Page 62 of Ruined By a Devil

“I didn't survive that crash just to wait for permission from that son of a bitch,” She continues, her eyes studying mine. “I picked you, Malachi. I chose this and I am putting your ring on my finger today. Not next week, not next month! Today!”

I slide my right hand down from her cheek, wrapping my fingers around the back of her neck, pulling her close until the heat of her breath hits my lips. I bow my head, pressing my forehead directly against hers, breathing in the scent of vanilla and copper.

“You're completely out of your mind,” I whisper against her skin.

“You knew that before you bought the ring,” she says, a small curve touching the corner of her lips despite the dirt and blood.

“I thought I was the crazy one?” I raise an eyebrow, reminding her of how passionately she insisted that I was completely insane that night when we first met.

“Oh, you are,” Her smile widens. “I guess we both are.”

“I guess we are,” I close my eyes for a single second, letting the reality of her, alive, breathing, and standing in my arms anchor the chaotic storm inside my head.

I pull back just far enough to look into her eyes again.

“I have a solution for this,” I tell her, my hand remaining firm on the nape of her neck. “But you will have to trust me and not panic.”

“Good,” Jade nods, determined. “I want you, Malachi, and no matter how crazy it sounds, I trust you.”

I let out a low breath, my fingers tightening slightly in her hair, holding her secure against me. “Then get in the car,” I say, turning her toward my SUV while keeping my arm locked around her waist to bear her weight. “We’re going to get married today.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Jade

“We’re here,” Malachi smiles as he pulls the black SUV up onto the gravel courtyard behind a small chapel.

“This is it?” I ask.

“Yes,” he turns in his seat to look at me. “It’s a private Kavanagh chapel, we’ll be safe here.”

“So that’s what you meant when you told Zeke over the phone that we were going to the safe haven.” The pieces of the puzzle are starting to click together.

“They’re already here,” he nods. “We took the longer route to make sure Nolan’s men aren’t following us, and my brothers and Riley each went their separate way to confuse anyone trying to follow them.”

“That’s genius!” I feel the sharp pain in my ribs as I try to make a sudden move in my seat and Malachi notices, his hand lands on me the moment he realizes something’s wrong.

“You should have gotten checked by a doctor first,” he says, placing his hand gently over mine, holding it.

“I’ll be fine, Mal,” I give him a small, reassuring smile. “Besides, Riley will be here.”

Despite the pain, I reach out for his cheek, gently caressing the surprisingly soft skin with my fingers. “There’s nothing to worry about, let’s just get this done with.”

“I didn’t realize you were this eager to become my wife,” he smiles.

“I guess we learn something new every day.”

The chapel isn't the grand cathedral downtown with the stained-glass arches, but it’s warm and cozy. This place is built out of dark gray stone, hidden away behind a thick treeline of tall pines on the outer edge of the city. Rain hits the roof of the vehicle in almost a melodical beat.

“It’s raining again,” I say, looking at the windshield. “Do you think it’s a bad omen?”

“Do you believe in them?” He raises an eyebrow, curious.

“No,” I shake my head. “I don’t believe anything about the two of us getting married could possibly be bad. Well…” I remember our reality and the Devlin, and quickly add. “Aside from Nolan.”

“Nolan is a parasite neither you nor I would be able to shake off even if we weren’t together,” he sighs, turning his head away from me, but his hand remains on mine. “I really meant it when I said that this was our best bet against him. Both for me, and for you.”

“And I believe you,” I say. “I can’t even bring myself to picture what it would be like to marry Nolan instead of you.”