Page 5 of Cage the Storm
I’msilent when Barrett hands me my bouquet with a shy smile and when the music begins, I hold on tight to Sophie. My breath hitches in my lungs as we walk arm-in-arm down the aisle. All I can focus on is the elegant gazebo at the end of the garden’s path. I barely notice how handsome Nicolai is while standing under the archway. All I can see are the breathtaking flowers that decorate the white framework. Beautiful white Calla Lilies and red roses adorn the arch and cascade all around the frame. They secured small bouquets to the seating area and placed pink rose petals on the white carpet.
My body’s trembling from holding back all of my emotions. I’m not in love with the man I’m marrying today, but if he’s the one responsible for all of this, I’m grateful he turned a dismal day into one I’ll never forget.
“Who gives this woman away?” Sophie stands proudly beside me as she slips my hand into Nicolai’s.
“I do.” With a quick kiss on my cheek, she takes her seat.
I go through the motions just like I did years ago. The only difference is that this wedding feels rushed, and the groom isn’t truly present. He scans the horizon and the grounds more frequently than I do. I’m okay with that since he’s being cautious. Neither of us wants to make this commitment, but we’re being forced to because of family traditions.
“Luna.” I startle when he whispers my name. Then I realize everyone’s waiting for my answer. Oh, how easy it would have been for me to say no and run for the hills, but I know I wouldn’t have gotten very far.
“I do.” Dread fills my belly when those two words slip past my lips, and I barely hear Nicolai repeating the phrase. Then I’m oblivious as he slips the ring on my finger, and I do the same for him. The exchanging of rings is supposed to be a symbol of love, and this is just a façade. Much like the traditional vows we just exchanged. Was it wrong of me to focus on “Till death us do part?”
I’m numb when his hands frame my face and his lips slant over mine. I don’t bother closing my eyes. Why? It’s not an actual kiss; it just solidifies our union. Just like the marital bed will tonight. We’re just two people going through the motions for everyone’s enjoyment but our own.
“I’d now like to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Nicolai Caputo.” Since there’s only a handful of guests present, there’s not much fanfare. It’s fine. I don’t enjoy being on display, anyway.
As we walk down the aisle, we stop along the way, so everyone has a chance to congratulate us. His mom and sister give us kisses and hugs, and it’s just so damn awkward, I cringe. I paint on a smile when all I want is for this day to be over.
It’s like watching a movie play out, and we’re just the actors playing our roles. This time around, I plan on skipping the traditional wedding rituals. Like something old, something new,something borrowed, something blue. Yeah, I’m over it, and I didn’t bother wearing the damn garter that was left in my little bag of goodies. Compliments of Nora, my dress designer. I’m sure my new husband had something to do with that one.
A popping noise in the distance sends a jolt through me, and then chaos erupts—people shouting, ducking, running for cover. When a bloodcurdling scream tears through the air, my heart lurches into my throat.
Without a word, Nicolai scoops me into his arms. Bridal style. Like I weigh nothing, tucking my head under his chin. I can feel the tension in his body, the urgency in every step as he runs toward the estate.
He should be worried about his mother and sister. But his focus is on me. And even though I’m terrified, there’s comfort in that. I’m his wife now. And for the moment, that’s the only thing holding me together.
When he sets me on my feet inside the kitchen, a loud screeching noise makes me cover my ears. My heart’s pounding so hard I feel like I’m going to die. “Are you hurt? Fuck’s sake, talk to me, Luna!” I want to ask why he’s yelling—But then I realize it’s not him. It’s me. I’m the one screaming.
All I can do is shake my head, and in turn, he shakes me. “Are you sure you’re not hurt, because your dress is covered in blood.” I’m so disoriented and confused that I’m not surprised when he picks me up and carries me upstairs to his room.
I’m not sure if it’s my body trembling or his hands shaking, but when I finally snap out of it, Nicolai’s undressing me. “Stop, what are you doing?” I try slapping his hands away, but he doesn’t stop. And it’s frustrating as hell.
My bloody dress is now a crumpled heap on the floor, and I whimper when he reaches for my bra. Once that’s stripped away—along with my panties—I feel more exposed than ever before. “Please stop, Nicolai! Please!” I can feel his hands gliding overevery inch of my body, and all I want to do is scream. Until my thoughts clear. “Where’s Sophie? Oh my god, I need to find her. Let me the fuck out of here.”
“Hush, she’s fine. Mateo protected her when I grabbed you. Give me a minute and I’ll find her.” He closes the door behind him, and I collapse to the floor, surrendering to my tears. I never wanted this wedding. I fought against it. But I never wanted anyone to get hurt. I could have lost her.
A commotion outside the door pulls me from my daze. I lift my head, just in time to see Sophie drop to her knees and wrap me in a tight embrace. Relief crashes over me. “You’re okay, sweet girl. I’ve got you. And once you’ve caught your breath, I’m drawing you a hot bath. Vanilla salts and all.” Her kindness breaks me open, and I sob into her shoulder, letting it all out.
My hand brushes against something soft. It takes a moment to register, it’s my dress. Soaked in blood. I hadn’t realized that when I collapsed, I’d pulled it over my bare skin like a shield. Gazing up at Sophie, I whisper, “I never meant for any of this to happen.” She shushes me gently, lifting me to my feet, and guides me toward the bathroom.
I’m not sure how much time has passed. I only vaguely remember Sophie bathing me, dressing me, and tucking me into bed. Not my bed, Nicolai’s. Sleep pulls me under until the mattress dips beneath me. I blink awake to find Nicolai sitting beside me, his head buried in his hands. “Did your family get hurt, Nicolai?”
CHAPTER SIX
NICOLAI
After everything she’s endured,Luna’s concern warms my heart. She could have asked me anything, but she asked about myfamiglia. She’ll never know how much that meant to me. “They’re distraught, but they’ll be fine. How are you feeling?” She shrugs but doesn’t answer.
I’ve no doubt she’s overwhelmed, and that’s to be expected. “I hope you don’t mind, but I asked our guests to stay the night. I didn’t want to take the risk of anyone else getting hurt if they left. We have plenty of room to accommodate everyone here.”
“Not at all. There’s strength in numbers.” Sometimes I forget she’s only twenty-one. She’s like an old soul in a young woman’s body.
“Yes. Yes, there is. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to shower.” I know she’ll be fast asleep when I get back, and that’s okay. Today didn’t go as planned, but I’m thankful, since it could have been so much worse. Losing three of my men has taken its toll, and I know Luna will be upset when I tell her that Thomas was one of them. He sacrificed his life saving ours, and although I can’t bring him back, his family will be well taken care of.
I toss my bloody clothes in the trash bin and then set the shower. When the hot water meets my flesh, I exhale. I’mphysically and mentally exhausted as I watch the blood and sweat swirl around in the drain before disappearing. It’s all I can do to stand upright as I hang my head under the water, placing my hands against the wall to hold me up. I know the sooner I wash, the sooner I can go to bed, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to sleep. Especially tonight, with Luna sleeping so close beside me. This married shit is going to be a big adjustment.
Turning around, I grab my body wash and start scrubbing. My face, chest, and arms first. Then my legs, feet, and finally my cock, which thickens against my palm as the warmth of the water mingles with my touch. I let the rhythm take over: slow, firm strokes to start, and then I pick up the pace. Knowing if I don’t find release, I’ll be fucking my wife the minute I slide into bed. A guttural groan catches in my throat as the friction deepens, my hips pushing against my own hand, until the tension explodes and I paint the walls with my own release.
