Page 82 of Devil’s Promise

The ceremony only takes fifteen minutes.

We say our vows…

Angel says them first. “Promise, I take thee to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

My eyes go wide as I realize they are a deep promise, and Angel is man who keeps his word. His hands in mine, I say them too. “Angel, I take thee to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

Until death do us part.

It’s a vow that holds deep meaning, one I didn’t consider before now.

Angel had intimated that our marriage would be temporary…

How does he not see divorce as a breaking of his word? But I don’t want to ask now and break the spell of the moment.

Today I just want to feel the lightness of being out from under my father, in the arms of a man I’m beginning to trust and one I already know I love.

Angel leans down and claims my mouth in a kiss that makes my head spin. And then we’re off, back down the aisle, and out to the limo.

“We’ve put together a small reception at one of our hotels,” Mason tells Angel as he climbs in. “And I’ve reserved our nicest suite for you and your bride tonight.”

I lean my cheek against Angel’s shoulder, closing my eyes as I breathe in his scent. I so appreciate the reception that has been put together and the chance to visit with my aunt.

But I want to be out of this dress and in Angel’s arms, his skin against my skin.

Still, we make our way to the small venue, a room that is just down the hall from the casino floor. It’s sparsely decorated but the buffet of food looks wonderful, and I realize it’s been hours since I’ve eaten.

Angel stays by my side, but other men from Mason’s Las Vegas operation filter in, introducing themselves.

I say hello to many of them and chat with my aunt, hearing about her practice.

Soon, when we have some privacy, I’ll tell her about my father and my mother, her sister. Her fingers brush the scars on my arm at one point, and I know she has questions.

Just as people are beginning to relax, a new man enters the room. He looks like an older version of Mason. And unlike the rest of the visitors who have come with smiles, his expression is grim. He stops at Mason’s side, whispering in Mason’s ear.

Mason frowns and immediately begins walking toward us. The older man follows just behind.

“Angel,” Mason calls. “This is my uncle, Jake Kincaid. He’s our head of security.”

“Pleasure,” Jake says with a nod, first to Angel and then to me. “Unfortunately, I come with unhappy news. We’d like to send everyone to their rooms.”

Angel immediately tucks me behind him. “What’s happened?”

“We’ve had some difficult dealings with a Bratva higher up named Sver.”

“No last name?” Knox asks from Angel’s other side.

“He doesn’t need one,” Jake answers. “Which is why we’re better safe than sorry.”

Angel’s arm comes around my waist. “You’re that worried?”

Mason’s grimace says a great deal. My hands wrap around Angel’s bicep as I scan the room. That’s when I realize… Candy isn’t here.

“Angel,” I whisper. “Where’s Candy?”

Angel rumbles. “She’s been at the bar most of the evening.”

I’m sure she’s drowning her sorrows, who can blame her? But I brought her here, I want to make certain she’s safe.