Cruel Beloved

“You may kiss the bride.”

She turns to me, and I inch forward, grabbing her neck with one hand and the other goes on her back. I drop her down, kissing her lips. She doesn’t open her mouth at first, thinking it will be just that, a small kiss, but I need more, and she will give it to me because people are watching, and we are now husband and wife.

So, I take full advantage of it. I can taste her lipstick, but what’s better is her. Carla finally gives me access, and our tongues do a dance all of their own. People start cheering, and she pushes at my chest until I bring her back up. Looking down, our hands are joined, and I see the rings that are on our fingers.

Two unlikely people tied together from her father’s mistakes.

I bet she never saw me in her future.

But I’m very glad I’m in it.

22

Carla

Whiskey’s hand stays in mine while we walk the aisle, but the minute we are out, I pull it free and walk over to the closest room with a door to get away from him. He lets me go, and when I check my face, I see the red lipstick smudges everywhere. Washing it off, I reapply so any evidence of him is now gone.

“Carla.”

Taking a deep breath, I ignore him.

How dare he kiss me like that in front of all those people?

Who does he think he is?

I want to junk-punch him. Hard.

“Just get it over with and come out and yell at me. We need to make our entrance in five minutes.”

Flinging the door open, he’s leaning on the back of a couch. His arms crossed over his chest, watching me.

“You didn’t get permission to kiss me like that.” I fume at him. “How dare you,” I scream.

“You look beautiful. Did I tell you that? Prettiest bride I have ever seen.” His words hit me, and I try to not let them affect me. They shouldn’t be able to. I’m mad at him.

They do.

“Stop it,” I say.

Whiskey smirks, pushes off the couch, and walks over to me. His hands come out and grab mine.

“I’m so mad at you,” I tell him. “But I’m too pretty right now to cry.”

His smirk grows to a full smile. “That’s true, you are.” He leans in and kisses my cheek. “It’s almost over. I promise I won’t kiss you like that again.”

And I believe him.

He’s doing exactly what I’ve asked.

So why does this all hurt a little?

“At least the non-believers now believe,” I say, shrugging.

“They do. And what’s not to believe?” He winks, taking my hand.

“Let’s go out there.”

We start walking to the door, and just before he pulls it open, he says, “I’m glad it was you, just so you know.” Then he opens the door and we walk out and into our reception. The reception is set up much the same as the ceremony. Flowers and greenery lay everywhere with twinkling fairy lights hanging like rain from the ceiling.

“I think I need to hire your personal assistant for myself,” I tell him. She’s impressive.

I spot her, and she’s the first person we walk over to.

“Thank you for this.” Her face goes red at my words. “Corton has a huge bonus for you as a thank you.”

Whiskey says nothing, so I elbow him. “Yes, of course,” he says through gritted teeth.

She smiles brightly as we leave her.

“Sneaky,” he says, leaning down to my ear.

People start cheering as we walk farther inside and take our seats at the bridal table. Soon the food starts to come out, and I turn to Emma who’s watching me.

“So, that kiss. You two do that often?” she whispers.

“No.” Then I remember. “Okay, last night.”

Her mouth drops. “Carla, are you sure that’s smart?”

“He’s moving into his apartment. I’ll have the house to myself until it’s done.”

“Wow! Really?”

I shrug. “So he says.”

“Well, I’ve been trying to get more info from Barry. But the man’s impossible. He almost let something slip, but then shut up and changed the subject.”

“Are you sleeping with him?” I ask, realizing I haven’t been seeing her as much as I usually do.

“Ummm…” She pulls at the fabric of her dress.

“Emma, really? Sleeping with the enemy,” I say while shaking my head.

“He’s fun, and he’s good.”

We both turn to look at him as he sits next to Whiskey, and when he sees us staring, he winks before turning back to speak with Whiskey.

“Okay, just remember who’s side you’re on.”

She taps her hand on mine. “Yours, of course. I’m just taking one for the team.” She giggles.

“Congrats.”

We both turn to Clinton who’s standing in front of us, his eyes moving over to me then to Whiskey. “Congrats.” He holds up his drink, then takes a sip.

“Thank you,” I reply.

“You two really are a thing, hey? That kiss…” He shakes his head. “I assumed it was all a lie.”