Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 95518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“I’ll be fine,” Kat said, walking up behind him. “I can do it.”
He turned to face her. “It’s not you I’m worried about. It’s Richardson.”
Kat frowned.
“If he hurts you, he’s dead. I won’t be able to contain myself.”
“He won’t touch me,” she said.
“You sound sure.” His voice matched the cold fury of his eyes. It sliced through her like ice. “If he lays a finger on you, he’s signed his death warrant. Make sure he understands that.”
Kat bit her lip.
He closed the step between them, putting their bodies flush together. “You haven’t given me my answer.”
She stared up at him. “About what?”
“About the day you’re going to give me your vow.”
“The wedding?”
“What else?”
“Whenever you want,” she said, snaking her arms around his neck.
“Tomorrow.”
What difference did it make when it was? “Fine.”
“Good.” His gaze drilled into hers. “I don’t want to wait any longer.”
She swept her hands over his shoulders and down his arms. “I know what’s really bothering you. Stop worrying about Richardson. I can take care of myself.”
His anger wavered. “I saw the way he looked at you.”
Slipping her fingers through his, smiled. “This isn’t about Richardson at all. This is about you.”
“What do you mean?”
She pressed his palm to her cheek. “You’re jealous.”
He regarded her quietly. After a beat, he said, “Then tell me I don’t have to be.”
“Don’t be.” She turned his hand and kissed the back. “Are you going to punish me for your jealousy with sex again?”
“You think last night was punishment? That was a reminder. I’ve punished you once only, after you went dancing on your own.” His eyes darkened. “However, if you ask me nicely, I just may punish you again.”
She batted her eyelashes. “Please?”
“Fuck, woman.” He released her. “You’ll be the death of me.”
“Don’t joke about things like that.”
“It’s no joke.” He trailed his gaze over her. “Take off your clothes and lie down on the bed.”
Just like that, her body caught fire. She loved it when he took control. She needed it now more than ever. When she dropped her clothes to the floor, he showed her in no uncertain terms what she did to him.
Chapter 14
The old priest who waited in the entrance of the castle eyed Lann warily. Lann couldn’t blame the man. He’d practically threatened him into coming out here on short notice. For a change, the sun was out. Lann smiled inwardly. He wasn’t going to tell anyone he’d cheated with nature. He wasn’t supposed to use his gift unless it was in battle, but this was his wedding day.
Clelia and Kat had been to Vannes in the morning, escorted by Maya, to hastily shop for a dress. Iza had been buzzing around all day setting up the garden and gazebo for the event. As long as he had Katherine by his side, he didn’t care about how the garden looked. He was impatient for her to arrive. Clelia had thrown him out of his own damn room while she helped Katherine prepare. Joss, Maya, and Eve were already waiting outside.
They’d made an effort to dress up. Lann wore a tailored, black, silk suit with a white French cuff shirt and cravat. The cufflinks he’d chosen were platinum inlaid with a rare meteorite stone. Even if Katherine had said she didn’t need a ring, he carried one matching the cufflinks in his pocket. Their intertwined initials were engraved on the inside. The broad, platinum band was decorated with intricate carvings depicting the sun, moon and stars—everything she was to him. He’d ordered it from a jeweler in Vannes on the same day Kat had agreed to marry him. He wanted to brand her as his in every way, and his ruby ring wasn’t enough. She needed something unique of her own.
He checked the time. He could hold the good weather a little bit longer, but the sun would set soon.
“Well,” the priest said with a watery voice, “I was told it’s an emergency. Can we get started?”
There wasn’t anything Lann wanted more. He motioned for the priest to follow, and took his place by the gazebo to wait for his bride. A short while later, Clelia exited. She nodded at Lann in silent reassurance before taking Joss’s arm.
The wait was well worth it. When Katherine stepped outside, she took his breath away. She wore a traditional, white, silk gown embroidered with pearls. The fabric of her dress cascaded down into a wide skirt, and ended in a short trail. The halter neck emphasized the elegant curve of her slender neck. Long sleeves covered her arms, but her shoulders were bare. She should be freezing with not as much as a drape. Concern fluttered in his chest. He’d take her inside as soon as possible.
When she walked to him slowly, his eyes were drawn to the sway of her hips. They had become fuller since she’d fallen pregnant. She was perfect. Jasmine flowers decorated her thick hair that hung loose down her back. He’d secretly hoped she wouldn’t take it up. He loved her hair loose and falling in waves around her face. Her cheeks glowed, and her smile was just for him. The air whooshed around him as she neared, the displacement stronger than ever.