The Billionaire’s Betrothed(22)

Every inch of my blood coursed with raging, starved, burning heat. A soft sigh of bliss escaped my mouth against his, his fingers clutching just slightly firmer against my flesh.

Then, he parted, leaving me gasping for air and gazing at the sky in search of the fireworks I could have sworn had just exploded.

My mind buzzed, desperate to clear the haze of fog that was left in Sebastian's wake.

The guests clapped, watching as Sebastian led me back down the aisle. I couldn't even feel the ground below my feet, it was as though I was floating, held to the ground only by the billionaire's strong hands.

The reception area, set under wide, heavy white tents that breezed through with delicate fall air, was beautiful, I was certain of it.

Ornate, curved chandeliers hung from all over, drapes of pink softly blew. Candles and flowers lit the numerous tables, and yet I could appreciate none of it.

I felt nothing except the explosions of butterflies within my stomach.

"Have a seat, Macy." He whispered into my ear, pulling out a chair for me. His hot breath lit against my ear, a shudder crawling down my back.

A small sweetheart table with just room enough for the both of us waited for us, a bottle of champagne in the center.

I sank into the chair obediently, glad to be off my shaky legs, watching as he took of his suit jacket and placed it over my shoulders.

"I'll be back in a second." He winked, leaning down to kiss my forehead as he walked back out of the tent walls.

Moments later, the guests began to surge in, finding their name cards at the tables.

Karina glanced at me, giving only a shake of her head before settling in beside George and a bottle of red wine.

My eyes slowly lingered over the guests, watching as some approached and gave well wishes. I wondered how many knew of the true situation that brought Sebastian and I together before them. I wondered if they judged, I wondered how many of them were like Karina and I - marrying for business over love.

My fingers slowly traced their way to my lips, feeling the heat that still lingered there.

That kiss...

I'd never felt anything like that in my life. I'd never felt such a swell of emotion surge inside of me. I'd never felt intensity spark so bright just by a simple kiss. It was like fire, like magic.

What had Sebastian felt? Had he shared that emotion? Was it all in my head?

Perhaps there would be more to this marriage than I thought. If he could make my body tingle with just a kiss, was it possible that we would connect on a deeper level?

Was it possible that we could truly care for each other someday?

I stared at the seat beside me, willing him to return.

Something strange began to bubble within me.

It wasn't nerves or fear.

It was confidence.

I had been right, everything was going to be fine.

Sebastian and I could work through this together, and we would both be able to rub that in Karina’s smug face.

The thought of his body against mine was unescapable, lingering in every corner of my mind, the thought of his kiss...

I almost jumped when my new mother in law suddenly appeared before me. The woman needed to wear a bell or something. Seriously.

"I hope you're happy." She whispered bitterly, though a smile was plastered on her lips.

She waved cheerily to another nearby couple, as though she were the proudest new mother in law in the tristate area.

"I am." I responded, with just a bit too much conceit.

"You won't be soon." Karina sighed, rubbing her forehead. For a second, her mask faltered, and the distress shone through.

Behind her, through the gentle flapping of the tent walls, I could see the black slacks of my new husband, glittering like a raven's wing under the sun.

I shifted my view, peering intently. Why was he out there?

Beside him, a woman with red hair and a tight red dress gazed up at him. They stood close together, barely an inch separating their bodies.

Alissa leaned closer, her arms wrapping tight around his shoulders. After a second's hesitation, his arms pulled her close, their bodies twined together in a hug.

My heart, only moments before brimming with excitement, sank as slow as a ship into a dark sea. Karina followed my stare, clicking her tongue.

"I warned you, Macy." She said softly, "I warned you that you wouldn't be able to find happiness here."





The End, Key to My Heart Book 1.



Stay tuned for Book 2, coming out shortly!

The tale of Sebastian and Macy has only just begun.





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For updates, info, and further reading, check out Ella Cari’s author page at http://www.amazon.com/author/ellacari

Readers can contact the author at ellacariromance@gmail.com





Also by Ella Cari:

Loss and Love

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