Page 20 of Revenge (Corrupt Empire 3)

I’d had lectures from her about how soon it was, but she’d still been happy for me. By most standards, it probably was too soon. Avery and I knew what we wanted. Each other. No other girl would match up to her in my eyes. No one would love me the way she did. Accept me flaws and all. Especially after what I’d done.

“I hope I find a dress this weekend. It’s going to be difficult at such short notice.”

“You will. I don’t care how much it costs. I want you to be happy.”

Honestly, I’d pretty much do anything to make sure this day went off without a hitch. I’d already arranged a tiny reception along with rooms for everyone in the hotel so she didn’t have to worry about it. I never thought I’d be sorting out a fucking wedding, but then again, there was a heck of a lot of shit I never imagined I’d do before I met Avery.

“James is begrudgingly coming with us. He asked me if he really had to when I rang him earlier.”

I laughed.

“I’m sure he’d rather be doing anything else than putting up with you two doing girly shit all afternoon.”

“He’ll have John.”

I raised my eyebrow. I was admittedly a little bit fucked off that he’d get to see Avery in whatever she picked out before I did. Half the fucking wedding party would. It was necessary for him to protect her given that we knew Rick would come after her again. He’d promised that. It reminded me I hadn’t yet told Avery about the night my mother died. I should, but finding the words was harder than I realised. It really was my worst fucking memory with the exception of Christmas Day when Avery left me. I didn’t want to think about that shit right now. Not when she was right here and was about to become my wife.

“I’m sure the two of them can console each other.”

“I’m not that bad. It’s Gert they should be worrying about. She’s constantly texting me pictures of dresses she thinks will suit me. I swear she’s more excited than me.”

“What? You’re not excited about getting all this for life?”

I pointed at myself, biting my lip to keep from smiling. She eyed me, giving me one of those ‘are you serious?’ looks.

“You’re such an idiot,” she muttered, brushing her fingers across my chest.

“You wound me, princess.”

“Boo hoo.”

I kissed her forehead. She pouted so I shifted, kissing her properly.

“Better?” I whispered as I pulled away.

She nodded. Her eyes were drooping a little. No wonder she was tired considering she’d had a long day.

“You want to sleep?”

“Yeah… is that okay?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

She smiled, sitting up and pulling the covers out from underneath us.

“Well… because… someone usually has an insatiable appetite for me.”

I laughed, shaking my head a little as I got under the covers with her and leant over to turn out the light. I tucked her up in my arms, giving her a kiss goodnight.

I wasn’t a complete fucking animal who couldn’t control himself around her. Some days were bad, but others, like today, I was content to just fall asleep with her close to me. The girl who soothed me and kept the nightmares at bay. She’s who I wanted for life.

l

The shouting hurt my ears. I had my hands over them, my eyes squeezed shut against the onslaught.

“Let go of me.”

“You bitch. You’ve always been a fucking little troublemaker.”

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