Page 149 of His Ruin
I blink, nodding numbly as she takes my hand and pulls me out of Kaden’s grasp. She brings me to the bride and groom’s table, helping me ease down on a chair as I stare out of the crowd that awkwardly stands around. Mom and Dad are huddled together, Dad’s fanning her face, which is starting to get color back in it as he whispers softly to her. She’s still in shock, and I don’t blame her.
Mine is slow to process, only taking hold of me now as I realize how real this all is.
“I’m married…” I mumble as Kodi grabs some ice from a bucket and wraps it in a napkin.
She holds it to my forehead, the coldness seeping into me. “Yes.”
“I’m married to Kaden…” I repeat.
“Unfortunately.”
I grab her wrist, my eyes snapping to her. “Oh, my god—”
“I know,” she murmurs softly.
The orchestra moves into the reception room, setting up their instruments before a soft, swelling song begins. I lose track of time, my mind rushing with the events of this evening while I try to break down everything and not hurl all over the nice table. Kodi leaves to get me something to drink when Kaden pulls out the chair beside me and sits.
“Are you hungry?” He whispers in my ear.
I slowly turn to him, the rage I’ve been searching for finally snapping into place. Heforcedme to marry him. He held our whole family atgunpoint. “You’re sick.” I spit.
He sighs, scrubbing a hand across his jaw. “Yeah, I have been for a very long time.”
That’s it?!
He says it as if it’s obvious!
I grab a champagne flute and down the alcohol. “If you expect a docilewife, you have another thing coming, Kaden.”
His lips twitch into that charming half-smirk that’s haunted my fantasies for years. “I would expect nothing less. You deserve to be angry with me, but later. Why don’t we enjoy our party tonight, and you can exact your revenge beginning tomorrow?”
My hand tightens on the glass before I stare out at the people. They’re starting to loosen up, though it’s still tense. Mom looks like she’s finally okay as she sits with Dad at a table and lifts a cup of water to her lips. I don’t want to give in, but I also don’t want to ruin this further. I worked hard on this wedding, and while I didn’t think I’d get everything I wanted, Kaden made it happen somehow.
I’m burning with fury at him, but beneath the flames lies a reluctant gratitude for what he’s done. It’s an impossible swirl, acid and honey in my veins.
I sit back in my chair with a sigh, holding my champagne up to my lips. “I’ll wave the white flag for now, but sleep with one eye open tonight,husband.”
He chuckles, the sound deep and pleasing to the ears. “How about some cake to tell you how sorry I am?”
My eyes snap to him. “Is it vanilla—”
“With buttercream frosting,” he nods as he finishes for me.
I purse my lips. “We aren’t supposed to cut it yet…”
He tilts his head, rolling his eyes up to the ceiling. “Hmm. I remember a ten-year-old girl who didn’t care whether it was time to cut the cake. I also remember stealing a piece for her before we hid under the table together.”
I crack a small smile at the memory. “She’s still in here.”
He holds out a hand to me as he stands. “Then would she mind accompanying me?”
I’m hesitant to take the hand of the devil who coerced me into marrying him. Even though, at my core, I know my heart still beats for Kaden, it’s hard to give myself so easily to him again. I’m not going to make this easy, but tonight, I want to live in my fantasies a little longer.
I slowly spread my fingers over his, accepting his invitation as he pulls me up from my chair. My heels click across the floor as we head right for the massive four-tiered cake that stands tall like a beacon. It’s beautiful with soft designs of white flowers and pearls, and I almost don’t want to ruin its luster by cutting into it. Until my stomach grumbles and I realize I haven’t eaten since last night because I was too nauseated.
Kaden picks up a wide knife and holds it out to me. “It’s tradition that we cut it together.”
There’s a fluttering sensation that starts in my lower belly as my cheeks flush and I take it. My husband positions himself behind me, his large hand covering mine as myinked birthday flashes near his knuckles. Everywhere he touches ignites flames, and I hate that my body still responds so easily to him.
