Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Alexei sweeps me up.
I struggle against him. I will not be used like this. “Stop it.”
He steps outside, shuts the door, and leans back against it. “What’s going on?”
I gulp. “It’s too much, Alexei.” A tear slides down my face. “You’re too much. I won’t remember that this is just for practical reasons. My heart won’t. It’ll feel real, and I’ll be alone.” There aren’t any words to describe the pain.
He blinks, his dark eyes inquisitive. Then he sighs, holding me against his rock-hard chest, leaning against the door. “It is real.” When I start to refute that, he kisses my nose, stopping me cold. Then he leans back, keeping my gaze captured. “None of this is a coincidence.”
I frown. “What?”
He looks as if he could stand here all day. “We had access to computers in prison.” He shrugs, moving us both. “We weren’t supposed to, but we did.”
I blink out another tear. “I don’t understand.”
“When I gained computer privileges early, I investigated the law firm and kept an eye on everyone there. Saw you when you came on board, and from that second, all I thought about was you. I also saw you on Aquarius Social with Alana. Began watching every chance I got. Dreamed about you every night, knowing someday I’d be free. Didn’t know how.”
Wait—what? “But how?”
“Used my last few favors to make sure you were my lawyer when the chance finally came. Basically bribed Jaqueline Lion through a proxy.” His gaze releases me and focuses on my mouth. “Strawberry-red lips, sapphire-blue eyes, raven-black hair. Obsession can be a life saver. The mere idea of you got me through the nights.”
I can’t breathe. “Alexei.”
He kisses me, taking us both under. Then he releases me. “I sketched your face. Over and over, so many times. Hated destroying those drawings, but I couldn’t let anybody know what you mean to me. You are meant to be mine. Darkness and light. Wildness and control. It’s both of us.”
I blink. Could it be love? Turn to love? I’m afraid I’m almost there. Maybe already there. “Stalker.” I try not to cry. He’s so sweet.
“Let’s get married, Peaflower. You have to jump some time.” He watches me, waiting. “I’ll give you everything. Especially me.”
It’s time to jump. Either I’ll land safe and sound, or I’ll break something. Either way, I’m going to leap. “Okay,” I whisper.
He carries me back to the altar, keeping me against his chest. “We’re ready.”
The preacher clears his throat. “Do you Alexei Sokolov take Rosalie Mooncrest to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish for the rest of your days?”
“I do,” Alexei says, his eyes dark, his voice somber.
I’m going to actually faint, even held safely in his arms. He tightens his grip on me as if to give me some sort of comfort . . . or as a warning. I’m not sure.
“Do you Rosalie Mooncrest take Alexei Sokolov as your husband to love, honor, and obey for the rest of your years?”
I jolt at the last word. Alexei’s mouth curves in a smile. I flash him a look. “I do.”
“Very well. Do you have rings?” the preacher asks.
“No,” I say.
“I have one.” Carefully balancing me against his chest, Alexei reaches into his pocket and pulls out a stunning amethyst square with diamonds all around the stone. More diamonds decorate the twisting gold on the wide band.
I gasp. The piece is the most stunning ring I’ve ever seen. He slips it easily on my finger. I look at him, startled.
He winks. “With this ring I thee wed.”
I stare down at all of the sparkle. “I don’t have a ring for you.”
“We have some on sale,” Betty says happily.
Alexei grins, and it’s the first time I’ve really seen him smile. “We’ll have one made later. One with amethysts.” He’s really in this for the long haul. He’s not kidding about forever.
“Anything else?” the preacher asks.
I look at Alexei and I want to say something, but I have no idea what.
His dark eyes sparkle. “I promise you’ll want for nothing for the rest of your days. In addition, Rosalie Mooncrest, I’ll keep you safe. Nobody will hurt you. I promise.”
Somehow, I believe him. It’s not love and flowers and rocking chairs. “I’ll do my best,” I say, not knowing what else to give him.
“I give you all of me,” he says. “I don’t know if I’m capable of love, but if I am, you can have it.”
I blink. Something’s swirling through me. “I’m very capable of love,” I say quietly, going on instinct and not intellect. I hope I know what I’m doing. “I promise to love you with everything I am.”
The words sound natural, and I let them loose. I’ve known him for a short time, but in that time, he’s become everything. As necessary as life. I don’t know if something like this, something so hot and bright, will burn out, or if it’ll continue to flame through the rest of my life. But if I’m going to make these vows, I’m going to give them my best.