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She’d decided to use her time married to him by trying to find her own dream. Her only other wish was to have a family of her own with a husband to love and a couple of children.
Tess stared out at the priest as he gazed out at the gravestones. Duncan stood by the priest for several moments. She wasn’t able to make out what they were saying. Tess stared at her soon-to-be husband. He looked handsome from what she was able to see.
Both men shook hands then turned to enter the church. Her heart raced from seeing Duncan. She wished she had better control over her body’s response to him.
Maybe she’d see this experience as inspiration for her story. She’d write a story about a woman who was trying to save her family only to fall in love with the man who was willing to blackmail her. Tess chuckled to herself. She wasn’t under any false hope that Duncan loved her. The next year or so she’d make sure to never give him her heart. There was no way for their marriage to last. What marriage lasted on a bargain and a contract? Tess knew she wasn’t his type. He was a rich playboy who was used to getting what he wanted. She didn’t want to lead her heart down an uncertain path, and life with Duncan was nothing but uncertain. She couldn’t be sure about her body. The attraction she felt towards him affected her too much.
She’d write in her own story about the passion. Maybe, after twenty-three years, she’d be able to rid herself of her pesky virginity. Duncan seemed to desire her. When she thought about each of them as couples she couldn’t contain her laughter. The wealthy bachelor settling for the mousy writer.
Would he be embarrassed by his wife becoming an author and demand she stop? She visibly shook herself. Tess needed to stop filling herself with pathetic nonsense. She’d deal with any problems that came her way with regards to her new husband. She picked up her bouquet of white roses. It was time to become Mrs. Duncan James and save her father from complete chaos.
****
Duncan pulled at his collar. It felt irritating and too tight around his neck. He’d not seen Tess at all. He hoped she was doing okay. The style team he’d sent to her had stopped him earlier to let him know that his bride-to-be looked ready to bolt. People began to take their seats in the church. Duncan continued to pull at his collar. It must have been put on too tight. He couldn’t breathe. Or had the dreaded marriage nerves struck him? It would be strange for the wedding jitters to affect him, considering this marriage was entirely his own doing. He didn’t have to marry. All he needed to do was give up his vengeance on his father and not marry at all.
Mark seemed to have a constant arrogant smirk on his face. In fact as Duncan looked around the room he noticed everyone looked particularly pleased that he was getting married. Duncan had begun to believe this day would never come. He loved his freedom too much to give it up. A wife and kids had never been part of his plans. His father must have known. He wanted to control him after death. This wedding was for him to get Miranda out of his house. The moment he owned everything his father possessed, he’d set out to destroy it all.
His father would see him married in his grave. Duncan could still live his own life once Tess had completed her end of the bargain. She was eating out of his hand. Her seduction would be so much sweeter.
You don’t want to hurt her. She’d different from the others. Care for her.
Duncan shook off his doubts. Tess may not be like most of the women he’d dated, but she was still a woman with a price. If she didn’t do as he asked, her father would pay the price.
He glanced around the church pleased with his ever-efficient secretary. She’d produced a beautiful looking wedding in such a short time.
He’d have to give her a bonus for all of her hard work.
You made it your mission to find the right dress.
Tess needed to look the part.
Then why did you make sure the dress would not only look the part but accentuate her curves and beauty?
Duncan didn’t want to leave the purchase of the dress down to his secretary. When Tess walked down that aisle he wanted to see her in the dress he’d picked for her.
The wedding bells started, and everyone, including himself, turned to look at his bride. Her father stood waiting for her as she turned the corner for everyone to see.
A gasp sounded throughout the church.
A magnificent angel stood in her place. The white dress he’d bought for her fit her curves to perfection. She looked beautiful and innocent. In the next half an hour, Tess would be all his.
His breath caught in his throat as Tess, the stunning beauty, made her way slowly towards him. All the men in the room had eyes for one woman and one woman alone. The woman who was about to take his name. The woman whom he had made to marry him. Tess Williams. A name everyone would know by the end of the day. Her white silk wedding dress clung to every curve, emphasizing her gorgeous body. Seeing her in the dress he’d picked filled Duncan with so much pride. To him, she looked good no matter what she wore. He saw past the drab clothes to the beauty underneath. Duncan knew she didn’t see herself in the way others did. He hoped with the time he’d spend with her, he’d be able to open her eyes.
The dress shaped her body to perfection with a slight dip in the neckline teasing the viewer as to the swell of her breasts. They were full and pert. He imagined cupping their weight in his hands when they were alone.
He saw the men staring at her. He knew what they were all thinking. Duncan felt his body tense at the thought of any man looking at his woman. Tess was all his, and no man would desire her but him. Tess was his, and he’d never let her get away from him. Every possessive instinct came forth within him. Duncan felt like screaming at everyone to keep their looks and dirty thoughts to themselves. She was his to protect and cherish.
What about love?
I don’t do love.
Tess can have everything else, except my heart.
His reaction to this woman completely shocked him. No matter how much he tried to fight the feelings building inside him, he couldn’t keep them out. Tess did something to him. She made him feel and want things he’d never wanted before. He knew she was loyal with the way she’d helped her father. What would it be like to have a woman be as loyal as that to him? Duncan watched as she glanced at her father. After everything the older man had done, Tess still loved him. Duncan saw it, and for the first time in his life he wanted her love radiating back at him.
In no time at all she stood before him, her gaze on him and him alone. The emotion he saw within her depths shocked him. He needed to give her comfort. His stylists weren’t wrong when they said she looked ready to bolt. Even now, standing before him in the church, he saw the slight shake of her body as the nerves got the better of her. Duncan couldn’t stop himself. He stroked her cheek in an attempt to reassure her. He wanted her to know he wasn’t going anywhere. He was there for her no matter what.
She gasped at his touch. He felt the chemistry ignite between them. She might not want to admit to the passion, but her body was the best evidence he needed. He dropped his hand from her cheek then offered his arm. Erik gave her to him then backed away. Duncan turned them both to the priest to allow him to conduct the ceremony.
Tess spoke the words required of her. When it came to him, Duncan stared at his bride then spoke the words. He meant every single word he spoke. The priest spoke to both of them. Duncan frowned when she stuttered over her last words. She kept glancing at the floor. Her hand shook in his. He held her tightly, letting her know through his touch he’d never hurt her or let her go.
Duncan didn’t understand where his protective instinct was coming from. All he understood was his need to make sure Tess was at his side where she belonged.
He didn’t care if she didn’t want to go through with the wedding. She’d agreed to it, and he wanted her more than he wanted vengeance. Soon, he’d have everything he desired most. His mother in her place, Miranda in the dirt, and Tess in his bed.
The priest asked the audience if there was any reason they couldn’t be together. When no one spoke he announced them as man and wife. Tess stared at him as he cupped her cheek. It was too late for her to back out. He sealed their vows with a kiss. Her eyes closed, and her lips opened. He took advantage, plunging his tongue inside the heat of her mouth. She moaned but didn’t back away. There was a round of applause. Mark slapped him on the back. Duncan knew he was being indecent. He didn’t care. The whole church would know without doubt that Tess was now his. She had his name. Tess was his.
Duncan pulled away. There was a round of applause all around the church. He couldn’t believe the satisfaction he felt knowing she was his to love, honour, and cherish.
Chapter Eight
When they got to the reception, Duncan watched as Tess was whisked away from his side. She was congratulated by everyone. All his friends and clients took her hand and kissed it. He followed her around observing the fake air kisses on the cheek from other women. When Tess turned away from the women she was glared at. He got a chance to see the real animosity from the women who claimed to be different. Men complimented her on how beautiful she looked and how lucky Duncan was to have such a mesmerizing bride. He was proud when he didn’t growl at the men to stay away from her. She looked so shy and reserved compared to all the other guests. The after-party was held in one of the most notorious hotels. He’d wanted the best for Tess on her last day as a single woman. The champagne flowed for all the guests, and canapés and other little finger food were offered. No expense had been spared for his wedding. Tess would look on this day with pride. He’d made sure of it.
