Page 76 of Savage Promises

The vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and trailing greenery feel like this is someone else’s wedding. It doesn’t feel real.

My father doesn’t touch me or look at me as we wait for the music to begin outside the nave. I glance at him, but he won’t meet my eyes. I don’t know if it’s guilt, shame, or the simple fact that he’s never really cared about me for some reason.

I told myself it was stupid middle-child syndrome.

The doors to the nave open, and the soft notes of a string quartet fill the space. Neve goes first, her steps unusually measured and careful. She’s dressed in something sleek and silvery green that she must’ve grabbed last minute. I don’t know where it came from. I don’t care.

She didn’t bother to tell me. Or even explain what happened with her coach to my face. She hasn’t said much to me at all. This bride swap happened so fast. I’m not sure I would have asked Neve to be mymaid of honor, given what happened. I’d much rather have Mara here at my side. But I didn’t invite anyone.

I’m ashamed. Thisisstill a business deal on the surface. I’m fulfilling a promise my father made to the Quinlans to show his forever loyalty. Something I know my father will fuck up somehow and challenge how Shane feels about me.

All thoughts go out the window catching sight of the man waiting at the end of the aisle for me. His eyes lock on mine the moment I take my first step, and the entire chapel fades away.

I pass pew after pew draped with flowers, hiding my smile. The flowers, the music, and the programs are all details I shared with Mrs. Quinlan for Neve, wishing back then this day would be mine. And now it is.

Inch by inch, the distance between Shane and me closes, but it feels endless. Like I’ll never get there. Like this is a dream. Shane doesn’t blink, doesn’t waver. He stands at the altar in a perfectly tailored gray, three-piece suit that I didn’t get a chance to take note of earlier when he barged into the bridal waiting area and handed me a prenup.

Those documents should cast a shadow on the day, but nothing seems to have changed. His stance and his smile right now suggest he’s here willingly and proudly making me his.

“I hope you’re proud of yourself,” my father mutters beside me.

There’s a certain freedom to knowing I’m seconds away from no longer being his to abuse.

“You know what, Daddy?” I smile to the crowd, then turn to him. “Fuck you.”

My father balks next to me but continues to smile, keeping up appearances. I’ve never raised my voice or used those words with him, and damn, it felt good.Liberating.

When we reach the altar, my father shifts uncomfortably before placing my hand in Shane’s.

Warm fingers slide around my elbow, firm and permanent. His gaze on me is steady, intense, and so full of possession. I swear I feel ropes closing around my wrists. But they’re soft and full of carnal promises.

“She’s mine now,” he says to my father, giving him a hard, deliberate hateful glare for every wrong he’s ever done to me.

And then it’s just us. Shane and me.

The ceremony begins, the priest’s wedding sermon echoing all around me. It all barely registers. I feel like I’m floating above myself. Shane squeezes my hand when it’s time for the vows, anchoring me to the moment.

The priest tells me to repeat after him.

“I, Lennox Donnelly.” My voice trembles at first, but I push through. “Take you, Shane Quinlan, to be my husband. To stand by you, to trust you, and to give you my heart and fidelity for as long as we both shall live.”

Shane’s turn comes and his voice sounds so much more confident. Like the weight of his vows matters more to him than anything he’s ever said.

But there’s an edge to his voice, too.

“I, Shane Quinlan, take you, Lennox Donnelly, to be my wife. To honor you, to protect you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”

Cherish... Not love. My vows didn’t include love either. Odd. And his didn’t include...fidelity. But there’s never been a man I trusted more to be faithful.

We exchange the rings. He slides a white and chocolate diamond wedding band he selected to go with the massive oval-cut engagement ring onto my finger. It’s a perfect fit, hugging my finger like an unbreakable promise.

I stare down at the interesting mix of diamonds.

“To match your beautiful eyes,” he whispers.

I smile at the compliment, and he smiles back. As we’re gazing at each other like lovesick kids, the priest interrupts to say, “You may now kiss the bride.”

Shane cups my face, his thumb brushing my cheek as he leans in. “Finally.”

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