THE CHURCH WAS SO quiet that you could hear a pin drop. Ryan was still sitting on the altar praying.
Alex sat nestled between her parents. She was exhausted and worried sick about Faith. “I can’t stand this waiting.”
Alex’s father kissed her on the head. “I bet you that we’re going to hear something soon, Alessandra.”
“I hope so. I don’t know how Ryan or I will…”
A door slammed and Ryan looked up and it was then that he saw Faith. She was a filthy, bloody, bruised wreck. Her dress was ripped, she was barefoot and although her previous up do was now half up - half down her crown was still on straight and he’d never seen a woman more beautiful. He sprung to his feet and started to run toward her.
Faith picked up her speed to a quick limp. Tears were rolling down both hers and Ryan’s cheeks when he grabbed her and pulled her into his arms. Neither of them said anything for a moment they just held one another.
Alex stood up and lifted her hands to her face and tears began to flow down her cheeks as well. Miguel and Dane were in the doorway looking on.
Ryan pulled back and placed his hands on Faith’s face. “I thought I lost you forever.”
“Not a chance.”
“Baby, what happened? Who did this to you?”
“Zac’s ex-wife went off the deep end and I don’t want to talk about it now.” Faith hugged Ryan.
“So much for getting married today, Love, I’m sorry.”
“Do you actually think that I’m letting this day go by without marrying you?”
Ryan looked down at his watch. “If we hurry it will still be today.”
Alex pushed her way between them. “I need a hug.”
Faith hugged Alex. “I was so scared.”
“So were we.”
“Faith, do you think that maybe you need to get checked out?”
“I’m fine. All I need is a priest so that I can marry your brother.”
Ryan came back over. “The priest is on his way.” Ryan held Faith’s hand.
“I called my parents from the car and they should be here any minute.”
“What about everyone else?”
“I don’t care about anyone else as long as you’re here.”
Ryan kissed Faith. “I’m here and I’m not leaving your side.”
Lacey walked back inside the church and was thrilled when she saw Faith standing there with Ryan.
“Lacey, can we talk?”
Lacey turned and Dane was standing there. “She’s ok?”
“Yeah, seems the ex-wife of her ex-boyfriend had it out for her.”
“Well thank God that she is alright.”
“Nothing a wedding and a few days’ rest won’t cure.”
“I’m so happy for them. Ryan was distraught.”
“It’s a good thing that he had you here to help him through it then.”
Lacey looked at Dane. Was he annoyed, jealous or was he accusing her of something? “What exactly is that supposed to mean?”
“Look, I know that you and Ryan kissed, I overheard you two talking…”
“Faith knows, if that’s what you’re worried about?”
“I’m not worried.”
“Then why are we even having this conversation?”
“I guess it just bothers me that your husband is off fighting for our country and his wife is here kissing other men.” As soon as the words came out Dane regretted them. His jealousy got the best of him and he took it out on Lacey.
Now Lacey was upset. Dane made her feel like she was a slut for kissing them. “Maybe you should get your facts straight before your judge me.”
“Facts! You’re cheating on your husband because you’re unhappy? I heard Ryan tell you that he wanted you to find someone else.”
“No, I’m unhappy because my husband is DEAD!” Lacey tried to blink the tears away but they continued to roll down her cheeks as she turned and walked away.
Dane stood there in shock. He felt absolutely horrible about what he had said. He needed to apologize.
Lacey saw him walking toward her and she looked away.
“Lacey, I’m…”
“I have nothing to say to you.” Lacey walked over and sat down with Miles and Eden.
Faith stood in the back of the church with her father and Alex waiting for the music to start. “Are you sure that you’re up to this?”
“I’m positive, Daddy.”
“You may be bruised and filthy but you’re still my pretty little girl.” Faith’s father hugged her.
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, Faith.”
“Me too, don’t forget me.” Alex hugged them both.
The music started. “That’s my cue. I’ll see you at the other end of the aisle.” Alex opened the door and made her way down the aisle.
Next, it was Faith’s turn. The doors opened and in she walked or rather limped with her father by her side as he escorted her down the aisle. Faith couldn’t help but smile when she saw Ryan smiling at her and from there, their eyes were locked on one another. It was a long, bumpy road that they had traveled in a short period of time, but she knew that no matter what, that this was the road that she was meant to travel and with Ryan by her side…always.
THE END
Read on for an excerpt from Passion & Lies–Book 4 in the Undercover Love Series.
Dane opened the car door and extended his hand to Lacey. “Let me help you.”
Lacey looked up at Dane and smiled. “Ok, but only because I can barely stand up.” Lacey giggled.
“Yeah, we may have consumed a few too many Tequila shots.”
Lacey took Dane’s hand and climbed out of the car. Dane leaned over to close the car door and Lacey’s knees buckled causing her to grab onto Dane. “Oops, I almost went down.” Lacey started laughing.
Dane shook his head and chuckled as he scooped her up into his arms. “I’ve got you.”
Lacey leaned her head against Dane’s chest. “I wish I could stay like this all night.”
Dane looked down at Lacey’s plump red lips. He didn’t know what he wanted more…to kiss those lips or have them wrapped around his cock? Dane swallowed hard. “Lacey, I can make your wish come true…if you let me?”
Releasing in 2018
Also by Michelle Iannarelli
Undercover Love Series
Love & Lies, Book 1
Secrets & Lies, Book 2
Sex & Lies, Book 3
The You Series
Intoxicated by You
Craving You
Crazy Over You
Taming You
Underground Affair Series
Ace of Spades
Jack of Hearts
Queen of Diamonds
Soulmates
I would like to thank my family, especially my husband, children and my mother. I love you all so much. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me for the twelfth time…and counting!
Taryn Broussard, the best Beta reader ever, you mean the world to me xoxo and more!
To my friends who have supported me through this yet again, you know who you are and I love you “more.” Thank you!
Ryan McNulty–Thank you for being my “Ryan”. I feel blessed to have you as the face of Ryan DiPietro. Welcome to my “Book Baby” family!
Golden Czermak/FuriousFotog–No words can express how much you mean to me as a photographer and as a friend. Stay “Golden”. Much Love.
To the talented designers at Dynamic Design Team who designed another awesome book cover. Thank you!
To my readers, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart, your kindness, friendship and constant support means the world to me. You all bring a smile to my face every day. Thank you for always being there waiting for my next release!
ive.
Sex & Lies Page 16