He reached out his hand as my father and Sofia both let go of me, giving me to Daimon. He took my hand and held on tightly. He didn’t say one word to me the whole ceremony. The only thing I heard was his “I do.” He placed a simple white-gold ring on my finger and continued to avoid me. I tried to make eye contact; I wanted his approval. I hated that I sought it, but I wanted it. Once it was my turn, I hesitated saying it.
“Addie?” the officiant said.
“I do,” I murmured. I took the ring and placed it on his finger. I didn’t bother to look at him as I did it.
Disappointment hit me hard. Once the ceremony was finished, Daimon turned to me and smiled. I smiled as well, reminding myself I was blurring the lines. This was all a lie, an elaborate lie. He reached down, taking my face in his hands and kissed me. It was gentle and sweet. It felt divine, like he was melting away all my anxieties. Everyone cheered and he finally broke the spell and released me from his lips. Jessica and her minions came in and ushered everyone out. I found it odd that she did that. I was about to step out as well, but Daimon grabbed onto my hand and pulled me back. The doors of the Greenhouse closed and only Daimon and I remained.
Reception
“Take a few steps ahead of me,” Daimon instructed, letting go of my hand.
“What?” I breathed.
“Just do it, Addie,” he demanded. I walked in front of him and stopped. “Turn around and face me.” I turned around slowly and looked back at him. “You look…you look so fucking beautiful,” he sighed. Heat flooded my cheeks at his words and the way in which he spoke them. I finally felt the approval I sought out from him, but I pushed it down, not wanting to acknowledge how it made me feel.
“Well, you paid for it,” I said, waving my hands in front of me, smiling meekly.
“Either way, you look beautiful,” he stated as he smiled enigmatically.
“You’re not too bad yourself,” I offered.
“I know. I always look good.” He grinned as he pulled on his suit jacket; his sky-blue eyes were brightened by his dark features and dim lighting that had surrounded us.
“Now what?” I asked anxiously.
“Well…” he walked over to me, his every step controlled and precise. He lowered his gaze as he looked into my eyes. “Tonight, we act like a happy, loving couple, no mention of our deal. Not one word,” he said in a serious tone, his devilish smile disappearing, his words laced with warning.
“O…kay, what’s with the anger? I thought this is what you wanted?” I said pointedly.
“Today you became my wife. I don’t want to hear anything about our fucking contract.” He took me by the waist and pulled me closer. His hard body pressed against mine. I rested my hands on his chest, holding in my breath as I looked up at him. “The wedding was exactly what I thought you’d do. That’s why you are now mine.” He reached up and softly brushed my face. “Simply breathtaking,” he breathed.
My body wanted to touch him, to reach out and feel his heat, but it was me blurring the fucking lines again.
“Addie,” he said softly, but we were interrupted by the abrupt opening of the doors.
“I realize, Daimon, you want some private time, but your guests are waiting for you,” Jessica said as she stood at the doors, her hands at her waist as she held onto her walkie-talkie.
“We’ll be right there, Jessica,” he barked at her. “That girl is relentless,” he said to me.
“Trust me, I know. You left me alone with her this whole week,” I said as I tried to break free from Daimon's embrace.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, somewhat annoyed.
“Out there, where our guests are.” I thumbed toward to doors. He let out a heavy sigh, finally letting go of me.
“Fine,” he hissed as he took my hand and walked us out.
“Finally!” Jessica huffed. “Cue the musicians,” she said in her walkie-talkie.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Daimon Evans!” The lead singer said into his mic. “They will now dance their first dance. The bride chose an amazing song. She must really love him.”
Sophie Milman's version of “La Vie en Rose” was crooning as Daimon took me to the dance floor in the middle of the main hall. Soft white lighting lit the whole room as little tea lights flickered on the tables. Daimon’s hold on me was strong, as his arms wrapped themselves tightly around me. His scent filtered through my senses. It was absolutely intoxicating.
“Really?” Daimon whispered in my ear.