Red Awakening: (Red Knight #2) (10 page)

“The guy you’re marrying.” His lips purse. “He asked me to do it… for you.”

Jeez, I now want to race down these stairs, find my man, and jump into his arms. I’ve missed him as much as I’d miss a heartbeat. I take a breath as Cate, Mum, and Sara, await my decision.

“Yes,” I smile. “If you want to of course.”

He shakes his head with that wonderful cheeky grin of his. “Liz, nothing could stop me.”

Sara and Mum quickly disappear. Cate watches with glazed eyes as Nathan takes my arm. I inhale and my neck twitches with a thumping rapid pulse. My legs weaken with each step as my elbow folds around Nathan’s arm, tightly. He is a part of the old me, and now he’s my support, leading me to the new.

Cate walks feet out in front as we descend a cream aisle, which leads outside into the night. I see tiny tee flames flickering in the slight warm breeze, amongst an array of white and cream flowers. It’s all been arranged perfectly. It’s elegant yet natural. And the candles down the aisle remind me of the night Adrien proposed, on the balcony at The Shard.

We stop as the guests on each side of the aisle stand up from their dressed chairs. The music starts and I audibly gasp, as a violinist plays an emotional rendition of Justin Timberlake’s, Mirrors. My eyes nervously search for Adrien, skimming by the best man Dom, and usher, Ben. Oh my, he’s waiting like he promised, beneath a candle and floral clad pergola.

Nathan’s cool hand sweeps over mine as we slowly begin the march. I know only a handful of people here, and my side has been topped up by Adrien’s guests. 

All eyes are on me, offering a sensitive smile, or dip of the head as I move by. I hear Mum, she’s blubbering already in the front row.

I clutch the cream ribbon that holds the bunched stems of my bouquet. Now my view is exclusively on Adrien, and I begin to understand, this is all meant to be. There is nowhere on earth I’d rather be right now. All that matters is making my way to the one I want to spend all of time with.

My Knight smiles amorously under his brow, standing straight and confident. I shy away briefly and swallow as I arrive by his side. Nathan takes my hand. I peer up and thank him quietly, planting a slight kiss on his cheek. Adrien offers him a courteous nod, and then spirals his smooth fingers affectionately around mine. I gaze into his eyes. He’s so handsome, wearing a light grey three piece suit, cream silk tie, smooth skin, and trimmed hair. Jeez, I’m going to cry any second. He leans to my ear, creating a static tremor with his sweet breath.

“You are the most exquisite thing I have ever laid eyes on, and I’ll never forget this moment Elizabeth.”

I sigh out the emotion, moving away to see those deep hazel eyes soothing me.

The music stops as we continue to focus solely on one another. The Minister, who I’ve not even noticed yet, coughs for our attention. Adrien sniggers as I fumble, handing my bouquet to Cate.

“Please be seated.” The minister’s eyes hover across the guests.

I regain my poise, listening as slight whispers turn to silence, keeping a tight hold of Adrien’s hand. I turn as the Minister begins.

The ceremony is going well; everything is so perfect. It’s a little hard to understand the Minister’s broad Scottish accent, but I haven’t messed up a single thing. The reason: I want to remember this. I want to say every vow clearly to the man I love. Up here, even before this crowd, it is just the two of us.

Adrien slips the cold platinum band up to my knuckle, brushing his index finger beneath my palm. We stand facing, fingers entwined. Now it is my turn. I take Adrien’s wedding band from the silk cushion Dom holds out, and say word for word delicately, repeating after the Minister. I slide the ring over his skin, and exhale relief, admiring his loving, sexy, smile. 

“It gives me an immense amount of pleasure, to now pronounce you husband and wife,” the Minister announces. “You now may kiss your bride.”

I press my lips as he stoops to me.

“I love you,” he whispers.

I breathe out, “I love you.”

He kisses my lips tenderly, trailing his hand over my cheek. The crowd cheer and we turn as the violinist plays a classical track. Cate clutches Dom’s arm, and Ben howls out like he’s watching a football game. Mum, as to be expected, is a complete mess. And Nathan, well, he’s trying to stop her from jumping out to get to me.

Arm in arm, Adrien leads me down the aisle, through the falling confetti being cast over our heads. His smile is so warm and contented, as we make our way toward the hotel doors.

Liz

The vast restaurant area has been transformed. Eight gold gilded chairs surround twenty tables, which have been dressed with silver and white centre pieces. And an area has been cleared for a big band, that’s playing smooth background jazz in the corner.

My fingers knead Adrien’s arm for reassurance. I can’t believe we have just got married, and I need to make sure he’s real. He parades me by our wedding cake: a three tier cream and silver design. Very simple, but classy.

“Let’s go and take five?” He opens a door that leads into a small warm waiting area.

My dress swishes as I move inside, studying the countryside oil paintings on the neutral striped walls. I turn to him on the red carpet. We’ve not been alone together in days, and I begin to feel all weepy.

He slowly approaches me, taking my cheeks into his hands to lift my face to his. He smell so divine. So sweet and manly.

“How are you feeling?”

“So glad to finally be with you.” I nuzzle against his hand contently.

“That’s not the reason you married me is it; to get me alone?”

“Absolutely not,” I giggle.

“Good.”

“Thanks for allowing Nathan, to well, you know. It meant a lot to me.”

“There was no other suitable to take Geoff’s place,” he admits. “Besides, it’s the most polite I’ve known him to be.”

I grin then rise on my toes to kiss his fragranced lips. Soft, cool, wet, and now, all mine.

Suddenly there’s and unwanted knock on the door. I draw back as he stares down at me with lust and drive.

“One moment,” he yells.

He kisses me with appetite and I delve right in with need. For days I’ve not been touched like this, and I need it. He shunts me back against the wall by the door, while caressing my neck impatiently, his lips heating my insides. My eyes are narrow as my chest swells, ready to burst out of my dress. Jeez, I want him. Hell, I need him. Would it be wrong to consummate our nuptials in here, with a room full of guests on the other side of that door?

“Adrien… Adrien,” I gasp, pushing against his shoulders. “We should stop.”

He moves a little from my neck, his breath cooling the saliva he’s left on me. He’s being forceful, and my weak human body and desires, don’t stand a chance against my vampire lover.

“Why?” he near growls in my ear, then returns to devouring the skin below my earlobe.

“Adrien,” I purr.

He pulls back with his arms propped high on the wall above my shoulders. It’s our day, and now we both have to go out there and entertain, when all we want to do is be coiled up naked with each other.

He rests his head on mine, biting his bottom lip. He’s regretting throwing this swanky evening party. I can see the moody frustration in his eyes.

“You’re right,” he sighs, kissing my nose. “We have all night.”

“Anyway, it would be a time consuming messy affair, finding me under this dress.”

“I’d have you where and how I want you in a flash, my sweet, hot, wife.”
Oh wow, his grin is so damn wicked
. “You sure you want to take a rain check on me fucking you, let see,” he takes a swift look around the room. “Over that table, or right here against this wall.”

Oh crap. He really knows how to work me up. He’s got me wet with his dirty words. But no, I won’t do it. He’s not being very honourable to say we’ve just got married, and I’m wearing his mother’s wedding dress. Jeez, it would be wrong.
Shake it off Liz.

I turn my expression from randy to pissed-off, and he immediately notices.

“Enough,” I say, stern.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me… You I guess.” He gives me a naughty smile.

“Later,” I stress. “I’m all yours.”

He takes a step back, holding out his hand. “Come on then, Mrs Knight, let’s go and mingle.”

                                                           ***

So far everything has been great. The music. The three course meal that consisted of a ravioli starter, fillet beef with sauté potatoes, and a trio of desserts. And the way Adrien repeatedly swept his hand over my leg beneath the table, instigating what lies ahead when we leave this room. Now with the sophisticated music playing in the background, we are doing our rounds, greeting our guests accordingly.

“Well, I never thought I’d see the day someone would soften this hard exterior.” A man playfully prods Adrien’s chest. “Congratulations.”

“Elizabeth, this is Scott Parker, and his brother Kyle,” Adrien says, shaking Scott’s hand in a pally way.

I smile. “Hi, nice to meet you.”

“And you,” Scott states. “Are a very lucky man Adrien.”

I watch them chatting. The only way I’d know if they were vampire or not, is if I were to touch their hand. Cold for vampire, warm for human. But I’ve not been offered a hand yet.

With a curious haste I extend my fingers. Scott’s brow creases at my awkward offering. Confused he takes my hand with a slight shake. Okay, it’s a sticky sweaty human hand, which has made me want to go and wash with antibacterial. Definitely not vampire.

Adrien huffs, frowning with a displeased expression at my untrusting behaviour.

“So,” Kyle pipes up. “I understand your real-estate sector in Canada is reaching a whole new level. You need contractors, you know who to call.”

Canada? I didn’t know he did business there. I am a bad wife. I must start to discuss these things with him in depth. I should know everything about him by now. But the truth is, the only thing I know too well, is his body.

“Now come on guys,” Adrien laughs. “No place to talk shop… If you will excuse us.”

Scott calls after us as I’m hurried away, “Congratulations again.”

Adrien takes my arm and we come to an abrupt stop. He peers around, making sure there are no guests near us, then lowers his mouth to my ear.

“Elizabeth, what was that whole hand thing you just did?” he murmurs. “Not all my guests are going to be interrogated are they?”

I close my eyes, feeling foolish. “Okay, I’m sorry. From now on, I swear I will conduct myself appropriately.” I half-smile, hoping he’ll forgive and forget.

He lies his hand on my cheek. “You’re forgiven.”

My eyes widen, seeing Geoff sluggishly stroll toward the bar. He looks awful and really shouldn’t be here. I excuse myself from Adrien, and make my way over to his hunched back.

“Geoff.” He turns to me, holding a Benedictine and hot. “You really should be in bed.”

He straightens up, looking me up and down. “I don’t give a crap what that doctor said,” his voice breaks. “You look beautiful Lizzy, and I’m so sorry for letting you down.”

My eyes well up. I clutch his blue shirt and give him a big squeeze. He has been the best out of all of the men my mum has had her claws in. Even my own deadbeat Dad who’s in Australia, couldn’t be arsed to get over here to see his only child get married. Rambled on about commitments, time, and distance. Adrien even offered to fly him over first class, and still he made excuses.

“Geoff please, do not blame yourself. You can’t help being sick.”

“Yeah well, I do.” His eyes move over to the dancefloor. “Looks like I’ll be needed soon anyway.”

I turn to see Mum flailing her arms in the air, dancing with Dom. I laugh, like always she brings a little of her craziness to every party. I guarantee within half an hour, she’ll have everyone in this room doing the frigging conga.

“Alright Nathan.” Geoff reaches across my arm and shakes hands. “I hear you stole my role today.”

I step aside to allow Nathan to join the conversation.

“Yeah.” Nathan orders a drink. “Liz had her running shoes on,” he jokes. “Someone had to drag her down the aisle.”

“Anyhow, you two crazy kids catch up,” Geoff winces, holding his gut. “I’m going to go and keep my eye on Ginger Rogers over there.”

I take a fleeting glance around the room. Today is a day I don’t want past grievances brought up, and me spending too much time with Nathan alone, is kind of awkward. Don’t get me wrong, he’s been so good today, and I’ll always have a soft spot for him in my heart. But there is a free bar running, and alcohol will fuel hidden feelings, especially in Nathan.

I watch Adrien talking to a member of the band as Mum tugs on his hand, trying to get him to dance.

“Here,” Nathan hands me a glass of white wine.

“Thanks….where’s Cate?” I ask, knowing it’s better for us to be together in a group.

“Over there,” he nods over my shoulder. “With the dullest man on earth. I’m not joking, sometimes I wish this mind reading stuff worked in reverse, so I could tell people to shut the fuck up.” I giggle with him. “Anyway, well done.” He clinks his glass on mine. “You did great today.”

“I did, didn’t I.”

He shakes his vodka rocks at me, gesturing his head. “You coming?”

I think for a second. All Adrien’s guests are seated, chatting away. Adrien is busy, like always running the show, making sure everything is running smoothly. So I don’t have much choice but to go with Nathan. Even though this is my wedding celebration, I feel a little out of place.

I walk by Aunt Carol and Uncle Jim, heads stooped, like always finding fault with something. Nathan pulls out a chair for me at Cate’s table. His eyes fix on Sara who is swaying on the dancefloor with Ben.

“Pete,” I sigh.

I really don’t want to speak to him, but have to for Cate’s benefit.

“Liz,” his voice drones. “This is all a bit high class for you isn’t it?”

“Pete,” Nathan barks with a warning glare.

“Cate did you fetch my handbag?” I ask.

“Of course I did.” She lifts it from the chair next to hers.

Nathan sits beside me, turning back to the dancefloor again. Sara seems to have got under his skin tonight. I watch him for a few seconds and he doesn’t even notice.

I elbow his arm. “Go and cut in,” I say.

He turns to me with wide eyes. I don’t think he realised he was doing it, ogling. I remember once upon a time, he’d be right up there, strutting his stuff to win over a bit of skirt. Now he’s different, controlling his lusting urges. He’s grown up, and I should be glad.

The music swap over goes smoothly. The Jazz band have joined the wedding party on the request of Adrien, and a DJ has hit the decks. Cate is now up there with Dom, leaving Pete with Nathan and I. And Mum is still flaunting and shaking her ass like a woman possessed, doing starfish jumps to get my attention.

“Come on Nathan, dance with me.” I wiggle my fingers as I stand.

I squish the skirt of my dress between two chairs as he stares vacantly, still in his seat. I arch over to him. I’m not going to accept this downer he’s on.

“Liz, my head’s banging.”

I pick up his triple vodka and waft it in his face. “Drink and move,” I order. “You’re being drained by the most miserable shit on earth,” I whisper in his ear, glancing at Pete. “You need to get away from this table, fast.”

After huffing and puffing about it, he’s finally up on his feet, following me.

As I arrive on the edge of the dancefloor, the DJ coughs into the microphone, and the music fades.

“Can we please have the bride and groom on the floor,” the DJ announces.

Oh the timing of this is awful. But then it is my wedding day, and I haven’t seen my husband for the last half hour. I turn to Nathan as wolf whistles fly around the room, hoping he’s okay with me abandoning him.

He smiles. “Later,” he mouths.

Adrien is at one end of the floor, and I’m standing at the other. Jeez, I should have gone for dance lessons. I’ve totally frozen up here.

Our song begins and Adrien slowly approaches my reluctance. His eyes are forever on me and his lips bare a gentle beam. I lower my head as his hand gradually slides over my waist, to rest against my tailbone. The crowd quietens, apart from Mum, who’s loudly telling anyone in earshot, how wonderful we look together. He starts to move me to the beat, and all my anxieties drift away.

“So,” he peers down. “How does it feel, being Mrs Knight?”

His hand coils mine tighter and his thumb brushes across my skin. I smile up to his face and breathe out. I don’t know whether it’s because we’re not doing some sexy tango as entertainment, but everyone seems to have dwindled away. But I don’t care, to me this is the perfect first dance.

“I’m feeling kind of great right now.”

“Was no easy feat all this, not with Sara anyway,” he hums. “Damn taskmaster she is.”

“She’s good at what she does. Stop being so mean.”

He laughs. “Yes, I guess she’s too good.”

The flash of a camera hits my side vision. For a second I forgot we’re embracing each other before many eyes. I snuggle against his firm chest and see Mum tottering from side to side, aiming a lens right at us. Subtly, I turn my face away.

“Camera shy are we?” he asks.

“More like a Mother allergy.” I feel him snigger through his chest.