Page 62 of Endgame

I outstretch my hand for Stafford, asking for the ring. When he hands it over, the damn thing burns through my palm.

In a surprising move, Aurora snatches it from me. Something wicked flashes across her features.

“For better or worse.” The wedding band is there, on my ring finger. Pushed to the last knuckle with equal cruelty. I’ll never admit that the feel of her hands on me is a turn-on. “I do.”

“I now pronounce you man and wife.” Finally, the priest gets to the end of the script. My feet move toward her. Closer. I can’t stop them. “You may kiss the bride.”

I was supposed to turn around and tug her out of here, to end this ridiculous show and get away from these people.

But the fullness of her lips. Her fingers that are still trying to bruise my wrist.

The essence of this girl.

She’s had everything while I’ve had nothing. I should loathe her, except I can’t help but breathe her in.

I need a taste of her.

My palms cup her jaw as I lean closer.

“No.” Her nose twitches. Eyes blinking furiously. “Fuck. You.”

“On every available surface in the house, wife.”

We could go on forever.

I’m not in the mood for that.

I’m in the mood to haul her against me. Tilt her face up, just enough to give me the perfect angle to crush my mouth to hers.

And kiss her.

The second my lips press to hers, reality slams into me.

I’m enjoying this. Kissing the woman I hate. The woman I have hurt and will hurt again.

I enjoy it so much I force her lips apart, my tongue sliding against hers.

A growl rumbles out of me as I let go of revenge. Just for a few seconds, I shove the past aside. I unshackle myself from the anger, from the grief that never ends.

With her mouth on mine, I shut my brain off and just kiss her.

She tastes so sweet. So mine.

This kiss that I’m reveling in earns me Aurora’s moans and fists at my chest.

Christ, it feels good.

A woman hoots and then whistles in the background. Ivy, no doubt.

The sound is the wake-up call I need.

I snap back into my body and start pulling away.

Aurora’s teeth sink into my lips. Harsh and furious.

Metal floods my tongue.

My blood.