One that is binding for the rest of our lives.
I pull back as the nave is drowned in celebration. Cheers, clapping, someone whistling.
Simone whispers, her voice barely audible over the noise, “Let me go.”
I tighten my grip, leaning in so only she can hear. “I can’t. I won’t ever.”
Her eyes widen, lips parted, nostrils flaring.
“Because we’re married now,” I go on, reminding her as much as I am myself. “Which means we’re stuck with each other, princess. We’re serving a lifetime sentence together. From this moment on, I’m all you’ve got.”
SIX
Simone
I can hardly believeit’s happened—I’m officially Mrs. Ronan Callahan.
After the wedding, I’m ushered off to the Crown Plaza Hotel, where we’ll be having the reception. Mom and Chantal help change me out of my wedding gown into my reception dress, a svelte ivory design with lace appliqué that’s mid-length and backless. The fabric is light, breathable, and a relief after the weight of the ceremony gown.
I’m in a trance as they fuss over me, touching up my makeup and adjusting the loose curls that frame my face.
But that’s because I really can’t believe it. I really am in shock I’m now a married woman.
I’m Ronan Callahan’s wife.
The words feel foreign in my mind, like they belong to someone else’s life. I’d never imagined this is what would become of mine.
Chantal waves a hand in front of my face. “Paging Simone. Why do you have that ‘lights are on but nobody’s home’ look?”
Mom frowns, smoothing down the fabric at my thighs. “She just needs a little more time. But you look gorgeous, honey. Everyone was speechless when they saw you…includingRonan.”
Chantal snorts. “That’s not comforting, considering who it is.”
Mom’s frown deepens, but she doesn’t argue. She gathers her clutch and heads toward the door. “I’ll be in the ballroom with the guests.”
The door snicks shut behind her, suddenly leaving just me and Chantal.
She turns to me, her expression serious, all the bubbliness stripped away. “Tell me how you really feel, Sim. And if you’re truly unhappy, then we can run for it. I’m not really feeling the whole fugitive thing, but we can make it work like in that 90s flick. What’s it called?Thelma and Louise. Or maybe we should pull aSet it Offand rob some banks. Just enough to live for the rest of our lives. Then book a flight out of the country.”
I laugh, but it comes out as a pitiful melancholic sound. “That’s okay. I’ll face the music like I’m supposed to. My marriage to Ronan Callahan. Basically a death sentence.”
“Oh damn, Sim!” Chantal gasps, her eyes going wide. She leans in as if whatever’s come to mind is urgent. “Your virginity. What are you going to do? Tonight’s the wedding night.”
My stomach drops just hearing the question.
I hadn’t let myself think about it. Not seriously.
But now that she’s said it out loud, the reality crashes over me all over again.
Tonight.
Me and Ronan Callahan will be checking into a hotel suite. It’ll be with the expectation that we consummate the marriage.
I’ve always been so selective when it comes to men. It’s how I’ve made it to my mid-twenties without giving it up.
I was always proud of that fact—that no man was ever good enough in my mind.
Suddenly Heath isn’t sounding so bad. I should’ve slept with him when I had the chance. At least that way I’d haveonesomewhat pleasant experience before being forced to fuck Ronan Callahan.