Page 11 of Taken By the Soldier
Cynthia draws me aside as Luka joins the men who are gathering in the dining room. “You look nervous, dear. Don’t be. Luka’s a good man. He’ll take care of you and be a wonderful husband to you. I promise.”
I massage my temples. “Did they forceyouto marry someone?”
“Oh, no. My daughter, Ainsley, married Easton Phillips. He’s the chaplain in Commander Dawson’s unit. She’s attending a birth across the lake tonight, but you’ll meet her soon.”
The other two women from the truck appear from around a corner and Adella introduces me to Chloe. Cynthia then guides me into a large bathroom and helps me clean up quickly using a handheld sonic shower that removes all traces of dirt from my body and even the lingering scent of smoke from my hair. To my dismay, there isn’t a window in the bathroom. I give an inward sigh.
“I’ll be back in a moment,” Cynthia says, slipping out of the bathroom. She returns a minute later bearing a set of clean clothing—a pair of baggy jeans, a fitted pink shirt, and brand-new sneakers—and leaves me alone to finish preparing myself for the ceremony.
My lungs have stopped burning, but I still feel like shit. Mostly, my stomach has twisted into so many knots I wonder if I will ever feel normal again.
Will this nervousness ever leave?
Yes, it will. After I escape Luka and his barbaric companions.
The short ceremony takes place in the living room near a crackling fire. Luka holds me close as we repeat strange vows that only add to my fear. We vow to obey our husbands while the men vow to protect and guide us with a firm but loving hand. Whatever that means. Luka’s earlier threat to punish me now holds more weight in my mind. My eyes take in the muscular lines of his tall body, and I repress a shudder, swearing to remain on his good side—at least until I escape.
I glance at Adella and Chloe. Both have an arm wrapped around their soldiers, dreamy smiles plastered on their faces. I don’t get it. How can they just roll over and accept their fates?
Easton proclaims us husbands and wives, and, as cheers erupt in the room, I feel like I’m on the verge of losing my mind. The urge to scream comes over me and I have to take a few deep breaths to calm myself. Luka remains rigid beside me, and the two of us watch as Adella and Chloe exchange shy, chaste kisses with their new husbands.
Oh, no.
I glance up at Luka and swallow.
Will I bemisbehavingif I don’t kiss him?
His gaze bores into mine and his eyes heat with unmistakable lust. Before I can process what’s happening, he grips my chin between his large fingers and tilts my face upward.
“Be good, princess.” His scolding tone does things to my body that I’m not proud of.
His lips descend, capturing mine in a kiss that’s much more demanding than the other women endured from their new husbands. His beard scrapes against my skin as his tongue delves between my lips, exploring my mouth with a persistence that turns my insides to mush.
Aching warmth courses through my body and my pussy gives a sharp spasm.
Luka breaks away and stares into my eyes for a long moment.
Speechless and trying to catch my breath, I wait for his next move, bracing myself for whatever plans he has in store for me tonight.
Will he try to consummate our marriage?
Will he force me even if I sayno?
“Come, princess, and I’ll take you to my cabin—ourcabin.”
Chapter6
LUKA
The chorusof nighttime insects greets us outside, along with the moon shimmering over the black lake. I tear my gaze from the water and focus on my new bride, wishing I could read her thoughts. Will she try to run away? For the time being, I’ll have to keep a close eye on her.
I resolve that if she attempts to escape or proves troublesome, I won’t hesitate to give her a lesson in obedience.
I pause at the door of the cabin as the motion sensing lights flick on, spilling a warm glow across her face. She aims me an icy glare and looks pointedly at my hand that’s gripping her arm. I release her and lift an eyebrow, daring her to challenge me right here and now.
Christ, I would enjoy taming her.
The more time I spend in her presence, the less averse I’m becoming to the idea of taking a bride. In fact, there is nothing I want more than to kiss her again. The sweet taste of her lingers on my lips and the heat produced by our first kiss hasn’t yet abated.
