Page 73 of Unlock My Heart

Fabien’s eyes are unreadable. “Saint, go get Sienna’s veil from downstairs⁠—”

“I prefer this one,” I inform him coolly.

“Very well. But when we renew our vows in front of God and everyone, you’re going to wear that wedding veil for me,” Fabien promises.

“Dream on,” I inform him.

“Get to it, Father,” Fabien barks, refusing to let go of me.

The priest clears his throat. “We are gathered here today to join Fabien and Sienna in marriage…”

Fabien

The present

Should I feel bad about strong-arming Sienna into this marriage? Probably.

Do I?

Hell no.

If fate’s going to be a little bitch, then I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.

“Do you have the rings?” The priest asks.

“No,” Sienna says.

“Yes,” I say, reaching into my pocket and producing her sienna-colored diamond ring with a matching stone-studded wedding band. Before she can object, I slip the set on her ring finger.

“Mine now,” I tell her quietly.

Sienna has a hell of a poker face, but the tiny sparks in her eyes tell me she remembers that proclamation.

My ring, a plain gold band, is retrieved from Saint’s possession and handed to Sienna.

“Not what I would’ve chosen, but I wasn’t consulted.” Sienna eyes the ring, clearly unimpressed.

“You can consult with the tattoo artist when he arrives,” I assure her, guiding her hand and helping her slip the ring on my finger. “I’m getting my band inked.”

“Commemorating second place?” She tries to snatch her hand away, but I hold on tight.

“Last man standing; I’d call that first place.”

“Standing for now. Pneumonia’s going around, or so I’ve been told,” she says cryptically.

“I like my odds,” I assure her.

The priest clears his throat, reminding us that he’s still here.

“You need a fucking cough drop?” I eye him down. Having already strangled my old priest, the replacement is starting to get on my nerves.

“He’s just doing his job,” Sienna chides. “Ignore my hothead of a husband. Soon-to-be husband,” she corrects herself, but I still grin like an idiot.

“Continue, Father,” I prompt him, and he switches over to Latin, blathering on. Not that I’m complaining, as it gives me time to admire Sienna. She’s so beautiful, it’s like staring at the sun after years of pitch-black darkness.

Worth risking my eyesight.

“Why do you even want to marry me?” Annoyance coats her words as she catches me staring.