by Cali MacKay
I was desperate to believe him, but how could I when he didn’t have all the facts? Yet I had no option but to marry him, and hope he never found out about who was really behind his father’s death.
“Everything will be okay, right?” I hated the desperation in my words, my need for assurances.
“I’ll make sure of it, love.” He got to his feet, and pulled me up and into his arms. “Now, come on…let’s go get you a pretty white dress. And I promise, I won’t peek.”
I wanted to protest, but I knew it wouldn’t do any good. And if I was being honest with myself, I wanted him close, needed to make the most of what time we had together, so that when he found out the truth, maybe…just maybe, he’d love me enough to look past my father’s sins. And if not, then at the very least, I’d have this time with him…memories to see me through my lonely nights…to know that at least I’d been loved, albeit for a short while.
With Ash waiting patiently for me as I tried on dresses, I was relieved that it didn’t take me long to find one that was just perfect—a beautiful bohemian sheath of flowing lace with a deep V and a plunging back.
But as I stood there in front of the mirror, it truly sunk in, making my heart hammer out of control.
I was getting married to Ash Blackthorn. The man I loved with my whole heart, and the man I’d betrayed.
I didn’t know what had happened to Wren to make her take off and try to cancel the wedding, though I was fucking relieved that things seemed to have settled between us. She now had a wedding dress—which I’d yet to see—and we were a day away from the big day. All we had to do now is actually make it down the aisle, and get married.
Given how rushed everything was, I told my family that we’d skip the rehearsal dinner and any bachelor or bachelorette parties they may have been thinking of throwing us. The last thing I needed was for Wren to panic, and typical pre-wedding activities would definitely do that. No…best to just get her down the aisle on the day.
“You know…it’s supposed to be bad luck for you to see me on the day of the wedding, and if I stay here, then we’ll wake up together. And it’s not like we don’t already have the odds stacked against us.” She bit her bottom lip, her eyes darkening with worry.
Pulling her into my arms, I brushed her hair from her eyes, and then stole a lingering kiss. “It’ll be fine, love. And I promise I’ll get out of here first thing in the morning so that you have time to get ready.”
“I got in touch with my good friend, Lizzie, and she should be able to make it tomorrow, which means I’ll actually have a maid of honor.” This time when she smiled, it was genuine, her eyes lighting up from within, and I swear, there was no sight more beautiful. “Is it okay if I have her swing by here to help me get ready?”
“Yeah…of course. This is your home now as much as it is mine. I want you to feel comfortable here, so treat it like it’s your own—because it is, love.” Anything to make her feel more settled. “And my mom’s taken care of the flowers, so you don’t need to worry about that.”
If this were a typical wedding, there’d be a million little details to iron out. And yet, at this point, all that mattered was marrying Wren. It didn’t matter if things weren’t perfect, as long as she became my wife, and I could make her happy.
“Come on. It’s our last night being single, and I have plans for you.” I stole one more kiss, and then grabbing her hand, I led her to our bedroom. “Wear the sexiest thing you’ve got that won’t get you arrested in public.”
“Where are we going? Because it doesn’t sound like we’re going out to dinner.” She was looking both concerned and excited, though I hoped that once we got there, she’d enjoy herself.
We had been to a few BDSM bars before and she’d enjoyed herself, but now that I knew about her past I wasn’t quite sure how good an idea it was. Even though I’d originally been thinking that this would be a fun surprise, I was now second-guessing myself. “I was thinking you might want to go back to Succubus. I know it’s been awhile…”
“That could be fun. But if you’re doing it only for me…I guess I’m just not sure.” She gave me a shrug, looking far too apologetic.
“Hey…” I pulled her into my arms as I sat down on the edge of the bed so she could look me in the eyes with little difficulty, since I needed her to know that this didn’t matter and I didn’t want her getting upset about it. “Forget about it. Honestly, there are plenty of other things I’d rather do. As long as I’m with you, nothing else matters.”
She bit her bottom lip, looking unsure. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” And then I had an idea. “Stay here…I think I’ve just figured out the perfect evening.”
It was something I had remembered her saying ages ago. A bit of a childhood she’d never gotten to experience. And she might think I was crazy for thinking of it, but it was worth a shot, especially if it made her happy.
It didn’t take me long to get everything together, and in the end, it turned out to be the perfect night for it. “Just give me fifteen minutes to get everything ready, and then I’ll come and get you and Sammie.”
Thank fuck I had the ideal yard for this sort of excursion—and thanks to my father, I had more than enough experience setting things up. It wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t need to be. And given such short notice, this was the perfect way to spend the evening, if not the whole night.
Once I’d finished setting up, I headed back inside and took Wren by the hand, leading her to the backyard. “Hope you weren’t peeking.”
“Would it be naughty if I did?” Her sultry smile had me wanting to detour to the bedroom, though I stayed the course.
“You’re so very bad, Wren. But that’ll have to wait until later. Right now, we have something else to do that’s far more important.” With Sammie following along, I led Wren out into the backyard, loving her gasp of surprise and the smile that jumped to her lips as she leapt into my arms and hugged me.
“Camping. I can’t believe you remembered.” She covered my face in kisses, and I swore, I couldn’t remember her ever being this happy. “Can we make s’mores?”
“Let me see what I can dig up.” I left her at the robust fire I already had going in the fire pit, and went to rummage through my kitchen cabinets. And though the ingredients I found wouldn’t work for traditional s’mores, they would do for now. “Amazingly enough, we had marshmallows and some sort of chocolate, but I only have chocolate chip cookies.”
“Even better.” Her smile and enthusiasm were contagious, and I loved that I could do this for her, even though it was a small gesture.
“First you need to find a stick to roast your marshmallow.” I grabbed the lantern and led her toward the woods that surrounded my property. “Make sure it’s long enough, so that you don’t get burned if the flames shift on the wind.”
“How’s this?” She handed over a stick for inspection, her smile beaming.
It was a reminder of just how normal a life my parents had tried to give me and my brothers, despite everything else. But Wren…she’d never had that, for whatever reason. And even worse, she’d had her innocence stolen from her, since at the age of fourteen, I highly doubted she’d been with anyone yet.
I cupped the back of her neck and pulled her to me, kissing her temple as I handed her back her stick. “It’s perfect. Just do what you can to peel off the bark at the very tip of your stick.”
It didn’t take me long to find one of my own, and then we were snuggling by the fire as we toasted our marshmallows, and made s’mores. I got her some chocolate and cookies, and helped her get her marshmallow off her stick.
She gently squeezed the cookies together, the marshmallow melting the chocolate and oozing out as she took a bite, her smile wider than I’d ever seen it before. “This is so good, Ash. I can’t believe I’ve gone all these years and never tried this before.”
I couldn’t help but kiss her sweet, sticky lips as she smiled. “We can do this every night, if you want.�
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“I think I’d like that.”
The night air was brisk, but between the fire and Ash’s warm, muscular body, as we sat back in the lounger with me nestled between his legs, I was warm enough. He’d even set up a tent for us, and though I wasn’t sure how comfortable it’d be, I really didn’t care. As long as he was by my side, it’d be amazing—and something I’d wanted to do since I was kid. But my parents…they weren’t the outdoorsy type, and truth be told, as much as I was enjoying myself, I was pretty clueless when it came to this sort of thing, and so I’d never attempted it on my own. And though we were just in Ash’s backyard, it couldn’t be more perfect.
It was getting late—not that I was in the mood to sleep. Shifting in Ash’s arms, I leaned back into him and pressed my lips to his neck, trailing kisses over his stubbled skin and raking my teeth over his pulse. His hold on me tightened and then his hands skimmed my curves as he pinched my nipple while his other hand dipped down to tease my clit through the fabric of my jeans.
I couldn’t suppress my groan, my hips tilting to meet his touch. “Keep that up, and I won’t be able to stop myself from fucking you, right here, out in the open.”
“No fucking until we’re married, little bird.” Not that it kept him from undoing my jeans and slipping his hand against my skin, making me wish I’d worn a skirt. His expert fingers stroked my clit and teased my opening as I gripped his arm, trying to keep from gasping when he plunged deep inside me.
“Please tell me you’ll let me come, at least. ’Cause if not, then you’re just being mean.” I knew he’d have no problem getting me all worked up and then leaving me that way until after we were married.
“As tempting as that might be, no…I want nothing more than to hear you crying out my name into the dark of night.” Finding a torturously slow rhythm, he finger-fucked me until my body melted into his, and I could think of nothing but the promise of a mind-blowing orgasm.
“Keep that up and you’re going to get your wish.” My words were spoken on a ragged breath, as his deft fingers hit all the right spots while his palm pressed against my clit, applying just enough friction to have my head spinning.
“I fucking love it when you’re like this, Wren…” He pressed his lips to my cheek, the gesture so sweet, and such a contrast to the wickedness he was inflicting.
And just like he’d wanted, I cried out his name in a mantra as pleasure tore through me, leaving me to ride one wave of pleasure after another, my body quivering in his strong arms. And as I lay there against his body, my breathing still ragged as he shielded me in his embrace from the cruel world, my heart could belong to no one but him, despite the fact that it was weighed down heavy with my guilt.
“I love you, Ash…with all my heart, I love you.” And then I was turning around to face him, catching his mouth in a hungry kiss as I climbed into his lap, straddling his muscular thighs as my cunt pressed against his hard cock and I rocked my hips along his length. He gripped my waist and caught my mouth in a hard kiss, his tongue dancing over mine, my clit sensitive from having just come, and yet I still needed him with such desperation, even if this wasn’t about me.
“Little bird… You’re fucking killing me.” The need in his voice, the urgency, only made me want him more, so I could think of nothing but submitting to him, needing to give him pleasure and to have him claim me as his own.
I reached down between us to undo the button and zipper on his jeans, freeing his long erection from the constraining fabric, and then sank to my knees, loving how he groaned when I took him in my mouth, his fingers sinking into my hair. His pre-cum was salty on my tongue, as I teased him and worked my way down his shaft, eagerly sucking him.
He thrust up into my mouth, almost as if unable to hold back, his head dropping onto his chest as he watched me take him, our eyes locked on each other’s. And knowing that I was giving him pleasure only spurred me on, my pace increasing as I moaned against his shaft, knowing he could feel the vibrations.
I took him deeper, trying not to panic as his cock slid down my throat, blocking my airway…and yet, that flicker of panic only turned me on, my cunt aching to have him. I wanted all of him, especially when he took control, knotting his fingers in my hair to try to control my pace and how deep I took him. And yet he knew me…knew what would turn me on, knew that I liked how it felt when I was no longer the one in control.
“That’s it, love…take me deep… Fucking hell, that’s good…”
I couldn’t keep my pace from quickening, even as I stole breaths of air between his thrusts, my own clit throbbing and heavy. And then he was coming with a grunt, his cock pulsing deep down my throat as he shot his cum and I swallowed all he had to give me.
His breathing was still heavy as he pulled free of my lips and gathered me up off the ground and into his arms, his briny taste on my tongue even as he kissed me and carried me off to the tent, so we could sleep under the stars.
And tomorrow, we’d be married—and just maybe, I’d finally find a bit of happiness.
I stood there at the front door of what would soon be our home together and kissed Ash, my arms wrapped around his neck as I held onto him. “Please…don’t go. I don’t care about stupid superstitions.”
“I love you, Wren. It’ll be all right… You have my word. I’ll send a car to come get you at noon. Okay?” He caught my mouth in a toe-curling kiss, brushing my face with gentle fingers, before leaving me to get ready for our wedding.
I knew by the way he’d been looking at me, he was worried that the moment he left, I’d hop in my car and take off—and yet, I couldn’t run. Couldn’t risk having my father take out his anger on innocent people in retaliation for my defiance.
Trying to stay optimistic, I hopped in the shower, and then started to get ready, knowing my friend, Lizzie, would be here soon—and she was, by the time I finished my hair and makeup. I answered the door and pulled her into a hug, wearing one of Ash’s flannel shirts so I could easily get changed without messing up my hair. “I can’t thank you enough for coming. I know it was short notice.”
Flashing me a huge smile filled with excitement, Lizzie was gorgeous as ever with her wavy red hair and adorable freckles. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And I can’t believe you’re finally marrying Ash after all this time.”
“I can’t believe it either.”
There was something unnerving about standing at the altar on your wedding day, wondering if your bride would actually show up or if you’d be left waiting there until it became embarrassingly and heartbreakingly obvious that you’d been jilted and you wouldn’t be getting married.
But as my mother slipped into her seat in front of the small crowd that we had gathered, she caught my gaze and gave me a nod and a reassuring smile. I finally let go of the breath I’d been holding—and then my brother, Slater, filled the garden space with the delicate sounds of his guitar as he played Pachelbel’s Canon.
Lizzie came into view, down the garden path, and though she looked lovely in a pretty gown of smoky lilac, my gaze immediately fell on Wren, her arm linked with her father’s.
And I swore, I’d never in my whole life seen anyone look more beautiful. She stole my very breath and sent my heart soaring. Her hair was loosely pulled back and adorned with a delicate silver headpiece, while stray locks were left to frame her face. And her dress…it suited her perfectly, bohemian and ethereal. Even Sammie was there, trotting by Wren’s side with a lilac bow around her collar.
Wren kissed her father’s cheek, and handed her flowers and the leash to Lizzie, before turning to face me as I stepped forward to take her hand in mine, feeling it tremble just a little. I couldn’t help but lean in and steal a quick kiss, my head bent to hers. “You look beautiful, little bird.”
With our eyes locked on each other’s and her hands in mine, the rest of the ceremony felt like a bit of a blur, my focus entirely on her. But then we were speaking our vows, and Finn was handing me the rings, Wren’
s smile mirroring my own as we slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers.
It felt like the whole world shifted in that moment when we were pronounced husband and wife. And…fucking hell…we were actually married. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her like my life depended on it, as our friends and family clapped and cheered, and then we were walking down the aisle, hand in hand.
I led Wren toward the back of the garden, wanting a bit of privacy. Wrapping my arm around her slender waist, I cupped her face and nuzzled her as I brushed my lips against hers in a kiss. “I love you, Wren.”
“I love you, too.” She gave me a smile, and yet she still looked so worried.
A part of me wanted to let it go, figuring she’d eventually come around, and now that we were married, it was a done deal. But Wren was now my wife, and I wanted more than anything for her to be happy. This was no longer about keeping my family safe. “I know this was a big step in our lives, but if there’s anything you need, love…just ask. Because your happiness and safety mean everything to me, and I don’t want you feeling unsure of what’s between us.”
“I don’t want you worrying about me. Everything’s fine, Ash. It’s just nerves. And you do make me happy. You’re the only one who ever has.” And then she was going up onto her toes to kiss me, distracting me from my concerns. “Come on… Everyone will be waiting for us.”
And then I spotted him. Fucking hell…when had Conor gotten here? “I can’t fucking believe it…” Closing the distance between us, I pulled him into a huge hug, having missed him. Though I was close to all my brothers, Conor was the next oldest, and we’d always been great friends.
“Paige and the baby weren’t up for traveling, though she sends you her love. I’m just sorry I couldn’t have been here earlier. There were all sorts of delays—though I did catch your vows. And fuck, man…but you guys look happy, and of course, Wren…you look lovely, as always.” He gave us a huge smile and held up his camera, which he was never without, since he made a living as a photographer. He’d been the only one of us who had decided long ago not to go into the family business. “Got some great pictures of the ceremony—and I’ll be sure to get more of the reception.”