Page 93 of Tarnished Queen

“You don’t have time for regrets. That’s what you told me.”

“It’s true. But even if I did, I’d never regret you, Belle.”

His voice is soft and tender, and tears press against the backs of my eyes. Amanda would hate it if I cried off all my makeup. I try to will them back, but Nikolai keeps talking and making that obnoxiously difficult.

“You’ve been through more in your life than most people ever experience, but you’ve come out of it a stronger person. Without sacrificing the hope and purity that makes you who you are.”

I dab—dab, not smear—at a tear rolling down my cheek. “How can you know that? Like you said, you didn’t know me two months ago.”

“Because I’ve seen the way your sister looks at you,” he says confidently. “I know how hard you worked to take care of her. You’re always focused on helping everyone around you, which is why I’m ready to become your husband and make it my official responsibility to take care of you. You deserve it.”

A beat of silence. My heart is ready to leap up my throat.

“Why wait until the wedding? You can take care of me now,” I whisper.

Nikolai leans in. I can see a glimpse of his dark hair through the crack of the door. “What does that—”

Before he can finish, I yank the door open.

He’s standing in front of me in his tux, all sharp lines and smooth edges. His body looks broad and strong, his jaw is clenched as he takes in my sheer lace wedding dress. His dark hair tumbles artfully over his forehead.

We only look at each other for a second, but the moment stretches and burns like wildfire. By the time I grab his arm and pull him into the bridal suite, I feel like it’s been eons. I’m dying of thirst.

“Touch me,” I beg, throwing my arms around his neck.

Nikolai wraps his arms around my thighs and scoops me up. We stumble back towards the couch where he sets me on the low back. He leans away, his eyes and hands trailing down my body. “You look fucking incredible.”

“You’re the one who picked out the dress.”

“I have impeccable taste.” He leans forward and kisses the exposed skin of my chest and then lower, dragging his tongue over the swell of my breast.

He has barely touched me, and I’m already panting. “Everyone is going to come check on me soon. We don’t have much time.”

“How am I supposed to rush this?” he whispers against my neck.

“There will be time for taking it slow later tonight,” I remind him. “Once we’re married.”

A low growl rumbles through his chest. His hands skirt down my side and over my hips. “Once you’re mine.”

I hook my ankles around his calves and pull him closer. “I’m already yours in every way that matters.”

He looks down at me and his gray eyes are black. It’s the animal shift in him, the moment when desire takes the wheel and reason goes out the window. A shiver of anticipation moves down my spine just as Nikolai shoves the hem of my dress up and parts my legs.

“Shit,” he growls.

I’m fumbling with his pants, and I hesitate. “What?”

His hand slips between my legs. I gasp when his finger strokes over my slit. “You decided against the panties.”

“I didn’t see much point,” I breathe. The feeling of him against my nakedness confirms my decision.

He captures my mouth in a kiss. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Finally, I regain the motor skills required to unzip his pants. I wrap my hand around his hard length and stroke, pulling him closer. Nikolai doesn’t need the encouragement. He deftly maneuvers under the layers of tulle in my dress, positions himself at my opening, and slides inside of me in one thrust.

Instantly, we’re moving together. It’s hurried and hot and it breaks every rule in the book—and I never want it to end.

“I’m going to take my time with you tonight. But right now… Fuck.” He bites lightly on my jawline and my neck, thrusting into me at a feverish pace. “You feel so good.”

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