Page 44 of Satan's Naughty List
“Get some rest,” Nomad sighs, kissing my knuckles. A sleepy grin showcases my teeth as I work to keep my eyes from drooping.
“You’re going to need it, little Cobra,” Techy mutters, his lips landing on my temple softly.
“I love you guys,” I mumble, my eyes drifting shut as my mind finally falls silent long enough for me to sleep.
Chapter Thirty
Webothfreezeinour places.
“Did she just…” he trails off, shock enveloping his features. The sleeping beauty laying before us just gave us the ultimate shock of our lives.
“Yeah,” I huff a laugh, shaking my head as a beaming smile breaks out across my face. Happiness radiates from me at her small confession. Did she mean it? Hopefully. She’s pretty out of it if she’s slipping secrets, but I can’t help the happy palpitations my heart is doing. At my laugh, Techy’s head whips up to look at me. His own expression is one that I can’t really read. If anything, there’s a smidge of self-deprecation. Destruction.
My smile drops as tears pool in his gray eyes, swirling around and basking in utter sadness.
“What’s going on?” Standing from my chair, I make my way toward him. He can’t seem to make the words come out of his mouth, instead releasing a heart shattering sob. If I wasn’t sure Aspen was knocked out by the medications, I would be absolute that the sounds would wake her.
“I don’t deserve her.” His bulky shoulders tremble as our bodies collide. Unfortunately, this isn’t completely uncommon. My wonderful, sexy husband doesn’t seem to know his worth. Planting my lips over him, I kiss the life back into him.
I’ll teach him over and over again, even if it doesn’t stick. His trust stems from his own background, which I can understand in its entirety, but I’ll be the rock he needs. Forever and always. Just like we vowed on our wedding day three years ago…
My hands tremble. Waiting at the altar, I feel like tearing my hair out. I can’t believe a few other guys did this before me. I’m about ready to piss myself in anticipation.
A strong hand claps my shoulder, shaking me from my stupor. Hudson smiles knowingly toward the closed doors at the end of the aisle, a smirk casting on his mouth.
“Amelia said he’s just about as nervous as you are,” he laughs quietly, coming to adjust my tie. I want to swat him away but don’t. He’s doing his due diligence as my best man.
“Good to know I’m not the only one losing my mind,” I snort. Shaking out my hands, he finishes re-doing the long tie into a simpler knot. “I don’t know why I’m so fucking nervous. It’s not like I’m marrying some stranger.”
“Cut yourself some slack, big guy. Mine and your Prez’s marriage was technically arranged, and I was about to blow my load just thinking about her back then.” I cackle at his crude words, remembering how he did look antsy at the altar.
“I’ve got to get out there to do the walk of honor.” Clapping my shoulder, he double checks my attire to make sure I’m all good. Paired in my signature jeans, they put me in a dark navy blue blazer with a light blue button up and tie. They wouldn’t let me wear my cut, but did compromise on letting me wear jeans instead of slacks. They even made me put gel in my beard to keep it from being too awry. My hair was trimmed and is slicked back, giving me a posher look than I’m used to, Does it look weird? Probably. Do I care? Definitely not.
He slips through the crack in the door, a laugh ringing before they’re quietly shut again. Sweat beads on my forehead in anticipation. I have zero clue what he’d be wearing. Women usually wear dresses, but what would a guy wear when in the position of the bride?
Music suddenly starts on the baby grand piano that Pax insisted we have. The notes start off strong to a song that I’ve not heard in years. The song that I first ever heard him play on the piano. Overwhelmed, a sole tear slips down my cheek.MoonbeamsbyBarbara Arens echoes around the small area. The doors open to Hudson and Widower stepping out, walking slowly toward me with beaming smiles on their faces. They look exactly how I feel. As they reach me, they both have tears welling in their eyes, faces flushed with excitement.
“Congratulations,” Widower whispers, kissing my cheeks and standing where Pax will soon. Crusher and Maggie follow behind them, giving their love to us. A few more people come through that I’m not too familiar with, but Pax must know them as they give us their best wishes and praises.
Finally, after what feels like ages, there’s a change in song. I can’t help the laugh that slips from my lips. Of course it’s a song from one of his favorite musicals.All I Ask of Youfrom Phantom of the Opera starts.
The doors cast open, and in walks the love of my life.
He’s wearing a matching button-up shirt covered by an off-white blazer. He’s wearing a bow tie to contrast mine. Dark navy slacks to match my blazer, he’s wearing oxford shoes as his flare of nerd. At least, that’s what I’m going with.
There’s a beaming light behind him, almost like an angelic glow casting to shine on him. He was definitely sent to save my life. And I’ll say, he’s done exactly that. Even during the lowest of lows, he’s kept me sane.
Crusher takes his place on the altar behind me as Pax finally takes the two steps. Coming face to face, it takes everything inside of me to stop from smashing my lips to his. I want to claim him for everyone to see. Fucking exhibitionist, I know.
“Please be seated,” Crusher calls, holding a small notebook as one hand raises. The crowd quiets, sitting down to watch the ceremony. As Crusher starts talking, the world fades. Only Pax exists at this moment.
“At this time, the two grooms will share their vows,” Crusher announces, taking a step away from the microphone and turning it toward us. “If you’ll go first, Nomad,” he says, looking at me. Nodding, I grab the small paper from the pocket inside my jacket.
“Paxton Williams, soon-to-be Bradley, you’ve made my life worth living. Before you, my heart felt cold, black as coal. It wasn’t one that I wanted to be part of. Then you stumbled into my life and seduced me with the wicked grays.” The crowd chuckles along as Pax wipes happy tears away. “I vow to always protect you from harm, to stand with you against your troubles, and to look to you when I need protection. You make me laugh, you make me think, and above all, you make me happy.
“I promise to be your navigator, best friend, and husband. I promise to honor, love, and cherish you through all life's adventures. Wherever we go, we'll go together. Your love gives me hope. Your smile gives me joy. You make me a better man.” A quiet sob leaves him as a handkerchief is pushing toward him. Camera shutters click as the photographer takes all sorts of angles. I’m sure we’ll both look like a mess.
“And now, Techy,” he announces as several sniffles resound.
