Honor (Blind Vows #2)

by J. M. Witt

  HONOR

  Blind Vows

  By: J.M. Witt

  Copyright 2015 © J.M. Witt

  Cover Artist: J.M. Witt Books

  Photographer: Darren Birks Photography

  Model: Anne Ransom

  Editor: Leticia Sidon

  Publisher: J.M. Witt Books

  All Rights Reserved 2015

  This book may not be reproduced in any form; in whole or in part, without written permission by the author.

  All characters and events in this book are fictional. Any similarities to real life people and events are purely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2015 J.M. Witt

  All Rights Reserved 2015

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to everyone who’s read my work and continues to do so. This project took me by surprise and I’ve loved every minute of it.

  First, I have to thank Darren Birks for being such a pleasure to work with. This story hit me and when I told you my vision for the cover, you were nothing but supportive. Thank you. You also make an amazing muse for my Heathcliff and FitzWilliam!

  Anne, your picture seriously haunted me. I’m so happy to have you on the cover and upcoming covers for this series. Thank you for being my Lucy!

  Rebecca, Betsy, and Leticia. WOW. You three were bombarded with this secret project and took off running with me. Thank you for your overwhelming support and belief in me. Words will never be enough to express what it means to me.

  Tami, Tracey, and Elaine. Three more of the most supportive fans and friends a girl could ask for. Thank you!

  Stacey and Jaime: Well, what else is there to say, but ‘Give the man some head!’

  Tyf and Skye. There are no words for me to say. Your friendship means the world to me. I never would’ve have made it this far without you two. I love you dearly.

  To my friends and family. Thank you for your support. You know who you are!

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  More to come

  Playlist

  Other works

  About the Author

  ~ Prologue ~

  Lucy Roberts.

  I had to let her go for good. It was the only thing I knew how to do. I’d done nothing but let her go for the last ten years. Of course she had a habit of walking back into my life when I least expected her. That summer ten years ago when she walked into my family vacation home, no longer a girl, but a young woman, she didn’t see me staring at her from the shadows, too immersed in my twin brother’s world to notice me. I played the cruelest joke on her that week, not realizing the consequences that would come in the aftermath of revealing my true identity to her. I still wasn’t sure why I did it; desperate for her attention or was I trying to pay her back for ignoring me?

  Two years after that summer, she shook the ground I walked on once again. She was a high school graduate, headed to the state university. Anytime I tried to talk to her during that week she shut me down before I could even begin. Her actions, or lack thereof, sent me down a dark path that I was ashamed to recall. William was my saving grace then and the only person who could get through to me. He was also the only person who knew what, who, my problem was.

  Then this past summer when I saw her again—something that happened on occasion considering we lived in the same town—we frequented the same bars, the air between us had changed. I will never confirm or deny that I knew her routine better than she did. If I wanted to find her, I had my ways. That night she was sitting with Stacey, eating, drinking, and laughing. The possessiveness that swept over me that night startled me. It was something I’d buried long ago, or so I thought.

  What transpired between us that night was a travesty. I did and said everything wrong and it didn’t help that she was drunk and defensive, like she usually was with me. Matters grew worse when I allowed my dick to do the thinking. In a moment of weakness, I let her give me a blow job. It wasn’t my finest moment, but fuck, it was fine. More arguing and misconceptions left me reeling for weeks.

  O, my younger brother, was my distraction during those couple weeks. He was home on R & R and we spent most of our free time together. He joked and teased me and my lack of man-whore tendencies. I wasn’t one to hesitate showing a woman a good time. But after that night with Lucy in her apartment, I couldn’t fathom being with anyone else. My cock wanted her. My body wanted her. Hell, my soul wanted her.

  A couple nights before O was set to leave again, all five of us brothers headed out. I led the way and suggested the bar, knowing where she would be. I blamed Will for the disaster that night turned into. He’d walked up on us, after I’d finger-fucked her in the alley, and made crude remarks. It ended with Lucy running away and me sucker-punching my twin.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?” He was rubbing his jaw and smirking at me.

  “If she hates me, then maybe you have a chance.”

  I shook my head at him. He was trying to help, but was about as useless as I was. “You’re a dick.”

  “Well, are you going to go after her?”

  I had looked around to realize Lucy had fled and I was none the wiser. FUCK! I ran after her, but when I found her at her apartment down the street, it was too late. Her wall was up and it wasn’t coming down.

  I said something to the effect that if she let me go, it was over, we were over. She let me leave without a single objection. She was more trouble than she was worth. That’s what I told myself anyway. I spent the rest of that weekend in a drunken stupor. Another mess for Will to clean up and he did. I locked my memories of Lucy away in a box, never to open again. I was a man of my word. It was over, we were over, and it was time to move on.

  If you’re wondering what made me decide to marry a stranger, it was my twin, Will. He mentioned that he was partaking in this crazy matchmaking scheme and I was intrigued. After the incident with Lucy in the alley that summer night, when everything went to shit, I decided to pursue love. And pursuing it blindly seemed like the way to go.

  I began the process of lengthy interviews and waited to see if they could find my match. I wanted to share my life with someone, maybe have a family. A couple months later, sooner than Will or I expected, Will got the call. They found his match. And so I continued my wait.

  ~ Chapter 1 ~

  Now it was my wedding day. Was I ready for this? Yes! I knew it was time. Looking to my family, O the only one not in attendance, everyone but Will smiled back. He never wanted Lucy so I’m not sure what his problem was.

  Lucy.

  When she finally spotted me, she freaked as I anticipated she would. I ran after her once her father finished questioning me. I knew she was in the conference room with Stacey and Jaime and I tried being patient. I thought about the letter she’d written me, unaware that I was her groom.

  Dear Husband to be,

  I’m excited to start this crazy journey with you. I’m scared and hope you’ll be patient with me. I’m witty, a little quirky, but very loving. Thank you for taking a chance. And when all else fails, remain calm and set your eyes on me. I hope to always be your home, a place of comfort, rest, and love.

  Your future wife.

  It was a beautiful letter and so her. Her wit and quirks were what I loved most about her. I had opened the small box that accompanied the letter and found cufflinks inside. They were black, but said ‘Stay calm’ on one and ‘Say I do’ on the other. Chuckling, I placed them in my shirt and tucked the card into my breast pocket.

  When I heard the girls’ voices
growing heated, I couldn’t take it anymore. Opening the door, I made my presence known and Stacey and Jaime left. Lucy and I laughed, talked, yelled, kissed, all while trying to meet on middle ground.

  Pleading with her, feeling vulnerable, but knowing she had to know, “I need you to trust me. Fate keeps throwing you in my path for a reason. We’re supposed to be together. I feel it in the deepest parts of me. Let me make this right.”

  “Heath, I...” I waited, looking into her face, mesmerized by her eyes. “I’m scared.”

  “I’m scared, too. Please, trust me. I’ll never hurt you again, Lucy.” The only thing left to do was to officially propose to her and so down on my knee I went. “I want you. I want us. Lucy, marry me.”

  She hesitated as she stroked my cheek. I said a silent prayer for her to say yes. I’d do anything just to make her mine.

  “Now that you know it’s me, you’re sure you still want me?”

  My heart leapt and my stomach jerked. “Lucy, I’ve wanted you for ten years, maybe longer.”

  “But why didn’t you fight for me?”

  Closing my eyes and shaking my head I confided in her. “I’m a stubborn fucking idiot. You should know that by now.” Searching her eyes, “I won’t stop fighting for us. You have my word.”

  Her eyes searched my face before she nodded. Her voice cracking, she surrendered, “I want you, too. Maybe just as long.”

  I knew I was grinning like a fool as I clutched her left hand in mine. “Is that a yes?”

  Smiling, “Yes. I’ll marry you Heathcliff Kerrigan.”

  Bounding to my feet, I wrapped my arms around her slight frame, picking her off the ground as we buried our heads in the neck of the other. “Lucy,” pulling back to look at her, “you’re sure?” I couldn’t risk her breaking my heart one more time.

  She smacked my arm, “I said yes didn’t I?”

  That sarcastic tone and smile that I loved was there and I cupped her face. Leaning in I whispered, “Things are never going to be the same.” I felt her stiffen as desire swept through her. I knew her well enough to recognize it. Holding her breath, I leaned in and kissed her.

  Slowly, our mouths danced to a new tune. She was my fiancee and in a few minutes she’d be my wife. We both knew it. Her tongue searched for mine as I parted my lips, granting her access. The silky warmth caressed over mine as her minty breath mingled with my cinnamon breath.

  “I hate to break up your tryst, but everyone’s waiting for an answer.” It was Mr. Roberts asking what I already knew.

  Breaking the kiss I stared into her eyes and gave him his answer without looking at him. “We’re getting married.” Smiling, I kissed her nose as a blush crept up her cheeks.

  “Lucy?”

  Peeking over my shoulder she confirmed, “It’s ok, Daddy.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes. I’ve never wanted anything more.” She smiled at me and kissed the stubble already appearing on my chin.

  Was this what love felt like? My chest constricted at her words and I didn’t know whether to shout for joy or run for the hills.

  “Heath?” Turning to Mr. Roberts, I found his hand outstretched. “Welcome to the family, though you’ve always been a part of it.” Looking to us both he chortled, “Your mothers will both be over the moon.” Winking, he left the room announcing, “We’re having a wedding. Get your butts back in your seats.”

  ~ Chapter 2 ~

  Now I stood and waited. Her brother was eyeing me suspiciously and I tried ignoring it. Our mothers were practically cheering in their seats as Will, Dorian, and D’Artagnan were whispering to one another. Crude comments no doubt.

  History In The Making by Darius Rucker was playing again and I waited for my bride, my Lucy, to appear. Stacey and Jaime made their way down the aisle and then the doors reopened for Lucy and her father. This time I really took in the sight of her. The dress fit her like a glove, accentuating all her curves. The light sparkled off the dress; lace and sequins flattering one another. The sight of the anchor necklace around her neck had me touching my cuff links in response.

  The next few minutes passed like a fog. Before I knew it the Justice of the Peace was having us recite our vows.

  “Lucy, place the ring on his finger.” She took my left hand in hers and slid the silver band on my finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

  “With this ring, I thee wed.”

  “Heath, now your turn.”

  Sliding the ring on her finger I announced, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

  The Justice was about to start our vows when I interrupted him. “I’d like to say something.” He nodded and Lucy looked petrified. I took a deep breath and squeezed her hands in mine. I stared at her for longer than I anticipated when she brought me back to the present.

  “Heath?”

  “Sorry.” A light chuckle filled the room. “I know that things haven’t always been easy between us. I meant what I said in that letter. I’m your anchor, your support, your standing stone. I’ll always be here for you when you need me. Your wit and humor hooked me long ago and no one has ever been able to make me smile like you do. I know I haven’t always been good at telling you that. I look forward to spending the rest of my years honoring you, cherishing you, and trusting you and the leap of faith you’re taking today. There’s nobody else for me. I know that now.” A tear rolled down her cheek—not my intent—but I knew my words had resonated with her.

  “Heath…how am I supposed to compete with that?”

  Smirking, I replied, “You can’t!” Laughter filled the room again and I whispered, “Just stay calm and say I do.”

  She chuckled and shook her head at me. “I’m speechless.”

  “Well, that’s a first.” Smacking my arm, I rubbed the spot and winked at her.

  “Ok. Lucy, repeat after me.” After we exchanged our traditional vows, he proclaimed, “I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Heath and Lucy Kerrigan. You may kiss your bride.”

  Pulling her close I whispered so only she could hear. “Our last first kiss as husband and wife. Make it count!”

  Grinning, she cupped my face as my hands wrapped around the small of her back. She pulled my mouth to hers and we didn’t stop until the whooping and cheering turned into groans and moans. She wiped her lipstick from my lips and twining our fingers together, we walked up the aisle, together.

  We only managed to get a few moments alone before we were swept into greeting our guests and taking pictures. Everyone had a hard time believing that neither of us knew who we were marrying that day. Lucy seemed nervous, but she also had a look plastered on her face every time she glanced at me, like she had a secret. She wasn’t alone.

  I wrapped my arm around her back and whispered in her temple, questioning her. “What’s going through that mind of yours Lucy Kerrigan? Is it my Heath bar? Can’t wait can you?”

  She elbowed me and responded, “I told you, I prefer caramel.”

  “If memory serves, I’d disagree with that. You were quite the fan that night.”

  She looked up at me with murder in her eyes as I smirked at her. “Shut your mouth. I was drunk.”

  “Well in that case, let me get you another drink.” She huffed out a breath and tried pulling away. “Hey, hey. I’m just messing with you. I’m sorry.” Rubbing her upper arms while trying to make eye contact, I bent at the knees to look in her eyes. “Lucy, what’s wrong?” Biting her lip—she was nervous—though she was trying to hide it. “You can tell me.”

  “It’s just, we’re married now and well…” What was she worried about? “I, we,” she looked in my eyes, then to my mouth, “it’s expected that we’ll consummate things.”

  I wasn’t sure if she wasn’t attracted to me—no, I knew that wasn’t the problem. “Lucy, we can take it slow.” I was about to say something more when she started shaking her head at me and giggling. “What?”

  Leaning up to my ear she chimed, “I don’t want to take it slow. We’ve played this cat a
nd mouse game for far too long.”

  My cock sprang to attention at her confession. As she pulled away I yanked her back to me, our lips a breath apart. “I couldn’t agree more.” I kissed her slowly and she let me lead it.

  I was aware of someone clearing his throat, causing me to pull my lips off hers. Looking to the DJ, he said, “The first dance is in a few minutes. Any requests? I had something picked, but given the situation I wanted to ask if you had a special song you’d rather hear.”

  Nodding, I looked to Lucy and she just shook her head. She may not remember, but I did. Closing the distance between the DJ and I, I asked for the song I wanted and he confirmed he had it. Maybe hearing it, she’d remember.

  “What’d you tell him?”

  Kissing her cheek, “You’ll just have to wait and find out.” Her lip turned up in a smile as I dragged her around the room. “We’re being rude to our guests. Come on Mrs. Kerrigan.”

  We were talking to Jaime and Beau when Jaime excused herself. Lucy started harassing him about when he was going to pop the question. I wasn’t familiar with their relationship, but clearly Lucy was.

  “Beau, you’ve had the ring for months and she’s ready to pop. What are you waiting for?”

  “Actually, I have the ring with me. But I don’t want to steal your thunder.” Lucy practically jumped out of her skin with excitement.

  “Steal my thunder! It’s the only thing she wants, Beau!”

  He took a deep breath and I felt for the guy. I could only imagine what he was going through. Before we could chat anymore, the DJ came overhead and asked us to the dance floor.

  The monotone piano beat started as I took her hand, leading her to the center of the dance floor. Our family and friends all circled around the edge of the dance floor and gazed on as I took my bride in my arms. But would she remember?