Absolutely stunning. Like Damien. I am about to make my vow of forever.
I slide it on my right index finger, and it’s a perfect fit.
Sam and Chandra both say in unison, “It’s time to get you married, Allison.”
With a smile on my face, I simply respond, “I’m ready.”
A calmness completely comes over me as we pull up to the church. Right inside those doors awaits the love of my life. I’m about to be reunited with him.
Bane, the head of security, lowers the partition from the front seat. “Miss Scott, security is in place, and we will be heading up to the church. Once we arrive to the front entrance, Mrs. Matthews will go inside, and Miss Matthews will follow. After both of them have made it to their seats, you can then enter.”
From this position, I can see his tribal tattoo peeking out from underneath his collar. He really is quite the badass with his muscular look and bald head.
Chandra, I think, is still in shock from all the security. I’m still getting used to them myself. If we had gotten married with everyone knowing, I honestly couldn’t imagine the mayhem and drama that would have ensued.
I respond to his directions, “Thank you, Bane. We’re ready when you are.”
Immediately, he gets out of the car and comes to the back door of the limo on my side. We get out one by one, and Sam and Chandra help me with my dress. A team of three security men surround me as we walk to the front of the church.
Seeing the security again brings the situation Damien and I are facing to the forefront of my mind. There is a killer out there on the loose.
Pushing the thought away, I focus on enjoying this moment. Whoever is out there is not going to take this away from me.
Finally, after what seems like a tortoise’s pace, we make it.
Sam and Chandra give me one final hug as they both say in unison. “We love you, Allison.”
“Love you guys, too.”
With that, Chandra and then Sam disappear behind the door.
Wow, this is it. This is the moment I have been waiting for all day long. I know brides normally wait months for their wedding day. I’m so glad I don’t have to. I think the planning with all of the endless choices and the anticipation would have driven me batty.
Bane approaches. “Are you ready, Miss Scott?”
He opens the door, and I begin to walk down the aisle.
As I cross the threshold, I look up to find my love on the other end, waiting for me. He’s the most handsome, breathtaking human being I have ever seen, and he is about to be mine—forever. He’s in a simple black suit cut just perfectly for his body with a white shirt and a skinny black tie. He has the largest smile I have ever seen on him. His crystal blue eyes are dancing with love, joy, and excitement. His coal black hair is artfully done in that messy, sexy beast sort of way.
I have to remember to keep a normal pace.
The rest of the church comes into focus, and I stop for just a second. My gasp is audible as I take it all in. Currently, I’m walking under a tunnel of solid white flowers with the most heavenly smell. Damien has used my favorite ones—gardenias, peonies, and calla lilies. I cannot believe I was so wrapped up with Damien that I didn’t see or smell the flowers.
He has completely transformed this church. Behind the altar at the front of the church, I see large extravagant white flower arrangements. If I hadn’t been here just yesterday, I would have thought that the church had undergone a major facelift. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine something so perfect.
Damien’s lapel has a red rose, which reminds me of my birthday dinner when he put one red rose in every arrangement to symbolize his love for me.
As I make it to the pew at the front of the church, Damien closes the gap. He’s apparently as anxious as I am to feel reconnected with each other. The moment his hands encapsulate mine, I feel a stronger than ever electricity zing between the two of us. I know Damien feels it, too, because his smile continues to get bigger, if that were even possible. We stand there, lost in each other’s gazes for a few moments. This is our moment.
Enjoy. Savor. Remember.
I speak first in a whisper, “This is so beautiful. Thank you. I love you.”
Softly, he speaks for only me to hear, “Oh, Alli, you are such a beautiful, exquisite sight. You take my breath away. I’ve been counting down the seconds all day to have you back in my arms. I love you, too, baby.”
While basking in our love, his hand tightens infinitesimally as we make our way to the pastor. I look to my right and see Sam and her parents sitting there, already with tears in their eyes.
The pastor asks, “Who gives this woman away?”
Sam, Dean, and Chandra all proclaim a resounding, “I do.”
Grabbing both of my hands, Damien begins rubbing soothing circles with his thumbs as we continue to stare into each other’s eyes. In our bubble, we are lost in one another as the ceremony continues.
I cannot believe I know when to respond because I am so caught up in this man.
I know we must be coming to the end because Damien starts squeezing my hands in little pulses in anticipation. We are actually about to become husband and wife, united as one.
The preacher breaks through my trance when he announces, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
I think I hear clapping in the background, but I am locked in Damien’s gaze while he comes down to claim my lips as his wife for the first time. It’s a gentle and almost reverent kiss. I want to deepen the kiss, but he pulls away before it can go anywhere near the too-far line.
The pastor says as Damien has a triumphant smile on his face. “I would like to present Mr. and Mrs. Damien Wales.”
We turn around and face our family as husband and wife.
Immediately, Chandra and Sam envelop us in a hug. They are speaking over each other, babbling about the details of the wedding.
Dean breaks through the girls’ voices as he gives Damien and me a hug. “We are so happy for you guys. Welcome to the family, Damien.”
Sam, in typical Sam fashion, gives Damien a playful slap on the shoulder. “Wales, you better do me right when it comes to taking me to football games.”
“I promise.” Damien embraces Sam.
Glasses of champagne are brought in to us. Perfect doesn’t even begin to describe this day.
Damien holds his flute up in the air. “I would like to make a toast. First, to my beautiful bride, thank you for becoming my wife today. Loving you is as easy as breathing. I will spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love, cherish, and honor you.”
He leans down and gives me a sweet kiss before he turns to the rest of the family. “To Sam, thank you for being there for Alli all those years and for seeing her through the good and tough times. I wish I could have been there, but I am so thankful she had you.”
He pauses as Sam comes up to give him a hug.
When she pulls back, he then lifts his glass to her parents, continuing on despite all the teary eyes in the group. “To Dean and Chandra, for loving my wife just like a daughter and for being there for her. I can never thank you enough. I will be forever indebted to you because you kept her safe and loved while fate was working on bringing us together.”
By the time he is finished, there is not a dry eye in the house. He brings me to his side, and I fit perfectly. I am so thankful he’s mine.
Dean is the next to clear his throat and raise his glass. “To Allison and Damien, we are so happy that you have found your other half. Allison, we know that your parents would be overjoyed at your union. You’ve always been like a daughter to us, and we are so proud of the woman you’ve become. Always remember that you two are what matter most in your marriage, not anything else. Keep each other as number one in your hearts. Live each day like it’s your last. Damien, it will be nice to finally have another man in the family. Chandra and I already love you like a son.”
Even though they have only known Damien but
for a brief time, knowing they trust my decision and welcome him with open arms warms my heart. Wow, just wow.
I think Damien is a little taken aback by the love he’s already receiving from this family. His family doesn’t strike me as the affectionate type.
As I am about to discreetly ask Damien when we can leave, Chandra chimes in, “Oh dear, look at the time. Dean, Sam, we need to get a move on, so these two lovebirds can get on with their honeymoon. Don’t want the little dearies to be late.” She gives us a wink as everyone embraces us in one last hug.
As I hug Sam one last time, I whisper, “Thanks for always being the sister I never had.”
She squeezes me tighter and whispers back, “Don’t be a stranger now that you’re a married woman.”
“No worries about that. You’re stuck with me forever.”
We all make our way to the door.
Right before we get to the door, Damien holds me back.
I look at him questioningly. “I thought we were leaving.”
His finger comes down to run across my jawline. I automatically lean into his touch.
“We will in just a second, baby. Today was the longest day of my life, but it was so worth the wait. How does it feel to be Mrs. Allison Wales?”
“Incredible. This is the best moment of my life.”
Taking off his black tailored jacket, he slips it around me.
“What’s this for?”
“There’s one last thing we need to do before we leave. I don’t want you to get sick.”
We walk outside and turn to the left instead of the right. Instantly, I know where we are going. I lay my head against him as we slowly make our way to my parents’ grave. It might seem odd, but I know I will find comfort in telling them what’s going on in my life. I want them to be a part of it.
We stop in front of the tombstone, and Damien increases his grip on me.
“You don’t have to worry about her anymore. I’ve got her, and I will never let her go. I’ll love and protect her with every ounce of my being.” Damien solemnly says, as if it’s an oath.
We stand there for a few minutes, and then I remember what Chandra said about looking in the bridal Bible. I open it and see a picture of my mom and dad holding me when I was just an infant.
Turning it over, I read.
Running a finger over the familiar handwriting, I say, “I love you, Mom and Dad. Thank you for everything.”
Squeezing me to him, Damien asks, “Are you ready? We can stay as long as you want.”
“Yes, I’m ready.”
We walk to the limo at a leisurely pace. Once there, he helps me with my dress as I get into the backseat. The lights inside the limo are dim, creating a romantic ambiance. I cannot wait to be home, alone with my husband. It’s crazy to believe that two days ago I just got engaged, and now, I am officially his wife.
He interrupts my silent thoughts as we start driving into the night. “What are you thinking about?”
“Hmm, let’s see…where to start? We are heading home as husband and wife. The beautiful day you just gave me, filled with sentimental thoughts and acts that I’ll never forget, was perfect, and I am blessed to have you in my life. Thank you.”
“Hmm, we have had a busy couple of days, but you got one thing wrong.”
My brows scrunch as I look in question at his crystal clear blue eyes. He has a cat-ate-the canary smile.
“We aren’t going home. What kind of husband would I be if I didn’t take you on a honeymoon?”
That causes me to sit erect. “Honeymoon? Where are we going? With everything going on, I thought we would wait.” He’s actually taking me on a honeymoon. I’m going on a honeymoon!
He runs his hand through his black hair as he pierces me with his gaze. “Alli, I’m going to give you the world. I’ve made the necessary arrangements to keep you safe while we travel. Where’s the one place you would love to go more than any place in the world?”
I’m practically on the edge of my seat, looking at Damien. Did he really? Am I really going to Italy?
He’s nodding at my excitement.
“You’re taking me to Italy? We’re going to Italy? On our honeymoon?”
He nods, and I crush myself to him, dress be damned.
“Thank you, thank you. I can’t believe you planned a honeymoon along with everything else. Thank you. It’s too much. You’re too much. I love you.”
I start kissing him. His tongue moves against mine in a tempting way.
I. Need. Him.
Moving to straddle him in the back of the limo, he groans as we both deepen the kiss. His hands grip tightly on my waist while my hands intertwine in his messy black hair. When my fingers go to the button of his shirt, he puts distance between us, breaking the intense connection. A small cry of protest leaves my lips.
“Baby, I’m all for limo sex but not tonight. I want the first time I have you as my wife to be as special as the first time we were together.”
I shiver pleasantly at the memory. It was incredible.
Pulling up to the airport, we are both in a sexual frenzy. I’m still straddling his lap, kissing him sweetly. His hands are just below my breast as his thumb sporadically comes up to stroke me.
Between kisses, he mumbles, “Alli, baby, we’re here.”
“Hmm…”
He starts sliding us toward the door. The hum of the plane immediately sounds in proximity as the door opens. In one fluid moment, he stands with me still in his arms. I cannot help the giggle that emerges as he walks quicker than I would have thought possible up to his plane. Bounding up the stairs, he takes them two at a time.
As he ducks under the doorway, he cuts off the captain’s greeting. Sounding like a man at the end of the rope, he speaks a solid command, “Take off whenever you’re ready. We are not to be disturbed.”
Damien doesn’t even wait for a response from the captain as he continues to make his way to the back.
“I see you have commandeered my favorite jet for our ride.”
The seductive look on his face has me leaning in to give him another kiss.
I need him—bad.
We walk through the bedroom door, and Damien uses his foot to close it behind us. Sitting me down, he turns me around to face the room, just as he did the first night he made love to me at his home.
Wow—our home.
He has completely transformed this room. Normally, it has black bed linens. All of that has been stripped, and everything is solid white, like my wedding dress. The bedspread looks fluffy, like a cloud. I must be dreaming.
“Oh, Damien, I don’t have words for how special you’ve made this day.”
From behind me, he kisses my neck without saying a word. He pulls his jacket off my arms, and then he tosses it onto a nearby white chair. I can feel the goose bumps begin to form on my bare arms and shoulders. I take a shuddering breath in anticipation of what is about to come. Simultaneously, he puts his hands on the top of each of mine, and he slowly leaves a trail of fire as he drags his fingers up my arms to my shoulders. A moan escapes me as my head falls back against Damien’s left shoulder, exposing the right side of my neck. His lips take over from where his hands left off.
He murmurs, “Mrs. Wales, you are the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. You’re all mine now. I cannot wait to be inside you as your husband for the first time.”
At that, he begins nibbling and sucking up to my jaw. Want pools in the depth of my stomach. My head automatically turns his way to meet his lips as his hands begin unzipping my wedding dress at an excruciatingly slow pace. I’m ready to rip the damn thing off myself. Finally, I feel my dress slide to the floor in a billowy cloud while his lips continue to press against mine.
Breaking the kiss, he turns me around to face him. His sharp intake of breath at my bridal lingerie causes a shy smile to spread across my face. This afternoon, I chose a white vintage-style torsolette with a low back that has spots of sheer lace to tease my lover with what treasures
lie beneath. With buttons down the front, it ends about two inches above my matching sheer lace panties and is attached to white garters. Still in my heels, I shake my hair, making it cascade some in the front before landing slightly above my breasts.
“You’re fucking gorgeous, baby.”
He’s on me in two seconds flat and walks me backward to the bed. Right now, our lust has reached an uncontrollable limit.
Between kisses, Damien murmurs, “I want to take it so slow and savor you tonight, Alli.”
I whimper at the thought of taking this any slower than it already is. “Please, Damien, I need you. Please don’t make me wait.”
After laying me on the bed, he remains standing, and then he practically rips his clothes off his body. His hands move up to my garters. He’s so desperate for me that his dick jumps with need as he unsnaps the garters one by one. He tears my panties from me, which causes my sex to get wetter.
There’s something about the sound of tearing fabric that turns me on.
Next, he places his hands at the bottom of my torsolette where it meets in the front, and in one motion, he rips it apart. Shockwaves of desire course through my entire body, making me involuntarily arch up. My breasts heave in anticipation. We are getting so close. I’m in nothing but my stockings, heels, and jewelry at this point.
“I am one lucky man, Mrs. Wales, so fucking lucky.” He kisses me gently at the apex of my thighs.
As his fingers push inside me, I moan. “I feel mighty lucky myself, Mr. Wales.”
“Oh, baby, you are more ready than I’ve ever seen you.”
He moves up and positions himself above me. His hands come down on the sides of my face, holding my gaze to him, as he slides his thickened length into my slick heat.
Ah geez, how could I have forgotten how perfect this feels? Each and every time, it seems like it feels better than before.
“Oh, Damien…please…please…”
I’m lost as he continues to pump in and out of me faster and faster, driving us both to the edge. I can feel my orgasm coming. He sucks my nipple between his lips as I bow off the bed.
Love Me (Trust Series #2) Page 4