Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 130159 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 651(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 130159 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 651(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
“Very,” he murmured as Hammer and Liam fastened the locket around her neck with a key. “Beck and I will explain soon.”
They would have to teach her so much about the lifestyle before she would truly understand. That was something they could have—and should have—been doing these last few months. Seth knew he’d contributed too much to the list of reasons they hadn’t.
With her collar fastened, Hammer and Liam helped Raine to her feet. She glowed not only like a bride but like a woman treasured, owned, and loved. How beautiful would Heavenly look if he and Beck made her theirs permanently? If they gave her the family her heart desired? How happy would she be?
What kind of selfish asshole are you to keep that from her?
“Kiss already,” Beck demanded of the trio. “Put an exclamation point on this marriage/collaring/handfasting shit so we can celebrate.”
Another round of laughter went up that quickly morphed into cheers and applause as Hammer and Liam took turns claiming Raine’s lips with poignant, passionate kisses. The three turned and each man wrapped an arm around her waist. With triumphant smiles, the grooms escorted their bride down the aisle and headed toward the door leading downstairs.
“That was beautiful.” Heavenly sniffled, brushing happy tears from her cheeks. “My heart is just bursting. I’m so happy for them.”
“Me, too.” As everyone around them migrated to the door, Seth forced a smile and dropped a soft kiss on her lips. The wriggling infant in his arms jolted him from the soft pleasure of her mouth. A cold sweat broke out across his back. “Can I hand you—”
“Hold that thought.” Beck barged in beside him. “Mmm, I’ll take some sugar, little girl.”
Heavenly turned and flashed him a megawatt smile, welcoming the sweep of his lips. “You were amazing up there.”
“Thank you.” He smiled, then darted several glances between Seth and Catronia, still tucked in his arms. “How you doing there?”
Itching, squirming, dying…
“Fine.” He nodded tersely. “Great officiating—except your comedic asides. My advice? Don’t quit your day job.”
Beck laughed. “Hadn’t planned on it. I was just trying to lighten things up. There were way too many teary eyes in the place, including Raine’s. I had to do something.”
Heavenly raised a guilty hand. “As one of those with teary eyes, thank you.”
“You two ready to hit the reception?” Beck asked, jerking his head toward the door.
Their girl nodded. “Yes. I’m dying to see Raine’s collar.”
“And I need to, um”—offload this baby—“hit the can. Can you take her back?” Seth had Catronia halfway in Heavenly’s arms before he even finished his sentence.
“Sure.” She scooped up the infant, juggling her swaddled form until she comfortably handled both.
Beck arched a brow. “You want me to take her?”
“I’m good,” Heavenly assured, sending Seth a worried glance.
He gave her another stilted smile.
“The can is downstairs, by the way,” Beck offered, his tone a subtle admonishment.
They both knew Seth knew that.
“Yeah. I forgot.”
“Sure.” Skepticism laced Beck’s tone. Then he gestured toward the exit with a sweep of his arm. “Shall we?”
Heavenly nodded. Seth tried not to scowl as he yanked the door open.
Together, they filed inside, each of them sliding an arm around Heavenly’s waist. As they descended the stairs, happy voices and infectious laughter floated up from the dungeon, now a makeshift reception hall. At the bottom, Seth took in the crowd of people gathered around Hammer, Liam, and Raine, offering their congratulations. But what struck him most was Liam’s blinding smile. The Irish prick had it all—a supportive co-partner, a beautiful wife, and two sweet daughters. Picture-perfect, at least from the outside. Inside, Seth was as terrified of those things as he was jealous.
“What do you want from the bar?” Beck asked him and Heavenly.
“A glass of white wine would be wonderful. Thank you.” She smiled, gently bouncing the babies.
Booze would help take the edge off. “Macallan, neat.”
“You got it.” The surgeon nodded. “Be right back.”
Heavenly turned a wistful stare to the newlyweds, her smile again full of longing. Hell, yearning rolled off her.
Tamping down his guilt, Seth focused on Beck laughing and talking to the people in line as other guests milled around or found a table—anything to avoid looking at Heavenly and facing the indisputable fact that he was the fucking roadblock between her and the future she craved.
“There are my baby girls.” Raine rushed toward Heavenly, arms outstretched. “Come see Mommy.”
Heavenly placed the twins in Raine’s arms one at a time, admiring her bestie’s collar. Once again, a wistful smile tugged at his girl’s lips. “They’re such angels. Slept through most of the ceremony. Well, Ciara did. Catronia looked around the whole time.”
“Because she’s so curious.” Raine gently peppered their cheeks with kisses.
“Happy, princess?” Beck asked as he handed Seth and Heavenly their drinks.
“Ecstatic.” She beamed as Hammer and Liam sauntered up, still grinning like loons.