Page 27

Am I dreaming? Is this real? I thought to myself, my eyes locked on the beautiful damsel staring back at me in the full-length mirror. White lace and silk clung to my body, hugging me in the right places and accentuating my curves.

My hair was styled into a neat bun on top of my head, and my eyes sparkled with mirth, my skin simmering under the soft light. The makeup artist had done a fantastic job on my face—nothing flashy or loud, just simple yet exquisite.

I drew a deep breath, glancing at Scarlett’s reflection as she stood behind me, helping with the zipper of my wedding dress. Her eyes were focused on my back, her fingers deftly zipping up the gown with a cautious move.

A faint grin played on my full lips—painted a shade of red as I took a moment to appreciate my journey so far. My heart raced with anticipation as I stood there: a bride waiting for the right time to meet her groom.

Today was the day that I would commit myself to one for all eternity—the very same man who had made a woman of me. How interesting was that! I’d yet to comprehend how I moved from despising him to falling so deeply in love with him.

What started out as a fling— a mistake—ended up with a diamond ring on my finger. I guess I’d been in love with him from the moment we had sex, the moment he made me feel so alive and wanted—loved. I just wasn’t ready to accept it yet because I thought it was wrong to harbor such feelings for my client.

I would always be grateful to Bella Barlow for opening my eyes and making me realize just how much Raziel and I meant to each other.

It had been over a year already, and our love seemed to grow stronger by the day. Saying yes to Raziel was the best decision I’d made this year, and I didn’t regret it one bit.

My husband-to-be had changed drastically over the course of our relationship. He’d proven to me time and time again that he was willing to be a better man for my sake. He’d put in the work to deal with his anger issues, and with my professional help, he excelled at it. Why wouldn’t he? I mean, I was pretty damn at my job.

Being married at 23 wasn’t exactly a part of my plan, but life happened. I wanted to focus more on my career and help as many people as I could before settling down. However, that love had now put me on a different path, a better path, and it didn’t mean that I still couldn’t follow my dreams.

Raziel and I had a long talk after our engagement, and we decided that I was going to retain my job and do what I loved to do: therapize people.

Although we started out in a rather bizarre situationship, I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better partner. This man, Raziel, completed me in ways that I never imagined. He made me feel safe and secure around him, and I was certain that he wouldn’t only make a great husband but also a great father to our unborn children.

“And…done.” Scarlett's words cut through my thoughts, snapping me back to the present.

Her green eyes met mine in the mirror before us, and her hands flew to my shoulders. Her manicured fingers dug into my flesh in a massaging motion as she beamed at my reflection.

I watched her expression soften, and her lips parted into a radiant, contagious smile. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked, mirroring her grin.

“Because I’m super proud of you, Clary,” she said, her voice low and dripping with sincerity.

My heart melted at her remark, and my hand fluttered to my chest.

She turned me around and looked into my eyes, her fingers gently squeezing against mine. “Despite the challenges, the things you survived…you still emerged triumphant.” She paused for a second, letting her words sink in. “Why wouldn’t I be proud of you? Why wouldn’t I be proud to be your maid of honor?” she added, her face lighting up with an even broader smile.

I felt my cheeks flush, and my eyes misted, a flutter swelling up within me. “If I cry and ruin my makeup, it’s on you,” I teased amidst chuckles.

“It’s your big day,” she said softly. “And I am genuinely happy for you, Clary.”

“Thank you,” I said, slipping into her warm embrace.

“You smell as good as you look,” she whispered in my ear, inhaling the scent of my perfume.

I laughed and withdrew from her, my eyes roaming her gorgeous body. The subtle sheen of her pink gown caught the lights, accentuating her toned physique. A delicate silver necklace peeked out from underneath the neckline of her dress, adding a touch of sophistication to her overall look.

“Says the girl who looks like a goddess,” I replied, wiggling my brows at her.

A sudden knock on the door shifted our attention toward the entrance, and soon, an impeccably dressed woman stepped inside. She spread out her arms and beamed at me. “Surprise!”

My eyes widened in shock, and my heart warmed. “Mom?”

Mom had given a flimsy excuse for why she’d miss my wedding. Although it had hurt me so much, I decided to understand, even though it didn’t make any sense to me.

“Did you really think that I was actually going to miss your wedding?” She strolled inside, looking so beautiful and radiant.

Mom tossed her bag on the nearest table and hugged me tightly, her sweet perfume invading my senses.

“You came,” I said, letting go, my eyes locked to hers.

“Sweetheart, nothing in the world could’ve stopped me from here—not even a freaking zombie apocalypse,” she said, her voice laced with conviction and enthusiasm.

I laughed, struggling to hold back the tears of joy that welled my eyes.

“Hi, Mrs. Evelyn,” Scarlett greeted her with a warm, courteous smile.

“Hi, Scarlett. You look amazing,” Mom replied, turning to face her.

Scarlett’s cheeks flushed, and her eyes darted to the floor. “As do you, Mrs. Evelyn,” she said. Almost immediately, she added, “I’ll, uh…I’ll leave you two alone now.” She beamed at us and then quietly exited the room.

As the door shut behind her, Mom drew closer to me with a soft expression. “My baby girl’s all grown up now.” She placed a palm on my cheek, her eyes boring into mine. “Look at you,” she added, pride lacing her tone.

I blinked repeatedly, trying not to shed tears, as her words and facial expression made me so emotional.

“I wish your father was alive to witness this day…to see what an amazing woman his little girl has grown up to become,” Mom’s voice cracked with sentiment as she spoke, her genuine words infused with a deep longing.

“Mom, I’m trying not to cry,” I said softly, my voice trailing off under the weight of the emotions surging through me like electricity.

“Me, too, honey,” she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m just so proud of you, Clary.”

At this point, I lost the fight as tears trickled down my cheeks.

Mom’s voice was like a gentle breeze, soft and calming as she whispered, “No, no, no. Shh.” Her words were a lullaby of comfort. “You’re gonna ruin your makeup.” Her hand hovered over my face before wiping my tears away with a delicate touch.

I drew in a deep breath, blinking back my tears, my heart overwhelmed with emotion.

“Here,” she said, revealing a slender, ornate silver chain held by a tiny crystal-encrusted locket. “Turn around.”

Without hesitation, I did, facing the morrow with her behind me.

Mom reached around my neck with a tender touch, the cool of the silver chain gliding smoothly against my skin. Her fingers grazed the nape of my neck as she secured the chain with a soft click. “There.” She looked in the mirror, staring at the crystal-encrusted locket with intricate patterns that seemed to glow with an inner light.

I squinted my eyes, suddenly recognizing the necklace.

“I wore this piece of jewelry on my wedding day,” she began, holding my gaze in the mirror. “As did my mother…and her mother too,” she added, her voice low, highlighting the significance of this little piece.

My hand fluttered to my chest, fingers delicately tracing the intricate patterns carved on it. “I didn’t realize we had a family heirloom,” I said, catching the reflection of her eyes.

“We do,” she said, turning me around to face her. “And now, I’m counting on you to keep this safe and pass it on to your daughter on her wedding day.” She beamed at me, a glint of pride flickering in her eyes.

A mix of emotions overwhelmed me on the spot as I felt the weight of this transgenerational legacy settle upon me. The responsibility to carry on our family tradition and honor the long line of women who had worn this necklace before was a serious one. A part of me wished she had told me about this earlier—maybe I’d have been more prepared for it.

But in any case, it was an honor to be the next bearer of this precious jewel, and I would do my best to uphold this sacred trust.

“It looks good on you,” Mom said, her palms brushing against the fabric of my white silk and lace, as if smoothing an invisible wrinkle.

My lips curled into a smile, and a wind of relief blew across my face. Before I could respond, the door opened almost immediately after a knock.

“Hi, sorry to interrupt, but, uh…it’s time,” Scarlett said, her head poking from behind the door, her voice tinged with urgency.

My heart sank into my belly, and my palms suddenly became sweaty. My breath lodged in my throat, and I drew a deep, long breath.

“We’ll be out in a minute, sweetheart,” Mom said, looking in Scarlett’s direction before turning to face me again. “It’s okay to be nervous, honey. But don’t worry. I’m here for you.” She gently squeezed against my fingers.

Her words were relieving—soothing and reassuring. My throat wobbled as I swallowed, nodding my head.

“Come on. Let’s go meet your groom,” she said, her lips curling into a beautiful smile.

I felt my heart warm at the thought of being eternally Raziel’s. I hadn’t seen him all day, and I couldn’t wait to set my eyes on my handsome Prince Charming.

The giant church doors parted, and the majestic strains of the “Wedding March” filled the air, signaling the start of the procession. I exhaled sharply, feeling Mom’s fingers intertwined with mine as she walked me down the aisle. The soft rustle of our footsteps on the carpeted floor was the only sound that blended with the spell of the music.

I could feel the guests’ gazes on me as heads turned, eyes fixed on the radiant bride and her beaming mother. Amongst the seated crowd, I spotted my brother, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he discreetly waved at me.

A few more elegant steps down the aisle, I spotted my colleagues from the clinic, Ronnie and Emily, seated side by side. They had worked things out and been an item for over a year. Maybe their wedding would be next after mine. With their fingers intertwined, they beamed a collective smile at me, and I reciprocated the gesture.

Beside the couple was seated Dr. Kim and a few other of my colleagues, all dressed to impress. Their faces lit up with radiant smiles that warmed my heart and made me feel loved.

And then there was him. My favorite person in the world, the man who had stolen my heart and proved to me that even the cruelest of them all was capable of love.

Raziel Tarasov.

He stood poised, waiting for me at the altar, his impeccably tailored black tuxedo exuding confidence and composure.

My heart sank into my chest, and I felt my soul stir as his eyes, shining with adoration, met mine. The music, the faces, the fragrance of the flowers, and essentially everything around receded into the background. Time seemed to pause as I walked toward the man I’d be spending the rest of my life with.

I locked eyes with Raziel, and while drinking in the sight of his gorgeous body, my breath hitched in my throat. His slightly tousled hair framed his face, his broad shoulders were squared, and his jaw was set in a tender smile that melted my heart.

As I drew nearer, closing the distance between us, I felt a surge of love and excitement coursing through my blood. His lips curled into a smile that prompted the same gesture from me.

My heels clicked softly against the carpeted floor as I approached the altar. Mom and I halted before the groom, and I felt her hand slip out of mine. I stole a glance at her, flashing a faint grin. In my chest, my heart was pounding like a drum, and a wave of nervousness washed over me.

Raziel extended his hand, and I hesitated for a fraction of a second before taking it. He helped me up the few steps at the base of the altar, his smile warm and courteous.

Standing across from him, my eyes bore into his as the priest’s voice filled the air. My heart was racing with anticipation, and I couldn’t help the smile playing on my lips. Raziel looked so handsome, and his rare, soft expression accentuated his charms.

“Dearly beloved,” the priest began, his voice loud and audible. “We’re gathered here today before the Almighty God and all these witnesses to join Clarice Evelyn and Raziel Tarasov in holy matrimony.”

Raziel’s composure was admirable, and I wished I wasn’t so nervous. Without breaking eye contact, he discreetly reached for my hand and squeezed gently against it. Like magic, this little gesture helped ease my anxiety a bit, and I responded with a broad smile.

“Marriage is a sacred bond between two people, a union of hearts, minds, and souls.” The priest’s words were like the summer breeze, gentle and calm.

However, this suspense was killing me, and I wished that there was a way for him to skip the real deal.

As his words droned on, I fixed my eyes, my mind, and my attention on Raziel, watching the love and adoration flicker in his gaze. His genuine smile sent a cold shiver down my spine, and a flutter swelled up in my chest.

Fast forward to the exchange of vows, and the priest’s voice snapped me back to the present.

“Clarice, please repeat after me,” he said, his tone light and smooth.

I drew in a deep breath, as this was the moment I’d been waiting for—the moment of truth, the defining moment of our lives.

As the priest recited the vows, I repeated after him, my eyes never leaving Raziel’s face. “I, Clarice Evelyn, do take you, Raziel Tarasov, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward. For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do part.” As I spoke, my voice cracked slightly under the weight of the overwhelming emotions jolting through my body.

My eyes misted, and it took almost everything in me to hold back my tears. I couldn’t understand why I was so emotional, but I couldn’t help it either.

“Raziel, please repeat after me,” the priest said, looking at him.

Raziel adjusted on the spot, his eyes sparkling through his soft expression. As he said his vows, his gaze was pinned on me, his voice smooth and endearing. His confidence and composure were off the charts, his words dripping with genuine sincerity.

“…for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part,” he concluded, winking at me.

This playful gesture, however minute and discreet, warmed my heart, and my cheeks flushed. My eyes momentarily dropped to the floor before meeting his again.

The priest went silent for a second, his gaze sweeping across the congregation. “If anyone here has a just cause why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, let them speak now or forever remain silent.”

Not a single word was spoken as our guests exchanged glances. Alex, Raziel’s most trusted lieutenant, stepped forward from a corner beside the altar, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. With a deliberate motion, he brushed open his blazer, revealing the glint of a gun nestled in its holster. This was a silent threat to put down anyone who’d dare speak up.

A quiet laugh rose from the crowd, and although it seemed like a joke, it really wasn’t. These men had ice in their veins and wouldn't hesitate to do what was necessary when the time came.

However, as expected, there was no objection of any kind, and the silence seemed to vibrate with anticipation.

The priest shifted his gaze between the two of us, his eyes twinkling. “With the power bestowed upon me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” he declared, his voice firm and smooth.

My heart leaped for joy, and my face lit up with a radiant smile.

“You may now kiss the bride,” he said, taking a step backward.

Raziel’s hand grabbed my waist and pulled me to himself, his lips meeting mine in a tender, sweet kiss that sealed our union forever. The crowd erupted into a heavy round of applause that almost brought the entire building down.

It was official. I was no longer Clarice Evelyn. Now, I was Clarice Tarasov. What could I say? The name did have a ring to it.

***

Now, to the big finish, the moment I had long been waiting for almost throughout the entire occasion. The wedding night.

My husband and I had decided to try something new—an approach we hadn’t taken before. The idea was fantastic, and it had been my deepest, darkest desire.

The mere thought of it alone had me wet on the inception of the idea. Now, the moment had come, and I was ready, or so I hoped. My heart was racing in anticipation as I’d never done this before.

Sure, I’d seen it in movies and read about it in novels, but I’d never actually experienced it before. With Raziel, I was free to be my authentic self, free to try out new things and explore the concept of sex.

Butt-naked, he towered over me with a whip in his hand as I knelt down in front of him. With both of my hands bound behind my back with a rope, I gazed up at him, completely naked.

Deliberately, he encircled me, his footsteps soundless against the marble floor. “Bend over,” he said, his voice deep, husky, and sensual.

The hint of authority in his tone sent shivers down my spine, and I obeyed, lowering my face to the ground.

“Go lower,” he said, striking my ass with the whip.

I flinched at the sweet pain coursing through my body, my eyes widening at the sudden strike. It hurt, and I was almost certain that my ass had turned red. However, it also felt good.

“Yes, Daddy,” I moaned, doing as instructed, my ass rising in the process.

He spanked me again, this time on the second butt cheek, and again, I flinched, moaning.

As I braced myself for the next course of action, I felt his fingers digging into my ass, massaging my flesh. Raz went on his knees and slapped my ass, and before I could register the pain, his tongue on my exit caused my body to tremble.

“Fuccckkkk,” I muttered under my breath, the feeling sprinting to my brain.

My hands were bound together at the small of my back, hence why I was unable to move, unable to express this unbridled pleasure jolting through me.

My husband ate my salad like he was eating my pussy, his palm occasionally spanking my ass. I could feel his face buried between my butt cheeks, and the magic his tongue worked on my exit had me shaking like a leaf.

My hands twitched against the ropes, but they held me captive, fueling my desire. My legs shuddered in ecstasy, my eyes widening in shock as I moaned.

The floor was cool beneath my cheek as I surrendered to my master, completely at his mercy. Raziel ate me out, his tongue nastily licking my exit, the tip swirling over my tiny hole.

The feeling was ecstatic and electric, and my legs wouldn’t stop shaking. He slipped his hand between my legs, his thumb gliding through my wet entrance as he ate my exit.

“Oh, my goodness, Raz!” I moaned, my voice barely above a whisper. “What’re you doing to me?” I whimpered, reflexively struggling against the robes that held me bound.

He spanked my ass again before withdrawing his face and rising to his feet. “Turn around,” he commanded, towering over me.

“Yes, Daddy,” I said softly, doing as I was told.

“Look at me,” he said, his face falling downward.

I raised my head and met his gaze, feeling naughty and so fucking aroused. His hand snapped out to caress my hair, fingers massaging my scalp. I bit my lower lip, watching his cock pointed out in front of me—so hard and veiny. Without breaking eye contact, I edged closer, sticking out my tongue to lick his cap.

Raz groaned, pushing my head further into his groin, his move fluid and delicate.

It was strange, but the feeling of being handicapped, unable to use my hands, somehow accentuated my lust. My head moved back and forth and around as I gave him a blowjob. I was careful not to use my teeth, and just listening to him groan in pleasure was satisfying.

His hands on my head guided my movement, and I could sense his caution. I pulled my head back and looked up at his face. “Don’t hold back. I want you to fuck my mouth.”

His lips curled into a sexy grin. “You naughty little devil.”

“That’s what I am…your naughty little devil,” I responded, my voice low and husky.

He gently pulled on my hair, his cock penetrating my mouth. I felt it deep in my throat, and my eyes teared up, my breath ceasing for a moment. He pushed my head deeper into his groin, and I gagged, drooling.

Raz, with a single move, pulled my head backward, and a loud gasp escaped me. I opened my eyes, struggling to catch my breath as a thick thread of saliva lingered from my mouth to his cap.

“Yeah…that’s it,” he said, his voice dripping with sheer pleasure.

I pushed my head back into his groin, his cock traveling into my mouth. With so much fervency, I sucked on his shaft, the gurgling sound filling the air and accentuating my desire.

His pleasured gasps were a clear indication that I was doing a pretty good job. And the way he gently massaged my scalp helped ease my tension.

My eyes were misty, and drops of saliva dotted my chest, falling from my mouth. I felt so nasty and wanted to be treated as such.

Raz withdrew his shaft, and before I knew it, he whisked me into the air and positioned me on all fours on the bed. I giggled at the sudden action, and my eyes widened when his cock penetrated me from the back. “Ooh, fuck, yes,” I moaned, biting against the sheets.

My hands twitched against the ropes as he slammed into my pussy with relentless strokes. My legs shuddered, and my moans grew louder, yet he wouldn’t stop or slow down. “Yes, yes, yes, yes, please…give it to me,” I pleaded, tears rolling down my cheeks.

My entire body was overwhelmed with pleasure as his cock seemed to hit just the right spot. “Right there, right there! That’s it, baby. Yes, yes, yes…” I cried. Literally. “Don’t stop—don’t you fucking stop.” I groaned like a wounded animal, my face scrunched up in ecstasy.

Raziel respected my wish, my command. He rammed into me vigorously, his pace increasing by the second. He fucked me harder and faster, occasionally spanking my ass with his whip.

“Ohh, fuck me! That feels so good!” I purred softly.

“You like that shit?” he asked, maintaining an average speed, his voice shaking in ecstasy.

“I love it,” I said through gritted teeth as I bit the sheets. “I love it, baby.”

I felt a spark ignite within me, and an unfamiliar, sweet sensation traveled across my body. His cock was hitting the right spot, and although I’d never cum before, I didn’t need anyone telling me that this was it; this was the moment I would experience it. If only he would keep going a little longer.

“Oh, God, yes!” I cried out. “I think I’m gonna cum.”

His hand snapped out and grabbed a handful of my hair. As he pulled on it, my face jerked upward, my moans escalating by the second. My legs trembled, as did my bound hands, and I felt a cold shiver sprint through my body like lightning. “Don’t stop—please, don’t stop.”

He didn’t. He continued to plunge into me with relentless strokes.

“I’m almost there—almost there!” I groaned, my face contorted in pleasure as he rammed me faster and harder, his cock stimulating my G-spot. “Fuck! I'm cumming!” I announced, my eyes tightly shut and my voice shuddering.

“That’s it. Give it to me,” he groaned, quickening his pace, his groin slapping loudly against my ass.

My eyes rolled backward, my legs trembling as a burst of liquid squirted out of my pussy. Still, Raziel didn’t stop until I pulled out from his cock, my body dropping to the mattress. I shook, having the best orgasm of my life. “Fuck,” I whispered to myself, feeling charged up as opposed to feeling drained.

Raziel reached out and untied my hands with a fluid move. I rolled my hurting fists in a massaging motion, my eyes locked on him with a smile. He had just blown my mind and catapulted me to a whole new realm I’d never visited before.

I knelt on the bed, taking his hard cock in my free hands as I looked up at him. “That was amazing,” I said, my eyes shining with excitement as I stroked his cock. “Now, it’s my turn.”

I flipped Raz over, and as he lay on his back, I took my time to tie his wrists to the bedposts and his ankles. As he lay sprawled on the mattress, arms and feet firmly secured in place, I crawled onto the bed like a cat. On my knees, I took his cock, standing erect like the Eiffel Tower. My hands stroked his shaft, and I kept my eyes locked on his as I lowered my head and kissed his cap.

I teased him for a moment, my tongue twirling around the tip of his cock with a seductive smile on my lips. Soon, I swallowed his cock, and my hands glided over his length. He groaned, his toes curling in response.

My hair fell forward, framing my face, and I slid a few strands behind my ear. I gave him a handjob while simultaneously administering a blowjob. I loved the way his face contorted in pleasure, the way he groaned, enjoying my work. He pulled against the restraints that held him captive, and his body jerked in response to my delicate touch.

Once done to my satisfaction, I slowly straddled him, inserting his cock into my slippery pussy. I let out a soft sigh, balancing on my throne. My waist ground over his cock as my manicured hands caressed his broad torso. Reaching for his face, I claimed his lips, devouring them with a slow pace that soon switched to something more fervent.

He kissed me back, tongues dancing in our mouths, our heads tilting to the rhythm of our shared passion. In no time, I quickened my pace, my waist grinding hard and fast against his groin. His cock was deep inside me, and his hips bucked upward, driving into me with swift strokes.

My speed and energy matched his as our hips collided in perfect sync. I broke the kiss and straightened on his cock, my waist grinding back and forth. I moaned, my hands darting to my chest as I moved faster and faster. I squeezed my breasts, fingers tuning my hard nipples.

I heard his primal growl and knew what was coming. I wanted it.

Raz’s body trembled in ecstasy, his waist slamming into mine from underneath. My hands dropped to his chest for support and an anchor, my hips twisting, twirling, and grinding against his cock.

“Fuck!” he groaned, pulling against his restraints, his face scrunched up in pleasure.

Still, I didn’t stop. My lips curled into a self-satisfied grin as I watched him shake, ready to empty his essence deep inside me.

“Ohh, yes, baby, give it to me. I want it. I want all of it,” I said softly, moaning deliciously.

Raz’s legs trembled as he released himself inside me, my pussy accepting every single drop. He let out a deep sigh, and I did the same, collapsing on his broad shoulders.

Exhausted, we both took a moment to catch our breaths, our chests rising and falling. My sweaty body brushed against his, my hands caressing his skin.

I jerked my head and looked at his spent face, a smile playing on my lips. “That was incredible,” I confessed, holding his gaze, my heart warm with love and affection.

“No, you were incredible,” he said, his breathing heavy as he mirrored my smile. “I love you, Clarice,” Raziel declared those three magic words.

My grin broadened, and I leaned closer, my breath against his skin. “And I love you, Raziel.”

He beamed at me just before our lips met in a tender, sweet kiss that sent a shiver running down my spine.

I was the luckiest and happiest woman in the world.

*****

THE END