Page 223 of By His Vow

Soft gasps of delight fill the air, and I squeeze my eyes closed in preparation for seeing her.

“Damn,” Kian mutters. “You lucky motherfucker.”

My fists curl at my sides, my short nails digging into my palms.

I told myself that I wouldn’t look back, that I’d wait for her to get here. I’ve heard the whole thing about women not looking at the bride and instead the groom so that they can experience the moment he sees his woman and the look on his face. Honestly, that is what’s terrifying me the most about this whole thing. If I were to turn around, what would everyone see on my face?

My heart pounds harder, and despite my better judgment, my need to see her gets the better of me.

Without permission from my brain, my body turns, and the second my eyes lock on her, I swear the world around me stops spinning.

55

TATUM

My heart is beating so fast I’m sure I’m about twenty seconds from passing out halfway down the aisle.

I guess that’s one way of defying my father’s wishes. Although, knowing the men I’m surrounded by, they’d probably bring the officiant to the hospital to continue the service there.

Lori moves to the side, allowing me to fully see the back of the man I’m being forced to marry.

Although, that feels like a bit of a joke. No one is forcing me right now. No one is holding my hand and dragging me toward this man and putting words in my mouth. I’m choosing to do this.

My grip on Miles’s arm as he guides me toward his best friend tightens. I feel him look down at me with the same concern he did when he first entered our suite. But just like I did then, I ignore it.

He doesn’t like this, I’m more than aware of that. But I’ve made my decision.

Just one year.

Twelve months.

We can endure each other for that long.

It might not be easy, but it’ll be worth it.

I hope.

Rolling my shoulders back, I stand tall as every set of eyes, but the ones I secretly want, burn into me.

Turn around, I silently beg, desperate to see his reaction to my dress.

I thought Miles was going to burst into tears when he first saw me earlier. It might be wishful thinking to believe Kingston will react so viscerally, but still, I want to see it.

His entire body is locked up tight, and not a second later, his fists clench.

I’m barely halfway down the aisle and already, I’m affecting him.

I’m not sure how I feel about that.

There is a part of me that loves it, but that’s the foolish part of me that allowed me to believe the weekend at the cabin was more than what we are. It’s the part that is going to get me hurt.

I need to focus on the other part. The logical part. The part that is going to keep me safe and ensure I come out of this business deal in one piece.

Just a business deal.

Just a business deal.

Then, as if he heard my silent mantra, he looks over his shoulder.