“Well, what the fuck does it say?”
“She needs two more minutes.”
“It’s time to get started,” the director says. We follow him to the altar, and then he points to the wedding assistant who hits the music. Seconds later, the doors open, and Griselda comes in first in a pretty dress that Phoebe picked out, but I don’t care about that. All I can think about is seeing Phoebe. My darling bride comes into the chapel with a long white ball gown hugging her breasts and then flowing below that. She’s smiling as she makes her way to me, and I can barely contain my need to run to her side. The aisle is short, and I’m still freaking out about how long it’s taking.
Once she reaches my side, I intertwine our fingers and lean over to whisper, “You’re so beautiful. Thank you for letting me steal you. I love you, Phoebe.”
She blushes, squeezing my hand. “Thank you, Theo.”
The ceremony takes forever and finally, the words I’ve longed to hear are uttered: I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride. Sliding my hand around her waist, I tilt my bride and kiss her until we’re both breathless.
Chapter Eleven
Phoebe
I close my eyes and soak in the hot bubble bath my husband prepared for me. “My husband,” I sigh. People will say I’m crazy for marrying my abductor, but I don’t really give two fucks. I knew from the first moment I met him that I was safe in his arms. Besides, I don’t have any friends or family anyway.
My father’s locked up, waiting to be arraigned for his crimes. Tomorrow is his hearing in front of a judge, but we aren’t going to be there. It’s best if Theo doesn’t see me cry. He’s a little crazy when I cry. His love and need to care for me makes me fall more in love with him every second of the day. It’s hard to say how we got to this point because it’s been a whirlwind romance. I feel like a princess.
“Baby, I have some calls to make. Don’t go falling asleep on me. I won’t be too long.”
“Too bad you won’t join me in here.”
“I want to take care of you, sweetheart. If I keep fucking you, I’ll break your pretty little pussy. I promise by tomorrow, I’ll have you screaming my name over and over again.”
“Fine, fine. Go now. You’re wasting my bubbles.” I wave him off, shooing him from the bathroom. Closing my eyes, I relax and let the peace of this place wash over me. This tub is the most luxurious one I’ve ever seen. Theo has a large bathtub, but this one has all the frills.
I’m so happy I could cry, but instead, I’ll enjoy the good life I was forced into.
“Baby, are you almost done in there? I’m sure all the bubbles are gone.” Theo’s voice wakes me out of a haze. I can’t believe I dozed off. All the bubbles are gone, and the water is chilled. Shit. How long was I out for?
“I’m coming,” I shout through the door, rinsing myself off with the built-in mini shower on the far end of the tub.
When I come out, scattered across the bed are a hundred rose petals and Theo standing beside it with one in his hand. He stalks toward me like an animal hunting his prey. “Mrs. Christakos, I love you. Let me show you how much.”
So no waiting until tomorrow?” I say, reminding him of his words earlier.
“It’s midnight, my love.” He kisses me softly, tugging off my towel, and proceeds to lick every droplet off my skin. Theo makes love to me all night until the early hours of the morning.
***
I read the news on my phone, releasing a loud gasp. Theo comes out of the bathroom in a rush. “What’s going on? What’s wrong?”
“My father disappeared last night, and his body was found floating in the Des Plaines River.” He’d been released on bond just the day before after finding a sucker willing to bail him out.
“I’m sorry, baby. I swear I had nothing to do with this.”
“No, they said it was a suicide. A note was found in his apartment supposedly. I’m not even bothered by his death. Only the fact that he got away with being a piece of shit without any justice. After knowing what I know about him, I wonder if he’s the one who got my mother hooked on drugs.”
“There’s a huge possibility. I’m sorry, baby. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“Hold me.”
“With pleasure.” I place my head on his chest, and he wraps me up in his embrace.
We lay in bed for an hour as he cradles me with his muscular arms. “I’m getting hungry. Do you want to go down and eat or maybe get some room service?”