Page 72

“Speak for yourself. That wasnoteasy. Does it hurt?”

“A little, but it’ll pass quickly.”

I exhaled a deep breath and handed him the tongs. “Okay, my turn. Put the mark on my wrist, too, Slash. This will seal the deal for both of us.”

Surprise flashed in his eyes. “Are you sure about this?”

I wasn’t sure I’d ever be ready for pain, but if he could do it, so could I. “I presume this will hurt far less than a tattoo or a large brand on my face. Our scars will fade over time, leaving just a small circular mark on our wrists reminding us of this event. I think this will satisfy the tribal requirement and effectively bind us to each other. So, let’s do it.”

I lifted my wrist, holding it out to him. He studied my face, giving me time to back out if I changed my mind.

I didn’t.

After a moment, he took my wrist in one hand, the other holding the ring just above my wrist. Slowly he raised his eyes to mine, waiting. I realized he paused to give me time to say something, much as he had. The problem was I hadn’t rehearsed or prepared anything, so I’d have to speak from the heart, which was not my strong suit. My arm was shaking, but when I spoke my voice was calm.

“Will you, Slash, Nicolo, and Romeo, take me as your lawfully and tribally wedded warrior for now and forever and despite the little black cloud of trouble that endlessly follows me around?”

A smile touched his lips. “Absolutely.”

I closed my eyes as he lowered the ring to my skin. It burned, but I remembered how the other girls hadn’t screamed or flinched when getting branded on the face, so I managed to keep my composure. It was over faster than I expected.

He squeezed my hand. “Are you okay?”

I opened my eyes and looked at the burn. It hurt, but Slash was right, it would pass. “Actually, I’m fine. I think we just got married, Slash—me in a loincloth and you in your boxers. That was one clothing scenario I never imagined, and I imagined plenty.”

Grinning, he reached out and cupped my face between his hands, looking deeply into my eyes. “As is my right, I’m going to give the bride a thorough kissing. And, as is your right, you’re welcome to reciprocate or refuse.”

Before he could say another word, I threw my arms around his neck and started kissing him. The entire village cheered.

When we pulled apart, Vicente held up a hand. “On behalf of the government of Brazil, I pronounce you lawfully bound in whatever way makes you happy. Congratulations.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Lexi

“Vicente was just kidding about the lawfully bound part, right?”

I winced as Slash spread antibiotic ointment on my wrist. After all the congratulating had finished, Vicente asked the villagers if he could bring forth another friend who was waiting nearby. Salvador had appeared from the trees and joined us. Now, according to Slash, the rescue gang was all here.

Luckily, Salvador brought a first aid kit, so Slash and I were taking extra precautions to make sure our burns didn’t get infected. We sat on one of the benches near the bonfire applying ointment to our burns while the villagers grouped around Vicente and Salvador, peppering them with questions. At some point, one of the men presented Slash with a loincloth, which he graciously accepted, stepping into it while keeping his boxers on underneath.

After he secured it to his hips, I gave him a thumbs-up. “You look sexy in that. Actually, you look sexy in everything, but this takes sexy to a new level for you.”

“Thanks. I think.”

The village was in full celebration mode with people eating, drinking, singing and dancing. “Do you think we can leave now?”

“Not yet.” He shook his head and picked up a roll of gauze. “According to Vicente, we must participate in the ritual ceremony for newly bound couples. I’m not sure when that takes place. Additionally, I have to prove that I can survive being bound to anAmazonas. And I mean that in the carnal sense.”

“Are you serious?”

“Completely.” He wound a piece of gauze around my wrist, securing it. “Did I mention they also want to see you handle the snakes while naked?”

Surely, he had to be joking, although I didn’t find it funny in the slightest. I glared at him, my eyes narrowing. “You made that up, right?”

His lips twitched. “You’re going to have to conquer your fear of them someday,cara. You’re an amazing warrior, an wizard wielder of snakes, a master of saving lives, and apparently divine in bed. The latter I can confirm, by the way.”

“Ha ha. How long do you think this ceremony will take?”