Текст книги "Twisted Together"

Автор книги: Pepper Winters

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Текущая страница: 29 (всего у книги 33 страниц)

At the same time Franco tore at Q’s trousers. The material fell away, revealing shiny black slacks. In a blink, Q was disarmed of the illusion of pureness and re-dressed in darkness. His tie came undone, waistcoat, and shirt all ripped from his bruised torso.

What are they doing?

Q stood half-naked and I couldn’t control the desire spooling in my blood. The dampness between my legs multiplied staring at the man who owned my heart. The damaged man who needed to lie down and let me lavish him with love.

My eyes fell to the scarring ‘T’ above his heart, barely visible amongst fresh bruises. My heart flurried. My self-consciousness and doubt faded away, drinking in his perfection.

Frederick turned to a hidden pedestal, returning with a black blazer beautifully tailored with embroidered crimson sparrows.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Q demanded as the new blazer was shoved up his arms and positioned over his shoulders. His naked chest and tattoo stayed visible through the gaping of the fabric.

Frederick growled, “Giving you a memory you will never forget, you bastard.”

Q’s face darkened. “I had everything I wanted before you fucked it up.”

Franco shook his head. “You had the white wedding, but you and Tess are more than that. You come alive in the dark. And that’s what we’re giving you. Believe me, you’ll want this.”

Q gritted his teeth, shrugging the new clothing into position. He transformed from angel to monster. My monster.

Q’s eyes landed on me, striking the match, blazing gunpowder to my core. My stomach fluttered as his gaze devoured me. I wanted to run my tongue down his chest. I wanted to tear off his trousers and worship him with my mouth.

My damp knickers became soaking with how deliciously dangerous he was. How bruised and damaged and sore.

Dropping my hands, I let my corset and lingerie shine. I was no longer self-conscious. I was what Q wanted most.

I was the ultimate prize. I was his. And he…he was my master.

My flesh tingled. I know what Suzette is doing.

Suzette clapped her hands and the marquee suddenly left the day, welcoming the night instead. The transformation was seamless—choreographed to perfection. White silk fell as if slaughtered by angels. Velvet black drapery replaced it, covering the ceiling, turning sunshine to stars.

White heaven fell into a devil’s lair. Black. Everything turned to black. Even the white roses around the room somehow changed to black dahlias.

It was magical. It was surreal. Suzette completely outdid herself.

She turned to face me. “Now do you understand?”

I shook away my stupor. Taking her hand, I whispered in her ear, “I’m his ultimate possession. He’s shared his heart. Now it’s time for me to share his ultimate wish.”

Suzette’s shoulders slumped in relief. “I’m so glad it makes sense.” She moved away—very aware of Q bearing down upon me.

He yanked my elbow, demanding my attention. “Are you okay?” His eyes burned with undiluted need. He bit his bottom lip, consuming my ensemble. “Fuck, Tess, you look incroyable.” His accented voice stroked my nipples, drawing more wetness to gather. His touch turned to a vice; power and lust and love glowed on my skin.

My eyes fell to his trousers, my heart skipping a beat as I followed the outline of his erection. He wanted me. I wanted him.

“I’m fine. Q—you’re…” Stepping into his body, I whispered, “I’m so wet for you, maître. Seeing you like this. Knowing you’re as hot for me as I am for you…it jumbles my thoughts. All I can think about is kissing you.”

His arm wrapped around my waist, slamming my hips against his. “I’m thinking of more than just kissing, esclave. I’m going to bruise you with how much I need you.”

I pulled away, gathering my scattered decency, trying to ignore the lava in my veins. “You’re forgetting you’re hurt. I’m not letting you touch me tonight. You need to rest.”

“Rest?” He chuckled, pressing a kiss on my cheek. “You’ll need to rest after I’m done with you. Your throat will need to rest from your screams.”

 I couldn’t breathe; the corset squeezed tighter. I couldn’t take my eyes from Q’s brilliant tattoo, teasing me through the richness of his blazer. It looked incredible on him. Out of the two spectrums, Q belonged in black. He wasn’t an imposter in black.

Lust heat-waved around us, granting sensual power. I stood in front of people in lingerie. I stood blatantly showing my desire for this man and I didn’t care. I didn’t care because this was our world.

It was no longer hidden.

By making us dress this way, Suzette had brought us from the shadows and into the light.

“Goddammit, you’re a stunning creature, Tess.” Q couldn’t tear his eyes from my raised cleavage.

I’m only stunning because of the way you love me.

I dropped my gaze. “I couldn’t wait for you to see me in this—I just thought it would be for after—”

“It was never meant for after the wedding,” Frederick said, sandwiching himself between us, taking my hand and placing his other on Q’s shoulder. “It was always meant to be this way.” He guided us back to the altar and the smiling celebrant.

Q smiled curtly at the celebrant, shrugging himself free from Frederick’s hold. “I wish someone would explain what exactly all of this means. And I would’ve preferred a heads up rather than being stripped like a fucking prisoner.”

Frederick smiled. “This is to wed both sides of you—the good and the bad, the light and the dark. We’re giving you exactly what you need.”

Giving my hand a squeeze, he said, “And we couldn’t tell you before, because you wouldn’t have done it. You’re both shy. But we’re your friends—your family. And we don’t judge. We just wanted you to know that.”

Letting me go, he looked at the celebrant. “Please, we’re ready to continue.” Giving Q another smile, he moved away, taking his place by Franco. Suzette and Angelique returned to their positions behind me and the chaos settled back into love-swelled beauty.

I wasn’t nervous. I’d guessed what would come next. I’m ready. I’m ready to stitch my life permanently to his.

The celebrant looked at Q. “Are you ready for the final part?”

Q’s face twisted and for the longest moment I feared he’d walk out the door. He looked uncomfortable—very aware his dark persuasions were bold and brash and there for everyone to see.

We couldn’t hide any longer—not that we had anything to hide. This isn’t for me. It’s for him.

Reaching for Q, I froze as he stepped away.

He moved to the side where a small chest rested. Plucking it from the floor, he brought it back, placing it at my feet. Taking my hand for balance, he ordered, “Climb up.”

I wanted to ask so many things but obeyed, climbing onto the small pedestal placing me above Q’s height.

“Q, what…”

His eyes met mine, full of endless love  The corset once again ceased my breathing.

“You’re mine to worship now and for always, Tess. I’ve put you above me, so everyone knows I value your life above all else. You are the reason why I exist. The reason for my happiness.”

I swallowed hard.

His eyes tightened, battling so much inside. His fingers trembled in mine. “I’m ready,” he murmured. “I’m ready to proceed.”

We never looked away. Locked together. Padlocked by souls.

The celebrant said, “I believe your best man has the next requirement.”

Frederick stepped forward, his hands clasped around something. Passing it to Q, he spoke in his ear, slapping him gently on the shoulder. I couldn’t make out what transferred but Q stiffened, shaking his head.

Masculine whispers snapped in the silence followed by a curse. Q finally snatched the gift with a sharp nod.

Q raised his arm, showing me what he’d been given. My heart leapt into my throat.

A collar. A black diamond-studded collar with a gold ring at the front.

Of course. My heart thundered.

His eyes implored me. Please…I’ve never asked you to be less than human.

And he wasn’t now. He was asking me to announce to everyone present—to him, to me, to the sanctity of marriage, that he was my master.

He is. In every way.

In an effortless move, I swayed forward. “Collar me, maître. Keep me forever,” I murmured, scooping my hair off my shoulders, waiting for him to fasten it.

Q leaned forward, his fingers shaking against my skin. His eyes swam with adoration, body trembling with love and need. “You’re given me the ultimate fantasy, esclave. You’re giving me the right to collar you. You’re giving me something I’ve always wanted but have always been too afraid to take.” His lips pressed against my temple. “Thank you, Tess. Du fond du cœur.” From the bottom of my heart.

He wrapped the soft leather around my neck and over my brand. It irritated, but the discomfort was nothing to the surging possession in my heart. Q might collar me but I collared him in return. My ownership was invisible—wrapping him in unseen chains—chains unlocked only by my soul.

I shivered as his knuckles brushed the back of my skull. He carefully cinched the buckle, marking me as his. Marking me as belonging.

Tears dripped down my cheeks as he pulled away. His eyes were liquid too, matching my love ounce for ounce. With immense tenderness, he licked my tears away, washing my face clean of happiness. “God, I love you.” His voice was barely there, but I bloomed bright and radiant.

The celebrant cleared his throat. “Do you, Quincy Mercer, take this woman Tess Snow as your lawfully wedded wife, now and forever, from this day forth?”

Q clenched his jaw. “Je le veux.” I do.

My lips spread into an awed smile.

I do. I do. I do.

“I believe your maid of honour has the next requirement,” the celebrant said softly.

Suzette gently tapped my hip, bringing my attention to her. In her hands rested a looped leash and something hidden. Pressing the small unknown item into my palm, she whispered, “You’ll know what to do with the leash, mon ami.”

I nodded, thanking her silently. I knew. Of course I knew.

Turning back to Q, I held both items in shaking hands.

The celebrant asked, “Do you, Tess Snow, take this man Quincy Mercer as your lawfully wedded husband, now and forever, from this day forth?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. If I spoke or moved my body would explode into a gazillion dazzling sparks. This must be how it felt to have dreams come true. This homecoming.

I revealed the gold and titanium steel band for the first time. I held my hand out.

With a small smile, Q placed his palm in mine, spreading his fingers, giving himself to me. His touch was just as unsteady.

Nerves made everything intense. Nerves made everything real.

This is real.

My eyes glassed, softening lines, blurring edges. Carefully and solemnly, I slid the ring Suzette had sourced over Q’s wedding finger. My heart increased its beat. The ring slipped into position—a golden symbol forever marking him as taken.

Mine.

The symbol of our unity sent tears swelling behind my collar. I couldn’t swallow the salt, too overwhelmed. I managed a whisper. Just a whisper. “I do.”

Letting Q go, I unravelled the leash, clipping the end onto the ring of my collar. Threading the soft leather through my fingers, I ceremoniously handed the end to Q. “Toujours.” Forever.

He fisted the leash. His fingers turned white, his body shaking with amazement. “Toujours.”

We’d exchanged our vows in numerous ways. We’d proven our words weren’t empty against sickness or health. We’d solidified every promise. Brought truth to every claim.

We wore each other’s brand and mark.

We were no longer separate people. We were one.

One of the same.

My heart thrilled faster as Q tugged me downward, a hard smile on his lips. His mouth landed on mine and the marquee, guests, and everything else shot from comprehension. His tongue entered, dancing in a ceaseless waltz.

His dark taste unlocked the final piece of the true Tess. My journey was over. I’d gone from weak to strong to tamed. I’d gone from lost to scared to found.

The sun rose inside, spreading golden tendrils through my body, coaxed deeper by every lick. My core rippled, desperate for physical connection. I was no longer cold and confused. I was no longer alone and unloved.

I was home.

For always.

Q deepened the kiss, combusting the sun into a raging ball of fire. Heated lust stole my limbs, pebbling my nipples, drawing wetness between my legs.

Breathing hard, he let me go. “I need you alone. Now.”

The moment Q pulled away, the celebrant raised his voice. “It is my greatest honour to present to you for the first time. Mr. and Mrs. Mercer.”

Mr. and Mrs.

My heart tripled its wingbeats.

Our friends clapped and rice rained from above, full of black glitter. The little pricks of confetti stung but I wasn’t contained by my flesh anymore. I’d expanded to something so much more.

Q wrapped his arms around me. Plucking me from the pedestal, he slowly lowered my body down his. Every slip was delicious torture. The heat of him. The hardness of him.

My feet touched the ground; Q smiled. “Hello, Mrs Mercer.”

I moaned as his hand slinked up my side, deliberately catching the side of my breast. “Hello, Mr. Mercer.”

“I’m so glad fate gave me you,” he whispered.

“I’m so glad I deserve you.”

His eyes darkened. “You deserve so much more than me, esclave. But it’s too late. You’re mine, and I’m never letting you go.” Time stood still as we stared into each other’s eyes.

His hand cupped my cheek, hot, claiming. “We did it.”

I accepted his feathery kiss. “We’re married.”

Q kissed me. “Nous ne faisons qu’un.” We are one.

Chapter Sixteen

My absolution

My treasure

It was done.

Tess was mine.

Legally.

Spiritually.

Every fucking way she was mine.

My fingers tightened on the leash, dragging her closer. I loved having control. Having her restrained in such a debasing but incredibly powerful way. The anxiety I’d carried finally faded. I had what I needed. I had her oath. I owned her soul.

My lips captured hers again, tangling with two emotions. I wanted to strip her right there and take her—injuries be damned, witnesses be fucked. But at the same time, I wanted to beat Frederick and Franco for forcing my truth to light.

They had no right to dress Tess that way, or provoke me into accepting there was nothing wrong with our relationship. Suzette had been out of bounds.

I was going insane having Tess half-naked. She was my wife. I wanted her covered.

But then you won’t be able stare.

And I wanted to stare. So damn much. Tess was a fucking masterpiece. Full and feminine and so fucking tempting.

Pulling away, I readjusted my rock-hard cock. It hadn’t calmed down since I’d set eyes on her when she entered the marquee. Her white dress had been stunning. She’d been stunning.

She still is.

I groaned, drinking in her garter belts and lace. Goddammit, I had no willpower. No control. She may wear the collar but she dragged me around by my cock. I panted for her. I would sit at her feet and fucking beg just for a taste. One glorious taste.

“Shit, Tess…I need you. I need to sink inside you and come. I’m going to explode.”

My cock hurt jammed in my trousers. My balls throbbed with the need to come. It didn’t matter my body was drained. My shakes weren’t just from nerves but agony slicing through the painkillers. Nothing would stop me from taking her. I didn’t care if I was slightly lightheaded and queasy. Sex. Sex would make it all better. Sex with Tess.

Happiness danced down my spine.

Sex with my wife.

Tess laughed, patting my naked chest. I hissed between my teeth as her gentle touch caught a bruise. The pain and pleasure shot to my cock, rippling with need.

This isn’t a laughing matter, esclave. I’ll turn your smiles into moans of ecstasy.  

 “I need you, too. But you need to rest, Q. Don’t expect me to bow to you tonight.”

“Bow to me? I want you so fucking much I’d ignore the safe-word with how much I need you.”

Tess looped her arms around my back, following my tattoo. “Sparrow, Q. Sparrow until I get you into bed.”

I groaned, anger giving me energy to get through the next few minutes. “You can say sparrow all you like, but it won’t stop me from taking you.”

Taking the final piece of you.

Her lips parted, understanding my unsaid threat. “You can’t—you need to heal.”

Grabbing her close, I muttered, “I’ll heal when my cock is inside your beautiful ass. Now say your goodbyes. We’re leaving.”

Reluctantly, I let her go.

With wide eyes, she moved away to hug Suzette. The leash on her collar tugged my fist. I opened my fingers, letting it slip free.

She was swallowed by the small crowd, all wishing congratulations. Every guest stole time with my wife. Time. That bitch was yet again getting in the way of me and my goal.

Tess disappeared under well-wishes—the only part of her visible was her loose curls and black feather headdress. Shit, I needed to cover her. I cursed everyone staring at her beauty. I wanted to gorge their eyes out for seeing what was mine, but smug male pride tempered my rage. She was mine. Not theirs. They would never be allowed to touch. Only me.

Didn’t fucking matter though. My cock was too hard. My instincts too feral.

I stormed forward, tugging at my jacket to throw over Tess’s body.

Then darkness smothered my world as the little cocksucker who spoke out during the wedding, wriggled through the crowd and intercepted Tess. He tapped her on the shoulder.

She turned to him.

She turned to him, smiling, wearing the fucking sexiest corset and black lingerie. Her breasts tantalized, spilling over the supple leather. Her long legs closed the distance in a hug.

She motherfucking hugged him. Dressed like that.

I want his blood.

My heart shot painful adrenaline through my body. No amount of stitches, gunshots, or broken ribs could stop me from beating the little cunt into a pulp. Tearing my blazer off, I closed the distance. “Tess, get away from him.” Ripping her from Twerp’s arms, I slammed my jacket around Tess’s front.

She gasped, pushing at my blazer imprisoning her. “Q—what on earth?”

I breathed hard, never taking my eyes from the little fucker who’d had his hands on my wife.

What in the flying fuck was he doing at my wedding?

“Q, calm down. You’re not thinking straight.” Tess’s voice only pissed me off.

The boy curled his arm around a pretty brunette dressed in yellow. He brought her forward, distracting me for a second—intentionally showing he had his own girl and respected that Tess was mine. “That’s a rad tattoo you’ve got, mate. Never been a fan of needles myself but I can appreciate the art.”

Tess jumped in. “Q, this is Brax Cliffingstone and his girlfriend, Bianca. They travelled all the way from Australia to see us marry, so a thank you for coming would be nice.”

A thank-you? They flew on my fucking money. Suzette would no doubt present me with a bill a mile long once we got home.

“Brax, Bianca, this is my husband, Quincy Mercer. I could go on and on about how amazing he is but that’s irrelevant—you can guess how special he is because I married him.”

Husband.

She called me her husband.

Special.

She called me special.

The words starved some of my anger, relaxing my screeching muscles.

Twerp’s blue eyes met mine, apprehension tangling with false bravado. “Hey, mate. Nice to meet you finally.” He stuck out his hand. “Congratulations. I’m super glad you guys were able to work out whatever issues you had. I’m stoked for you.”

What the hell had Tess told this delinquent? Her emails. My teeth gritted. The emails she sent when she blocked me out. She’d talked to him when she couldn’t talk to me.

The frustration and anger rose, reminding me of the intense pain Tess had caused.

Fuckwit’s eyes fell on Tess’s cleavage. It was fleeting. But it was there.

My neck rolled. Fists clenched.

Yep, couldn’t do it. I’d kill him.

I yelled, “Suzette. Donne moi quelque chose pour couvrir Tess ou je vais —” Give me something to cover Tess or I'll—

A black embroidered dress appeared from nowhere, matching the crimson sparrows of my velvet blazer. “Here you go. I’ve come prepared.” Suzette gave me a wary look, holding up the wraparound dress for Tess. I dropped my blazer, shoving Tess toward Suzette.

I had to admit Suzette had done an amazing fucking job—I wanted to murder her, but she deserved a substantial raise for putting this venue together in five days.

My heart hammered while Tess slipped into the dress. Suzette secured it with a large bow at the back. The second Tess was encased in something suitable, I relaxed a little. Just a little.

Tess smiled. “Thank you. I feel better not being so exposed.”

Me, too. I’d been ready to murder everyone.

Suzette grinned. “Not that you have any cause for being shy, but I understand.”

Goddammit, my nerves. The overbearing monster inside prowled, snapping its jaws. The beast wanted to go suicidal. I felt threatened. Threatened by a boy from Tess’s past.

There was no reason to be. But try telling that to a beast that didn’t listen.

He’s just a stupid boy who will never deserve Tess. Me, on the other hand—I still didn’t deserve her but too fucking bad—she’d married me.

A headache overshadowed the rest of my injuries. I managed to unlock my jaw enough to say, “Merci. And I’m sorry for my temper.”

I scanned the room out of habit, searching for anyone out of place. The guests smiled, milling around now that the service was over. Not that they were guests. Mrs. Sucre didn’t count, nor did Frederick, Angelique, or Franco. There wasn’t one unfamiliar face. Apart from the dickshit in front of me.

“It’s okay, mate. Totally understand.” Brax nodded, opening his mouth to say something equally annoying in his Australian twang.

I couldn’t do it.

Growling under my breath, I said to Suzette, “You’re in deep shit for inviting him.”

Tess scowled, whacking my shoulder. “Q. That isn’t fair. She did it for me.” Smiling gently at Fuckwit, she added, “Sorry, Brax. Q’s been through a lot the past couple of days. We really ought to be leaving. He needs to rest.”

A geyser of temper exploded from my mouth. “Did you just call me weak, Tess? I’m perfectly capable thank you very much. I’m not going to pass out from a simple conversation.”

Twerp jumped in. “Hey, don’t be mad at her. Look, maybe it was the wrong thing coming here, but I wanted to see Tess and make sure she was happy. I love her. I wanted to wish her all the best. And you too—if you stopped being such a jerk.”

Fuck, that’s it.

Thank god I wasn’t wearing a shirt because it would’ve ended up splattered with his blood.

Tess leapt in the middle of us. “Brax, stop it. Q, don’t judge him until you know him. He’s a good friend and you need—”

“I don’t need to do anything, esclave. He’s seen you naked. I’ll never be his friend. So don’t expect it to be all rugby games and fucking unicorns.”

Tess blew curls out of her eyes, exasperation rather than fear on her face. That just irritated me further. Did I look so banged up I was incapable of inflicting pain?

I can rectify that.

The girl dressed in yellow giggled. “I doubt you’ll see us again after today, but if it makes you feel any better, your wife has seen my fiancé naked, too, and I don’t want to beat her up.”

My eyes stretched wide. I couldn’t come up with a response. I hated the thought of Tess being anywhere near this boy. I hated to think of anyone owning her heart. I was beyond jealous. I was fucking possessive and the beast inside only made it worse.

I wanted to piss a circle around Tess, blatantly claiming she was off bounds to everyone but me.

Calm down, idiot.

My heart raced but Tess laughed. “I’m glad you don’t want to hurt me, Bianca. I’m just happy you and Brax are together. And please accept mine and Q’s congratulations.”

She had no right to offer anything of mine. I wanted them off this island, not to exchange pleasantries.

My rib twinged, letting a hug of pain fill my chest. God, I’m tired.

Fuckwit grinned. “I asked Bianca to marry me two weeks ago. I know it’s really fast—but sometimes you just know, yeah?”

Tess softened, glancing at me. My anger petered out, replaced with vengeful lust. My cock sprang to attention dragging me under her control again. Damn woman and her magic. “I totally agree. Time means nothing when you know.”

I swallowed, trying so fucking hard to keep the sexual need from my eyes. Forgetting about Fuckwit—he was nothing to me—I murmured to Tess, “Sometimes all it takes is a look.”

Tess’s lips parted and the strain of the past few minutes didn’t mean a thing. The desire between us was all-consuming and I was done with this place.

Narrowing my gaze, I murmured, “Time to stop playing with the guests. You’re coming with me.”

Tess blushed. “That would be rude. We can’t just—”

“Yes. We. Can. Now, Tess. S'il vous plait.” She wasn’t being fair. I was the injured one. I was the one in need of TLC. These guests could fucking wait until I’d had my wife beneath me, on top of me, tied up, and ravished. “You don’t want me to ask again. You won’t like what I’ll do.”

Suzette broke the thick tension. “You can’t go. Not yet. I’ve got a small reception planned next door.”

I couldn’t think of anything worse.

I was married. I wanted all these people gone. I wanted to be alone with the one person who truly understood me. I wanted my wife.

“No. Suzette. Rearrange it. Tomorrow, I don’t care.”

“I’m sorry, Suzette.” Tess shrugged. “Q really should get some rest.”

I grumbled in my chest. I hated she thought I was hurt. I wanted a bed, yes, but I wasn’t planning on fucking moaning about my injuries and going to sleep.

Did she not sense everything I was transmitting to her? Did she not understand that I could suffer two broken legs and still need to be inside her?

Fine. If it made our escape faster I would play the poor patient angle. “You know. I am feeling a little tired—I need to be in bed with my wife.”

Tess threw me a look while Fuckwit sucked in a gasp.

My eyes tightened, taking in his innocence—his pompous timidness. This boy had nothing on me. I could blow him fucking over and defeat him. What did Tess ever see in him?

Frederick suddenly threw an arm around my shoulders, eyeing up Brax. Shoving his traitorous hand out, he smiled. “Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Frederick Roux. Business partner to this sour groom.”

Fuckwit half-smiled, taking the offered handshake. “Nice to meet you. I’ve researched your company. Congrats on all your success.”

Frederick laughed, letting go to nudge me. My teeth clamped together at being manhandled, especially because it highlighted just how much I did need to lie down. Fuck, I hurt.

“Nope, not my company. All this guy’s. He’s the mastermind.” Slapping me on the back—making me groan—he added, “Congrats, Mercer, Tess. So happy for you both.”

Tess beamed, running fingers through her hair. “Thank you for everything you did for us, Frederick. Rome, and Lynx…well you know—”

My stomach lurched, thinking how close I’d come to losing her. My fingers found the tracker under my skin. It would have to be removed. The Taser Lynx used had short-circuited it, but at least it’d done what I needed.

I’d held on and proved the point I set out to make. It cost a lot more than money but it brought shitloads of protection.

Fuckwit watched us, his forehead furrowed. “Did something happen?” His eyes narrowed. “Is that what happened the past few days? You look like you’ve been in a pretty serious fight.” His gaze flickered to Tess. “You’re not in any danger again—are you, Tessie?”

I coughed.

A swirling tornado of anger ripped me apart.

“Tessie?” My voice was whip-thin and blade-sharp. My body was still sore, the pain eroding no end of painkillers, but all I wanted was a fight. I wanted to hurtle this asshole away from Seychelles. Away from my wife. Away from any claim he thought he had on my woman.

“Never call her that.”

Tess pressed her warm form against mine. “Q—don’t. Brax calls me Tessie. It’s a nickname that’s completely innocent.” Turning to Brax, she finished, “And no, I’m not in any danger. Not anymore. Thanks to Q.”

“But you will be if you call her that again,” I snapped.

My fists ached to ram into his jaw.

The celebrant arrived, smiling—completely oblivious to the standoff between us. “I have the paperwork that requires signing. Please choose your two witnesses and come with me.”

“Perfect timing,” Roux mumbled, throwing me a look. “Come on, Mercer. I’ll witness another one of your documents.” He followed the celebrant.

Tess let me go, grabbing onto Suzette. “Would you do the honour? Please.”

Suzette’s eyes watered. She looked from me to Tess, holding her heart. “I’d love to.”

Great. Fucking fantastic. Yet more time stopping me from getting my wife naked. The second this was over. I was gone. With or without Tess. Who was I kidding? I would never leave her—especially with Fuckwit here.

The three of us trailed after Frederick, leaving Twerp and his little girlfriend. The celebrant had set up a station with a small table, leather binder, and pens. A crisp piece of paper rested on top.

I sighed.

This whole mingling after the wedding bullshit was fraying my nerves. I didn’t know if it was the pain making me cranky or the fact Tess’s past was trespassing on my future. I just wanted to leave.

Soon. Sign then I was free.

The top of the paper held an intricate flourish with the words:

This is to certify Quincy Mercer II descended from Quincy Mercer I and Veronica Fable married Tess Olivia Snow descended from Stephen Snow and Mary Carlton, both sound of mind and able body, in holy matrimony before the witnesses of…

“You sign here, Mr. Mercer.” The celebrant pointed to a column stated ‘groom’.

Taking the pen, I printed my name, then signed. The simple act of holding the pen aggravated the muscles in my arm from Lynx’s bad batting skills.

I needed more drugs—especially if I planned on delivering my threats to Tess.

Beneath my signature, it changed from groom to husband.

Shit.

Husband.

It hit me for the second time.

I’m Tess’s husband.

This time it was a battering ram compared to the tiny realization. I was hers. Forever.

Tess’s body heat seared into mine, reaching over to steal the pen. Planting a chaste kiss on my cheek, she printed her name…then paused.

My heart stuttered as the pen hovered over the signature of ‘wife’.