Mine to Keep

Chapter 6

Yeji's

The ceremony itself takes only about twenty minutes. Cognizant of the camera trained on us, I smile widely and do my best to look like a happy, glowing bride.

I still don't fully understand my own reluctance. After all, I'm marrying the person I love.

When I thought she was dead, I wanted to die myself, and it took all of my strength to survive from one day to the next. I don't want to be with anyone but Ryujin . . . and yet I can't shake the chill deep inside.

She handled my parents smoothly, I will give her that. I'm not sure what I had been expecting, but the calm, almost civil conversation that took place hadn't been it.

She had been in control the entire time, her matter-of-fact attitude leaving no room for tearful accusations and recriminations.

She had apologized for the rushed wedding, but not for abducting me in the first place and I know it's because she feels no guilt about that. In her mind, she has a right to me. It's as simple as that.

The Priest begins speaking to Ryujin. I catch a few words something about spouse, love, protection and then I hear Ryujin voice responding "Yes, I do."

It's my turn next. Looking up at Ryujin, I meet her gaze. There is a warm smile on her lips, but her eyes tell a different story. Her eyes reflect hunger and need, and underneath it all, a dark, all-consuming possessiveness.

"Yes, I do," I say quietly, repeating Ryujin's words.

Ryujin's smile deepens. Reaching into her pocket, she takes out another ring, a slim diamond-studded band that matches my engagement ring and slides it onto my nerveless finger.

Then she presses a platinum band into my palm and extends her left hand to me.

Her palm is almost twice the size of mine, her fingers long. She has a man's hands. Hands that can pleasure or hurt with equal ease.

Taking a deep breath, I slide the wedding band onto Ryujin's left ring finger and look up at her again, only half-listening as the priest concludes the ceremony. Staring at Ryujin's beautiful features, all I can think about is that it's done.

The person who kidnapped me is now my wife.

After the ceremony, I say goodbye to my parents, assuring them that I will speak to them again soon. My mom is crying, and my dad is wearing a stony expression that usually means he's extremely upset.

"Mom, Dad, I promise I'll be in contact," I tell them, trying to hold back my own tears. "I won't disappear on you again. Everything is going to be fine. You have nothing to worry about . . ."

"I promise she will call you very soon," Ryujin added and after a few more tearful goodbyes, Bambam disconnects the video feed.

The next half hour is spent taking pictures all over the beautiful church. Then we change back into our regular clothes and head back to the airport.

At this point, it's evening and I'm completely exhausted. The stress of the past couple of hours, combined with all the travel, has made me nearly comatose, and I close my eyes, leaning back against the black leather seat as the car winds its way through the dark streets of Bogotá.

I don't want to think about anything; I just want to empty my mind and relax. Shifting, I try to find a better position, one that doesn't place too much weight on my still-tender bottom.

"Tired, Yeddeong?" Ryujin murmurs, placing her hand on my leg. Her fingers squeeze lightly, massaging my thigh, and I force my heavy eyelids to open.