Page 21 of Omega's Formula

I lean in and press my lips to his.

The world stops.

His mouth is soft, so impossibly soft, and the moment we touch, something ignites between us. My entire body lights up with it. I’m enveloped by a hunger so intense it steals my breath. I hear him make a small sound, feel his hand grip the front of my suit jacket like he needs something to hold onto.

I deepen the kiss without meaning to. My tongue traces the seam of his lips, and he opens for me, and then I’m tasting him, really tasting him, and he’s—

We pull apart at the same moment, both of us breathing hard.

Nolan’s lips are parted, his pupils blown wide. He looks as shaken as I feel. His hand is still fisted in my jacket.

“Well,” Sun says, sounding pleased. “That was convincing.”

Nolan releases me like I’ve burned him. He steps back, putting space between us, and I let him go even though every instinct screams at me to pull him close again.

Sara coughs, looking away. Anna is watching us with an expression I can’t decipher. Nolan won’t meet my eyes.

Sun produces the wedding contract, laying it out on the coffee table. “If you’ll both just sign here...”

We move like automatons, picking up the pen, signing our names on the appropriate lines. My signature looks like a stranger’s. Nolan’s is messy, like his hands aren’t quite steady.

“Congratulations,” Sun says once the paperwork is complete. “You’re now legally married under Bureau regulations.”

I pour champagne, handing glasses to Anna and Sara and Sun. Nolan takes his but doesn’t drink, just stares into it like it might have answers.

“To the happy couple,” Anna says, raising her glass. Her tone is light, but her eyes are serious.

We all drink. Nolan still hasn’t looked me in the eye.

“And where is your sister, Nolan?” Sun asks as he takes a sip. “I expected her to attend.”

“Too unwell,” Nolan says flatly. “That’s why we’re here, remember? So I can get her treatment.”

“Of course.” Sun nods sympathetically. “And honeymoon plans?”

“We’ll arrange something as soon as it’s practical,” I say. “The wedding was on rather short notice. We’ll both be moving to a new apartment near the hospital. It will be more convenient for Nolan’s sister’s care.”

It’s a lie, of course. Or half a lie. Nolan will be living in the apartment. I’ll be staying here in the penthouse, visiting only if I absolutely have to in order to maintain the appearance of cohabitation.

Sun makes a note on his tablet, then turns to Nolan. “And how are you feeling about all this? I know matched bonds can be... challenging at first.”

Nolan’s expression is carefully blank. “I’m not going to pretend I want to be here. But I do want my sister taken care of.” He shrugs, a sharp motion. “When I registered, I told myself I’d marry the devil himself to keep her safe and I suppose I have.”

Something in my chest cracks. Sun doesn’t seem to notice my reaction. He just nods sympathetically. “I understand this is difficult. But I hope you’ll both give this match a genuine chance. Prime compatibility like yours is rare. It would be a shame to waste it.”

“We’ll do our best,” I say, the words automatic.

“Well,” Sun says, apparently satisfied with this answer, “I think that’s everything. Congratulations to you both. I’ll be in touch about your required check-ins.”

He finishes his champagne, shakes both our hands, and leaves.

The moment the door closes behind him, Nolan is moving toward the exit.

“I’ll have my driver take you to the apartment,” I say. “It’s ready for you.”

“Great.” He’s already stripping off the borrowed jacket, leaving it on the back of my couch. “Thanks for the hospitality.”

He doesn’t look at me as he leaves. The door closes behind him with a soft click, and then he’s gone.