"You may now kiss the bride," the priest finishes, and I realize I've gotten so caught up in my husband's gaze I've missed out on most of the vows.
Ryder leans forward and our lips touch in a sweet kiss full of promises for the future. When we pull away, the guests cheer and we take each other's hands as we walk out of the chapel. Ryder's family follows, and we're greeted by more guests tossing rice at us as per tradition. My heart beats faster than ever as Ryder leads me to a waiting cream-colored limousine.
"Are you finally going to tell me where our honeymoon's going to be?" I tease him. He's been keeping it a secret since I came home from the hospital and I'm eager to find out where I'm about to be whisked off to.
"Capri," Ryder grins. "We have a beautiful villa there, you're going to fall in love with it."
He helps me into the car and gets in himself. We're separated from the driver by a tinted glass panel and we begin our drive to the airport in silence, which Ryder takes full advantage of.
"This dress is impossible to get off," he mutters after fumbling with the buttons and ties of my outfit. I giggle.
"Go for easy access." Pulling up the layers of silk and tulle on my lap, I reveal a white garter and nothing underneath. Ryder groans and gently places me on the seat while he crawls between my legs. I gasp when his warm mouth makes contact with my pussy. We haven't had sex since we've been reunited, agreeing to wait until we were officially married. But now the moment is finally here – for better or for worse, I am Ryder Bernardi's wife.
"Dio, principessa," Ryder mutters. "You look so damn delicious it's making my mouth water."
Before I can react, he plunges between my legs and licks the most sensitive part of my body in a way so insistent it makes my head spin. I spread my legs, allowing him closer and deeper. My eyes are already rolling back and my head is spinning as his mouth brings me closer and closer to an orgasm.
I've known Ryder's dark side, but seeing him be so gentle with me now that I'm pregnant fills me with fuzzy warmth. He really cares about this baby. At first, I'd feared his reaction, whether he'd really want the boy, but there's been no doubt about it – he's as thrilled about starting our family as I am.
And now, with his mouth delivering unthinkable pleasures to my body, I can see our future written in the stars.
We'll have children, we'll make memories, and we'll make love until we both take our dying breath. This is the man I'm supposed to be with – the one for me.
I already know once we return, we'll have a mansion of our very own waiting for us not far from the Estate. It was Bruno's wedding gift to us, and I couldn't be more excited to make the place my home. Even Ryder's brothers have warmed to me, especially Julian whom Ryder has always been close with. My future is at the touch of my fingertips and my past is long gone, but for the first time in what feels like for ever, I find myself wanting to stay in the present.
Here, where Ryder's sweet kisses make my head spin.
Where we're happy and safe, with a lifetime of happiness ahead.
I'm beyond excited for every moment that awaits us on our journey. But the most calming knowledge of all is knowing my husband will protect me like Papa never did. I'll always be Ryder's priority, just as he is mine, and once we have our baby, our love will truly be complete.
Resting a hand on my belly, I actually giggle through an orgasm.
"What's so funny?" Ryder smirks from between my legs. "Am I tickling you?"
"No," I answer dreamily, coming down from the high. "It's just that... this is the happiest I've been in my entire life."
He pulls me into his arms and cradles my head against his. "Me too, principessa. Me too."
I allow myself to relax against his embrace, breathing in his intoxicating scent. He's given me everything I've ever wanted, and I cannot wait for a lifetime of doing the same for him. If I can only make him half as happy as he makes me... But, as I look into his eyes, I soon realize my comparisons are in vain, because I mean just as much to him as Ryder does to me.
34
Ryder
We arrive on Capri and our villa is beautiful enough to even shock me into silence.
Aurora rests for a few hours before we have breakfast together on a stunning terrace overlooking the small coastal town we're staying in. The table is laden with croissants, freshly cut fruit and delicious coffee, and we enjoy the atmosphere before going on our first adventure of the day – a boat ride.