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The gust of cold hits me at the same time as my vision clears. And my heart leaps to the vaulted ceiling.
Chapter 56
Brioni
His surprise is perfect. My Liam looks handsome as ever in his slim-fit tuxedo, and the sheer joy on his face fills the church. With the colorful light from the stained-glass windows, our world glitters like a prism.
Declan lays his hand over mine as he walks me down the aisle. Up in front of us, the rest of our family beam, and my heart bursts to see these people I love here to share in our happiness.
Cora, her bouquet in hand, arranges herself on my side of the altar. Opposite her, both Brady and Finn clap Liam on the shoulder, but he doesn’t seem to notice. He’s too busy staring at me, the way a man dying of thirst in the desert gazes longingly at an oasis, unsure if it’s a mirage.
Vaguely, I notice my face is sore from smiling so much, but I can’t help it. At the altar, Declan kisses me on the cheek and takes his seat beside his wife. Liam’s emerald eyes sparkle at me as I take his hand. It’s rough and warm, the most comforting touch I’ve ever felt.
Beside us, Father Naughton’s bald head shines with sweat, and his anxious confusion borders on irritation.
“I’m supposed to be marrying Liam and Vasilisa,” he hisses to me.
Pursing my lips, I lead him farther back on the dais, out of earshot of the others. Liam follows us, keeping a protective arm around me as the older priest reprimands us both.
“I’ll not be performing some clandestine wedding,” he says. “Certainly not one that infuriates the Russians.”
Liam scowls, looking ready to knock the priest’s lights out, but I step between them, my voice low as I address Father Naughton.
“The O’Sullivans are your concern,” I say. “Not the Russians. I’ve worked everything out with Vasilisa,” I add, and Liam shoots me a look that’s both puzzled and admiring.
Vasilisa, that elegant brunette who looks like she might’ve danced for the Bolshoi, is a brilliant woman. When she and I discussed our situation, it took her less than half an hour to work everything out. She promised she’d smooth everything over with her family. And given the arrangement that she and I shook on, the Russians are still getting a good deal out of this. Not that it’s any of Father Naughton’s business.
I do feel pity for the man, given the turmoil in his heart. But right now, he’s in the way of my and Liam’s happiness. I bend to speak in his ear, making sure Liam can hear me too.
“You have a choice, Father. Either you marry me and Liam right here and now, or I can tell the congregation about your love affair with Estelle.”
Father Naughton goes pale, and Liam lifts his eyebrows at me. I don’t want to blackmail the priest over feelings he can’t control, but there’s a dark side to me too. And I’m willing to use it.
“If you choose not to marry us,” I tell him, “then we’ll have Father Ryan perform the ceremony, and he’ll take over your flock by the end of the day.”
“Your call, Father,” Liam adds. “Marry us, and I’ll guarantee you keep your position through Easter Mass.”
The older man stammers, swallowing hard, but he makes the right decision.
“Alright,” he says weakly.
“Good choice.” Liam goes so far as to clap him on the back, a condescending gesture to remind the priest who’s in charge in this South Side church.
As the three of us return to the altar, Liam slips his hand in mine and gives it a squeeze. He catches my eye to mouth I love you, looking both astonished and impressed.
And as madly in love as I am.
Chapter 57
Brioni
My husband carries me across the threshold of our penthouse, straight from the elevator all the way to our bedroom. When he sets me on my feet beside our massive bed, he spins me around to unfasten the buttons at the back.
My bespoke gown has a lot of silk buttons. They trail from the nape of my neck down to my tailbone, with faux buttons continuing all the way to the hem of my train.
Liam takes his time, delicate with each one. He presses kisses to the sensitive skin beneath my ear, his deft fingers working their way down the length of my spine. A shiver follows in the wake of his touch.
It’s the same shiver I feel whenever I sense his darkness. Paired with his lust for me, it’s the sensation of being thrilled by Liam O’Sullivan. My husband fills me with a rush of danger and pleasure, an intoxicant that overpowers me with sheer need.
