“Cory.” The low timbre of Dom’s voice washes over me, instantly grounding my racing thoughts. I turn to look at him, and for a second, the whole world stands still. My breath catches. Dom is dressed in an impeccable and what I’m sure is an expensive three-piece suit, traditional in the color black. The single-breasted jacket has a classic satin-peaked lapel, with a matching vest and trousers. I’ve become quite proficient in brands and styles when it comes to Dom’s closet, well, and now mine, too. The man lives to spoil me.
His dark eyes lock on mine, instantly reading the faint trace of sadness lingering on my face. Dom being Dom, he doesn’t just notice my pain. He’s more than willing to burn down the world to fix it. Before I can say a word, the heavy double doors at the end of the hall swing open.
“Mom?” I whisper, voice cracking when I see her appear in the corridor, guided by one of Dom’s security personnel. That’s been another thing I’ve had to get used to—a detail is on us whenever we venture out to certain events, and while Dom is demanding I have a permanent one on me, that’s a battle I’m not willing to lose.
“You look absolutely breathtaking, honey.” She smiles, eyes crinkling at the corners with tears of joy as she’s wheeled toward us. Dom takes a step back, giving us space. A soft, satisfied smirk plays on his lips. He made it happen, coordinated transportation, the medical clearance, and has the timing down to the exact second to make sure she’d be here. Mom reaches out, her warm fingers squeezing my hand with a familiar feel. Ilean down, pressing my lips against her sot cheek. “I wish you a lifetime of absolute happiness. Dom loves you so very much, Corinne, I can see it by the way he looks at you.” Her voice quivers with emotion.
“Thank you, Mom,” I choke out, wiping a stray tear away before it can ruin my makeup. Dom slips beside me, his large hand sliding down my exposed shoulder, his touch leaving my flesh pebbled in its wake before he settles his palm on my waist.
Our friends are lined up, waiting to witness the moment we make this official. There are no sides, everyone is intermingled with the other. My girls: Alexandria, Jett, Mischa, Romy, Genny, and Seraphina are here for me. And Dom’s guys: Vik, Dante, Nolan, and Rafe are there for him, well, truthfully, they’re here for us.
“Ready?” Dom turns to me, offering his arm, and I slip my hand through the crook of his elbow.
“I am so ready.” The pink diamond engagement ring on my finger catches the bright lights, and with a steady pace, Dom walks us toward the judge standing at the front of the small courtroom chamber.
We stand before the judge, our world narrowed down until the only things that exist are the man beside me, the warmth of his body, and the incredible future we’re going to create.
“Please repeat after me.” We face each other, Dom’s eyes never leaving mine.
“I, Dom Mercer, take you, Corinne Pierson, to be my lawfully wedded wife.” His voice is deep, steady, and unwavering as he speaks his vows, making promises that I know aren’t just for show, they’re the honest to god truth. He slides on my platinum wedding band, eternity in style, ensuring the diamonds are visible from every angle, creating a continuous circle around my finger.
“I, Corinne Pierson, take you, Dom Mercer, to be my lawfully wedded husband.” We finish our vows, my voice trembling slightly. The love I carry for this man is indescribable. His band is the same platinum, thick, and has our wedding date along with our initials engraved inside it.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” The judge smiles and closes his book with our marriage script. Dom doesn’t hesitate. In fact, he barely lets the judge get the words out before he steps forward. His massive hands cradle my jaw, thumbs tracing my cheekbones as he pulls me into him.And he kisses me.It’s long, it’s deep, and he doesn’t hold back. His lips part mine with a hungry, possessive intensity that reminds me of every late-night promise, every sensual touch, and the undeniable reality that I belong to him completely. I arch into him, fingers clutching the expensive fabric of his vest, pouring every ounce of love and happiness into our kiss. The world fades into a blur of heat, silk, and the scent of his cologne.
The sudden explosion of sound breaks us apart. Dom smiles against my lips. Our friends break into a happy applause, cheering enthusiastically. And while the girls clap in happiness, the guys completely shatter the administrative decorum of the courthouse. Vik, Dante, Nolan, and Rafe let out loud whistles and make rowdy catcalls, their deep voices echoing off the tall ceilings.
“About damn time!” Rafe shouts, throwing his hands in the air. Seraphina smacks his chest and rolls his eyes.
“Not sure how you got the girl, but she’s way above your pay grade!” Dante yells through a whistle, making the rest of the group burst into laughter. Dom pulls back just enough to look down at me. His chest rises and falls against mine as a rare brilliant grin stretches across his face. He ignores his friends’teasing. His arm wraps securely around my waist, holding me flush to his side as we turn to face our favorite people.
I look out at my mom. She’s clapping through tears. My friends, who have been by my side through every single step of this wild journey. They still don’t know about the contract, and they never will. That’s ancient history. The corporate strategy and marriage of convenience are a thing of the past. This is real, it’s loud, and it’s absolutely ours.
“I love you, Cory.” Dom bends to whisper in my ear.
“I love you, too, Dom. So very much.” I look into his eyes and see my whole world inside them.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
dom
“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Rafe asks, stepping beside me and propping an elbow on the bar. He swirls his own drink, a lazy, satisfied smirk playing on his lips as he looks out over the crowd. “You’ve got the girl, your money is where you can see it, and the board is off your back.”
We, no, there’s no we about this. Cory put her foot down and wanted our reception here, in our home, with our friends and family, mainly her mom, since I don’t talk too much to my parents anymore. They also retired to Florida, of all places, where you’re most likely to develop swamp ass with the humidity down there than a permanent sunburn.
Now everyone is in our home after the wedding, and the one contingency was that we’d do the whole nine yards—fully catered with gourmet food, an open bar overflowing with top-tier liquor, a wedding cake sitting as a centerpiece on the marble kitchen island. There’s even a photographer capturing candid moments, this was after we took more than I thought possible at the courthouse. Cory had a look in mind, vintage with something or other. I posed where I was needed, and when she looked at me over her shoulder, eyes darkening with desire, giving me a teasing smile in one instance, I nearly called the whole thingoff, tossed her over my shoulder, and took her on the nearest available surface. As it stands now, I’ve yet to have my wife, and I’m nearly at my breaking point.
“Fuck yeah, it does. The board was never going to win, Rafe.” I let out a low rumble of agreement, my eyes scanning the room until they find the one person who matters.
“True, but you’re definitely going to need those billions with how much you like to spend on your wife.” He shakes his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You’ve taken up a real habit of spoiling her lately, man. A brand-new car, the dress today, the pink diamond jewelry that could rival royalty. You’re making me look bad. I’m going to have to up my game with Sera.” He’s got no room to talk. He’s just as bad, if not worse, with Seraphina, though she’s more into the designer brands and shoes, and from what Cory tells me, she’s given something new nearly every week.
“She’s impossible to give gifts to,” I mutter, taking a sip of my drink. Every item I’ve given her comes with some type of pushback.
“Aren’t they all,” he agrees. “Sera looks like she has an existential crisis every time a new box shows up.” His wife is a lot like Cory, stubborn with an independent streak that makes her fight me every single time, but damn, the making up makes it worth it. She doesn’t want the luxury. Cory only wants the security and safety I proved her. But seeing her wrapped in the clothes I’ve bought her, knowing she’s driving a vehicle that I don’t have to worry about breaking down on her during late-night commutes from the hospital is an absolute necessity. I’d buy her the entire damn city if she let me.
My eyes drift back to my wife. She’s standing near the open glass doors leading out to the balcony. Her cream-colored vintage gown glows under the lighting. She’s deep in conversation with Romy. My instincts pick up on the shift in theroom’s atmosphere. Cory’s brow is furrowed, her hand resting gently on her friend’s arm. Suddenly, Romy turns her head away, shoulders stiffening as she looks off and toward the dark Seattle skyline.
Even from across the crowded room, I can see the telltale shimmer in her eyes. She looks like she’s hiding more than tears when her lower lip trembles before she quickly wipes her face, trying to mask the sudden burst of emotion.
