AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Antonio grabs it and spins me around. My breathing hitches when he stands behind me. He runs his fingers through my hair before gently clipping the veil in. Goose bumps form on my arms.
This is out of fear, Gigi.
Not lust.
“My princess,” he whispers before shifting me to face him. “My bride.”
“Your forced bride.” I refuse to meet his eyes. My blood pressure spikes when he reaches out and brushes his callous fingers over my cheek.
“Either way,my bride.”
He lowers his hand to grasp mine, interlocking our fingers, and guides me out of the bedroom.
“I swear on every shoe I own, if you play thehere comes the bridesong, I’m jumping out of that window and making a run for it. I don’t care if an animal ends up eating me alive or not.”
He keeps a firm grip on me while I attempt to break out of our hand holding.
Leo and the priest are in the living room waiting for us.
The poor priest’s panicked gaze bounces from Antonio to me. “Are you … forcing her to marry you?” he asks in alarm.
“I’m forcingyouto marry us,” Antonio counters.
Leo drags the priest to his feet and holds him by his arm until he’s perfectly balanced.
The priest straightens his collar. “I don’t feel comfortable doing this.”
Antonio shifts me so I’m facing him, his eyes on me while he still speaks to the priest. “I’ll make a generous contribution to the church for your services, Father.” His lips twist into a smirk. “Now, time to say ourI dos,” princess.”
“No.” The priest shakes his head violently. “This goes against my ethics.”
Leo steps forward, and the priest jumps when he holds a gun to his head.
“Start,” Antonio orders him.
The priest stares at us, bug-eyed.
“I said,start,” Antonio roars.
The priest jumps, which only causes his head to bump against the gun. I offer him a reassuring smile as he begins. His voice grows shakier with every word he says.
My mouth turns dry. I do my best to maintain my composure as Antonio slips his hand into his pocket and retrieves a ring. He plays with it in his free hand, between his fingers. Even though I’m not seeing it up close, it sparkles in the light, and I stare at it in awe.
Elijah’s ring was impressive, but it didn’t make my insides tingle like Antonio’s.
Antonio tenderly slides the ring onto my trembling finger with ease. I peer down at it, moving my hand, and watch the diamond shimmer. Even though he didn’t give me the perfect wedding, he is providing a perfect ring.
My villain.
So many sides to him.
He doesn’t give me much time to admire it before connecting our hands, gripping mine tightly, and the priest begins the …ceremony?
I’m not sure what else to call it.
Forced matrimony?
I recite my vows faintly, a mere whisper.
