True Choices: A Dark Romance (True Series Book 3)

by Madison, Willow

  I reach over and grab my almost empty glass from the other side of the table, "Well...next week is the big one!"

  "Where are you going on your honeymoon?" All three of our faces turn to Cruela, sitting next to my empty chair. I can't believe it, but she was actually nice to me all day. She even complimented me on my final report of Rich's team and the recommendations for training that I made going forward for any new hires.

  "Um...I don't know. Max wants it to be a surprise." Laura smiles up at me. She knows the underlying message here.

  "That's so nice. My first husband...he was full of surprises." She smiles, but there's a sadness behind it. I know he died in a skiing accident. We never talked about it, of course, but everyone knew. No one knows much about her current husband, other than he doesn't work. She doesn't bring him to any of the company events.

  "Rich! Glad you could make it." Catherine puts her hand up to wave.

  I turn around slowly. I didn't invite him. Actually, I didn't invite most of these people. I was surprised at the number that showed up. Rosa just kept bringing out more platters of food and wine for everyone. She told me before we sat down that Max is already taking care of the bill.

  Rich steps closer to me and I take a step back into Laura's arm more. "I wouldn't miss this send-off." He reaches for my arm and I do a little twirl around Laura to sit down in the vacated chair next to her before he can touch me. She's frowning and questioning me with her look, but I just shake my head.

  I still haven't told her how upset Max was about Rich touching me at the party. We've talked more over the last two weeks about my relationship with Max, but I've not told her about his spanking me yet.

  Rich goes around the other side of the table and takes my seat next to Catherine. He keeps looking at me with a sad smile, but doesn't say anything. He already confronted me earlier today, saying that he would miss me. But we both knew he was saying more than that. I ignored it then and I'm ignoring it now.

  "Max!" I hear Rosa calling out his name from outside the back room and turn to see his smiling face as he enters. His smile falters for a moment when he sees Rich sitting opposite me, but he walks into the room slowly.

  Everyone's congratulating him as he walks past. Kevin gets up wobbly and puts his hand on his chest and walks with him to my chair. "Wow...you are a beefcake! Damn girl!" He high-fives my shoulder, not noticing that I didn't raise my hand. He wobbles back to his chair and everyone laughs.

  Max leans over and takes my chin, lifting my head even more to his and kissing my cheek. But I can see that his eyes are on Rich the whole time. "You having fun?"

  "Yes, Si..." He grins that my response would be automatic to his only slightly edged voice.

  Rosa comes over with a glass of wine for Max and stays to talk to him. He's offered to take a look at her lease for her, no charge. He keeps his hand on the back of my chair though.

  Catherine reaches across the table and grabs for my hand with both of hers. "You've been such a big help, Lucy!" She's drunk. Wow...when did she get drunk? We've been here for a while already, but I don't remember her drinking that much. "Rich, hasn't she been a big help?"

  He puts his hand over Catherine's, covering both of our hands, "Yes." He looks at me with such a look of mixed emotions. He just got here, but he's obviously been drinking as well. "I have greatly appreciated your help these two weeks, Lucy. And I will miss you." I pull my hand from under theirs.

  "I'll miss working with all of you, too." I say this loudly, wanting Max to hear, but not looking up at him. I know he's paying attention despite the contract talk he's having with Rosa behind me.

  Laura puts her arm around my shoulder and pulls me towards her, "You won't miss me...cuz we're going to go to lunch and happy hours and here all the time still, right?!"

  Tracy leans over her and grips my shoulder, pushing and pulling, "Yeah...all the time!" I only laugh in response, still shaken and pulled with them.

  Rosa leaves and Max turns to face the table. And to my horror, Rich gets up and stretches his hand out over the table. "Congratulations...you're a very lucky man."

  Max takes his hand and shakes it once, hard, "I know." He puts his hand possessively on my shoulder and squeezes gently. When he looks down to me, I don't look away. I just smile up at him, hoping that this won't turn into an angry night. "We should get going, baby. Lots to do tomorrow."

  "Oh...no...stay!" Tracy is play pouting and reaches out to push Max. He doesn't move, only laughs lightly.

  "Sorry...party's over." But he sounds light, happy. I get up when he pulls my chair and he pulls me close for a kiss. Laura clangs her glass and several people hoot. He kisses me once more before letting me go.

  I hug a couple of people on the way out. Catherine and Kevin are both wobbly and give me a joined hug. I laugh having to push them off. Rich doesn't get up. Only gives me a half-smile when I wave to the room.

  Chapter 9 HIM

  "Are you going to miss working there, baby?" I kiss the top of Lucy's head, still warm from sex. She snuggles into my side more, her hand rubbing gently across my nipples.

  "I don't know...maybe..."

  "You'll miss seeing your friends is all." She nods and kisses my chest. "But you'll still see them." I rub her curls, enjoying the softness against my hand. Softness is in everything about her...her lips, hair, skin, how she looks at me, her voice, her laugh. I fell in love with her softness first.

  "I know that we've both been busy. I've been working a lot the past few weeks." She nods a little harder. "But I promise that it won't always be this way. Being with you, making time for us...that's also my job, ya know..." She looks up and strokes my cheek, smiling at this. "And knowing that you're home, taking care of everything I need as my wife, will make me very happy." I kiss her forehead, still raised to me. "You will have chores and more rules. You'll be busy."

  She swallows, but keeps her face turned up, "What kind of chores? You make it sound like I'm a child who has to keep her room clean..." She's smiling self-consciously at this.

  "Well...cleaning the apartment will be one chore. I have a cleaning service, but I've cancelled them starting the week we're back from our honeymoon." She looks around the room; it's a large apartment and I have it kept immaculately clean. She swallows again. "And keeping my work and social schedule will also be a chore. I told you that I have a lot of events...it takes some juggling to make it all work. And I'll be home for lunch each day...I’ll have a list for you." She looks a little worried, but nods slightly. I lift her chin and kiss her soft mouth. "Get some sleep."

  She snuggles back obediently into my arms and whispers, "I love you," into my chest.

  "I love you, too, baby." I kiss her head again.

  Chapter 10 HER

  I take a deep breath. Today’s the day. The double doors open before me and the first thing I see, the first thing I smell is all the flowers. Gardenias, Magnolias, Orchids. All my favorites. They're everywhere, draping the aisle, hanging from the high tent roof, off the large chandeliers, even full-grown trees with lights woven into everything. It's a dream of flowers and sparkling lights.

  "Here we go," Dad squeezes my hand on his arm and takes the first step down the aisle.

  Max waits at the end with a big smile. His hands at his sides, shoulders squared, the tux fitting to his body. I can see that he's taking deep breaths though, his chest pulling at the shirt buttons. I smile knowing he's nervous too.

  The aisle isn't long, but covered in petals. I pass our friends and families in white chairs in rows draped in flowered garland. I'm dazed, hardly seeing faces, only Max's when I look again where I'm heading. I pass the last row and see both our Moms crying into tissues.

  Dad puts my hand in Max's and kisses my cheek. Max pulls me to him and his smile broadens even more. He leans in, but doesn't kiss me. "You are beautiful." I blush and feel my eyes tearing too. I blink these away.

  I'm so dazed, I hold onto Max's hand for support. The words of our wedding buzz by me. I only
hear and see Max, his strong profile, his big smile, his hands as he takes mine and places the simple band on the tip of my finger.

  "I, Maximilian Drake Traeger, take you, Lucy, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, to love and care for, to shelter and lead until death do us part." The ring feels cool slipping on. I'm shaking as I turn to get the simple band I have for Max. Both share the engraving, "Always."

  "I, Lucy..." my voice shakes and I stop to take a deep breath and swallow. Everyone laughs a little, but Max only squeezes my hand and nods at me, "I, Lucy Elizabeth Shannon, take you, Max, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, to love and care for, to please and obey until death do us part."

  I can hear the shifting in seats at our vows. I knew when Max told me what I was to say that there would be some raised eyebrows from our guests. I only see Max though. He's so proud, his eyes are even shining with unshed tears. I put my left hand on his cheek and smile serenely. I've never been more at peace and happy, all my shaking gone. He takes my hand and kisses my palm. The electric current runs down my stomach as always.

  "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride." Max grabs me, lifting me off the ground and I giggle, my hands around his shoulders, our kiss more a smashing of our smiles.

  "I am pleased to present Mr. and Mrs. Max Traeger."

  Everyone stands and claps. And just like that, I'm married!

  Chapter 10 HIM

  "Mr. Traeger, we're ready to serve whenever you are."

  "Thank you, Stephen." I turn to look for Lucy. She's been surrounded by friends and family, circulating as much as the trays of hors d’oeuvre and drinks around the restaurant.

  She was swept out of my arms the moment we moved everyone into the restaurant side of the reception. I move into the circle surrounding her now. Her Grandmother is holding her left hand with her Mom, Aunt Emma, and Cathy standing at her side. "Did I hear your vows right? They sounded like the ones I had to say to your PopPop when we married, Lucy?" Lucy smiles, I interrupt her reply though.

  "Lucy...we're ready to open the doors for dinner, baby." She takes her hand back and puts it in mine.

  The staff have been busy rearranging the tented patio space from rows of chairs to tables for dinner, adding even more flowers with centerpieces. I stand with my arm around Lucy in front of the double doors.

  I wait for a few people to notice us, then a general quieting down and turning in our direction. "Lucy and I would like to thank all of our family and friends for being here to celebrate our marriage. Chef David has put together a menu tonight that I am sure will be delicious." I gesture with my hand to the white-jacketed man standing off to my left, he bows his head dramatically. "Please join us for dinner."

  The doors open and Lucy takes a deep breath in. "Is it what you dreamt of, baby?"

  She smiles, tears forming again, and squeezes my arm with her other hand, "Yes. Thank you, Max!" The lights are lowered, but more candles create a warm glow everywhere. The fragrance from the flowers intermingles with the mouth-watering scent from the kitchen. It's intoxicating.

  I lead Lucy through the tables to the center, a small table placed right under the large chandelier. She takes her seat and wipes her eyes. "I still can't believe you were able to do all of this!"

  "All for you, my wife."

  .....

  "Tonight has been beautiful, Max." Mom is hugging us both. Since dinner, I haven't let Lucy out of my reach except to dance with her Dad and brother. "And, Lucy, you are the most beautiful bride I've ever seen!" She kisses Lucy's cheek. "I'm so proud to call you my daughter!"

  "I think my face is raw from smiling, blushing at compliments and being kissed all night!"

  I tell her for third time tonight, "You are stunning, Lucy." She blushes again and puts her face against my arm.

  Jake and Dad come over to stand next to Mom, "Can I steal her away for a dance?" Jake has his hand out to Lucy, but he's looking at me. That strange look back on his face. I’m going to have to ask him what that’s about. I nod towards Lucy and she puts her hand delicately into his.

  He pulls her onto the dance floor and turns so his back is to us. The small band is playing only soft and slow music, background really. I wanted our reception to stay more sophisticated than rowdy party. I've invited a lot of the firm's and my own important clients tonight.

  Seeing Jake with Lucy, though, I'm wishing for music that wouldn't have them dancing so close. But I shake my head and get a grip...it's just Jake.

  "Dad, how bout we see to Councilman Riley's need for good scotch and bad cigars." He claps me on the back and we lead Mom towards a table of men all laughing loudly in the corner.

  Chapter 11 HER

  "You do make a beautiful bride, Lucy." Jake leans in, his lips just brushing my temple as he says this. His hand low on my back, fingers grazing my skin where the dress dips.

  I blush and say a small, "Thank you." I'm not used to having so many compliments. And his closeness is making me nervous, his touch on my back tickling almost. I can't see Max over his shoulders and Jake keeps us dancing in a tight spot, hardly moving.

  "Your vow...to please and obey my brother...caused quite a stir."

  "I know." I laugh lightly. "Everyone's been asking me about it all night."

  "And what have you answered?"

  I have to remind myself that this isn't Max, looking up into his emerald green eyes, he sounds so much like him, "I said that Max is a very traditional man and he wanted traditional wedding vows."

  He laughs, "Well...that's sidestepping it a little, don't you think?"

  "No...maybe...but it's none of their business anyway." I'm feeling a little raw from more than blushing.

  "And now you'll be his very traditional wifey?" I look up to see if he's mocking me, but his smile is still sweet.

  "Yes."

  He doesn't say anything for a while, but moves us around a little more. People I don't know, Max's guests, keep smiling at me and I give little nods, embarrassed. He's introduced me all night to these important people. My small group of college friends and co-workers seems out of place, staying in a corner by the bar. But everyone seems to be having a good time at least.

  "I've never seen Max as happy as he is with you." I'm startled to hear Jake's voice in my ear again, an intimate whisper, "Do you think I'll find that, Lucy?"

  "I think...if you want to you will..." I don't know why his crooked smile is making me uncomfortable again, like I shouldn't be this close to him.

  "I want to find what Max has with you."

  I take the opportunity to joke, trying to lighten the tension I'm feeling, "Oh...now you want a traditional wifey, too, Jake?" His relationship with Julia was the opposite of what Max has with me.

  "...Yes."

  His smile is still crooked, relaxed, but his eyes are narrowed, searching. I'm surprised by his answer, "But...weren't you the one that wanted to warn me away from Max?"

  "I didn't want you to get hurt." I don't answer, only look down. "But I can see that you're happy with him. And, Lucy..." He waits until I raise my eyes to him, "I can see that you accept him...just the way he is...You accept how we were raised. You're willing to live under his rules, just how he wants..." I only nod. "You've given me the hope to think that...well, that what I've wanted...that I could find that same acceptance."

  We've almost stopped moving and I realize that I'm staring into his eyes. I lower my head quickly, "I'm glad...for you, Jake...you deserve to be happy." I look up at him again and see Max heading towards us, but I keep his stare, "I hope you find what you're looking for, too." He kisses the top of my head, a feather of a kiss against my hair, before dropping his arms and turning to Max.

  "Your bride is a wonderful dancer, Max." He claps his brother on the shoulder and walks away.

  Max looks from one to the other of us with a questioning look, before taking my hand and leading me towards a table of his important guests again.

  ....

  "D
id you have the wedding of your dreams?" We're walking hand-in-hand to our hotel. It's only a few blocks from the restaurant and the night air feels nice after the enclosed space.

  He smiles and stops me, pulling me hard into his chest. "Yes. I have the wife of my dreams!" He kisses me hard, pulling me on to my tip-toes even more than my heels do. "I had a lot of questions about our vows..." He's grinning. I know he's pleased.

  "Oh...probably not as many as I had!" I laugh.

  "No...Probably not...But I heard you did just fine."

  "And who did you hear that from?" I'm smiling up at his huge grin. My handsome husband. I look at the rings on my finger again. He kisses my forehead and releases his grip to continue walking.

  "My Dad. Jake." I expected him to say his Mom. She kept checking in with me all night to see if I was doing all right.

  "The funniest comments I got tonight were from Stephie and Becca. Something along the lines of, they thought you were into old-school kink not that you were that old-school."

  "Mike said something similar to me." He laughs and puts his arm around me.

  "The most serious were from my family and friends..."

  "I'm sure Tracy had a few choice words for me..."

  "Oh, you could say that!" I laughed. "Cathy, my Mom and Aunt were pretty shocked, too. My Dad actually came over and rescued me once during their questioning."

  "Well...I assume you were honest in answering them..." He looks a little sternly at me, waiting to open the hotel door until I've answered him.

  "...I was..." I say this shyly though. I wasn't as blunt as Max was to some of his clients and family. He told one man, a politician I think, that I was going to be his very obedient wife and that was just the way he liked it. I kept catching the man looking like he was undressing me every time I looked in his direction after that.

  "Good girl." He opens the door and we head to the elevators.

  Chapter 11 HIM

  I stand Lucy back up and close the door to our suite. She doesn't move, just waits for me. "I've looked forward to carrying you across this threshold all night." I grab her in my arms again and run my fingers down her back to the end of the dress.