of her mouth, and it’s disarming how much I don’t hate it.

It’s sweet.

Gentle.

And fucking distracting.

“Did you just refer to my wife as a piece?” I turn to my brother.

He reaches his glass out and clinks it against mine, even though I didn’t offer it to him. “Don’t tell me you’re already getting attached.”

---