A Thief's Kiss

22| Married

Chapter 22: Married (Alexander's POV)

She looked really pretty. When I saw her that night of the engagement, I realized how pretty she really was. I never noticed it before that. I always knew she was attractive, but I never realized how much until that night. And right now, in a wedding dress, walking to me. She looked beautiful. 

I wish she wasn't out for my blood. 

She stood in front of me and I could see it in her eyes that she genuinely wanted me to compliment her. And out of all things, I chose to tell her that she looked good. 

Just good? Really, Alex? She looks stunning, why did I tell her that? 

She rolled her eyes and we both diverted our attention to the priest as he began speaking. I tuned out for most of it. I couldn't help it, my attention kept going to Aria. 

Is it possible that I kind of like her now? 

"Repeat after me." 

I snapped out of it, clearing my throat. "I, Alexander Phoenix, take you, Aria Rose, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health... Until death do us part," I recited. 

She then repeated the same vows replacing the names and we both turned to the priest expectantly. 

He cleared his throat, "You have now declared your consent before the Church and I now pronounce you as husband and wife." 

Aria and I looked at each other, both of our lips parting as we realized what we had to do now. She pulled her lips into a thin line, clenching her jaw. 

"Alexander, you may now kiss the bride." 

I know I can't just peck her lips. If I do, everybody will be confused and will question the relationship. She arched a questioning brow at me. I have no other choice. Maybe I should have let her kiss me that night she was drunk. At least we would know what the other person's lips felt like. It wouldn't be so awkward. 

I grabbed the back of her neck with one hand while my other rested on her waist and I pulled her closer while stepping forward. I pressed my lips down to hers without giving myself a second to hesitate and doubt it. I felt her hand grabbing my arm before she kissed me back. I knew everyone was now standing and applauding. Her lips moved in sync with mine until we both pulled back, incredibly surprised at each other's actions. 

I cleared my throat, taking her hand, both of us turning to the front. She linked her arm with mine, shooting Riya a look before smiling at Mrs. Faye specifically. 

As we were walking down the aisle, to the entrance, I noticed that she spotted Mr. Charles and had a little heart attack. "You invited him?" she asked me through her smile. 

"I thought it would be a nice surprise," I smirked as we stepped out, getting into our car. I said I would drive, so I did. I opened the door and helped her with her dress while the guests filed out, everyone driving to the field nearby that was selected for the reception. 

It was at a hotel so we all had rooms booked for tonight. In those rooms, we would have an hour to unwind before getting ready for the reception party. The rooms are for important guests and family only. The other guests are all going to head back into town. 

She leaned her head back, running a hand through her hair while I started the car. I put one hand behind her seat, looking back and putting the car in reverse, backing out of the spot. I steered the wheel with one hand before facing the front and shifting gears, looking to the front as I started the drive. The hotel is nearly twenty minutes away.