a
old me his name was Nathan, and
open, releasing a draft of cool air scented with fra
arcoal suit felt like carved granite. His steady heat radiated against my bare s
. But as we stepped past the rear pews, the music seemed to drown und
s faltered. Eyebrows shot
e a strike of lightning. The plunging neckline and fitted silhouette hid nothing of my generous curves, claiming the space
he room before he even stepped into it. His jaw was set, his dark eyes fixe
my voice smooth so only he c
. A faint, wicked smile touched the corner of his lips. "You paid a thou
fted my chin higher, relaxed my shoulders, and a
light filtering through the stained-glass windows, stood Joel. He wore a crisp white tuxedo, his dark hair
ead to scan the crowd-
lden hair, my bold red lips, and the way the rich crimson silk hugged my waist and hips. His ga
skin with open disgust, telling me my body was too big to handle, confident that he had broken me f
sked softly, his sharp gaze cutting
ere," I whispered back,
r mine where they rested on his forearm. The gesture
darted away from the priest, away from his glowing bride, searching the third row where Nathan and I sat close enough that our shou
he applause erupted across the church, but Joel's gaze rema
n entirely. Titi tugged at his arm, confused, but
g with unearned familiarity. "What... What are
calm over me. I stepped out of the pew, smooth and unhurried,
ss the quieted rows of guests behind him. "You sent a text ask
aze darting to Nathan, who stepped up
aning in so his bride wouldn't hear, his pride clearly wounded. "You'
y red lips were inches from his face. "It was never
oss the mouth. His jaw worked silent
ed in suspicion. "Joel? Who is this woman? Why are
the small of my back, pulling me subtly against his side. The heat of
is voice dropping into a low, authoritative rumb
wide with a fresh wave of panic. "N-Nath
ooked up at the jawline of the man beside me, m
dark, lethal gaze locked squarely on J
than said smoothly, his tone dripping with q
h went de
lf, my eyes darting between Nathan's immaculate c
th a brick. "Fiancée?! Since when do you have a
uched his lips as he tightened his grip around my waist, pulli
his voice cutting through the heavy air. "Now, if you'll exc
y, leading me past the stunned bride and groom, down t
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