Page 32 of Lucas

A lot of clients? Those fucking statues cost tens of thousands each just to rent them for one evening. I would never spend that kind of money on wedding decor. But Lucas’s money? Definitely. I’ll waste as much of the Valeur money as possible. The money obtained by fraud on the back of Gant.

We’re so different, Lucas and I. He loves this splashy and indulgent lifestyle. He lives for the impression, and I would give anything in a second for a family that loves me. Nothing in this splendor attracts me.

The makeup artist places the veil on my head, and I swallow. If I want to run, this is the moment. Not that I can run with this heavy dress. Now I understand why they make them like this. It’s so the bride can’t escape.

Cora looks at the screen of her phone. “Lucas is here. Everything is ready. Are you?”

No. “Yes.”

Cora nods. “I’m going out to check that everything is in place. You know your cue.”

I grab her arm, and she blinks at me. I release her.

“You’ll be fine,” Cora assures me. “I know this isn’t a marriage of love,” she whispers so the makeup artist and the stylist who are just leaving the room don’t hear, “but Lucas is a good man. He will take care of you. You’ll be okay.”

I nod and leave the room moments behind Cora to find my father waiting outside.

The venue looks amazing. Masses of white flowers fill the aisle on both sides. Above us, a climbing plant with green leaves and lavender flowers hangs on a decorated iron trellis.Through the trellis, you can see the dome of the sky. All eyes turn to me, and I tighten the grip on my father’s arm.

Two young girls from the extended Valeur family walk in front of me, scattering white petals. I freeze, my legs refusing to carry me forward. I raise my eyes and focus on Lucas, dressed in a black tuxedo. He’s not smiling, but his eyes are fixed on me, his head tilted. I take a deep breath, and without looking away, I walk forward.

The moment I find my place beside him, I only look ahead and detach myself from the situation. I don’t need to hear the speech, the marriage vows. The fakery. I just need to survive. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale...

“…You may kiss the bride.”

I turn to Lucas, shaking myself from my thoughts. Already? His blue eyes look dark, his pupils dilated. He’s clean-shaven, without the stubble that usually adorns his jaw. And the tuxedo suits his broad body, hugging his arms.

I’m shaking. I don’t even know if it’s stress, excitement or just a letdown. I got through this wedding without fainting, but right now, I’m very close to it.

Lucas closes the small distance between us and wraps an arm around my waist. I take one more breath before his lips descend on mine, tasting me. I can barely hold myself up, and I’m grateful for his body against mine, preventing me from falling.

Heat. Comfort. His lips are scorching and soft, and I open my mouth to allow his tongue to enter and explore. I let the moment take over my thoughts, to empty me. The shaking in my body subsides as I surrender to his kiss, to his taste, and my pulse jumps to new heights.

He raises his hand and cups my face, his thumb rubbingmy jawline for one last second before he pulls away from me and turns to the audience. Fuck. For a moment, I forgot everyone was watching us and that this wasn’t a real kiss.

I smile, and based on the burning in my cheeks, they must be red as a tomato.

“Relax,” Lucas murmurs so only I can hear, then he takes my hand in his and squeezes, his thumb drawing small circles inside my palm.

Circle, circle, circle.

Small, soothing movements. I focus all my attention on that little spot. He did it on purpose, kissed me like that to calm my frayed nerves, and now he’s holding my hand. I didn’t expect such a gentle gesture from him.

I force a smile on my face, hugging everyone and smiling at all the well-wishers coming toward us.

After the ceremony, we transition to the reception hall. The space is transformed, bathed in soft golden light from the chandeliers above. The centerpieces Cora and I chose adorn each table—antique silver vases overflowing with white roses and lilies. It’s all stunning, elegant, and yet not overly exaggerated. A perfect blend of my taste and what’s expected of a Valeur wedding.

The band plays a soft, sensual tune, and Lucas leads me to the center of the dance floor for our first dance as husband and wife. As we sway to the music, his hand slides lower on my waist, pulling me flush against him until there’s no space left between us. The heat of his body seeps through the layers of my gown, and it sends a thrill racing through me.

“You look exquisite,” he murmurs, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. “I’ve been imagining peeling this dress off you all night.”

I shiver, my skin prickling with awareness. “Lucas...” It’s meant to be a warning, but it comes out breathy and needy.

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me. “Relax, wife. It’s just a dance.” But the way his hand splays across my back, his fingers tracing patterns on my skin, feels anything but innocent.

We move together as one, our bodies in sync, generating a heat that has nothing to do with the crowded room. He spins me out and then back in, dipping me low. I cling to his shoulders, my breath catching as he drags me back up, my body sliding against his. Our faces are inches apart, his eyes dark and intense as they bore into mine.

“Do you feel it, Ava?” he whispers, his breath hot against my lips. “This fire between us? It’s only a matter of time before it consumes us both.”