Before He Was Mine (Before Series, Book 2)

Forever

Emilia knew she should feel some sort of guilt as she watched Will's mouth drop open on her way down the aisle. Every thought in his head was clear as day to her, and she secretly loved it.

Perhaps this was her final revenge, or maybe this was merely her way of saying that the games were only beginning.

Not games as in treason and ruin and breaking hearts, but rather the endless teasing of her husband, the man she loved. Their marriage would never be boring. How could it be when the man's eyes glittered with dangerous love every time he glanced her way?

She knew he hadn't been happy waiting a month to get married. She also knew that he had been growing frustrated about their lack of time alone, but Emilia had asked for Lady Worthington's help with the wedding planning. And that woman was a hawk.

Not to mention Theo. Her brother hadn't wanted anything to do with the planning, but he had been strict about Will spending an unnecessary amount of time at their home.

His reasoning was sensible, Emilia supposed. Every trace of Emilia's ruined status in society had vanished, and Theo had every intention of keeping it that way. Emilia was no longer bothered by her reputation, but she did care about her brother. And she knew that he blamed himself for the last time she had been ruined, even though he couldn't have stopped it if he had wanted to.

Emilia now knew that the fault lay entirely with the King of England. Her heart had forgiven Will of the things he had done in the name of her protection. And Theo had only ever wanted to do the same.

But Emilia didn't want Theo to deal with any more guilt if she were defamed, so she regretfully kept Will at arm's length.

Much to his distaste.

Well, and her own.

But they didn't want any tongues wagging. Even engaged couples were supposed to follow the strict proprietary rules of London society.

But now...now, Will was within grasp, and Emilia smiled at him. His gaping mouth pressed shut, and he grinned back. Warmth shot down Emilia's body, the flash of his smile nearly too much for her. He was so incredibly handsome; his jet black, loose curls begged to be tousled by her hands.

His blue eyes were dancing as he took her in.

Emilia knew that Will had been carefully raking those smoldering eyes over her gown, but now it was her turn to survey him. She had seen him in formal attire before, but never this fine. Or perhaps, never so perfectly tailored to his body.

Her thoughts were interrupted as they neared the end of the aisle, and Theo pressed his lips lightly to her forehead before passing her off to Will.

She saw Theo lean in and whisper something to her groom, causing them both to chuckle before Will faced her.

He took her hands, and she noticed how steady they were. He was so confident, so open, and self-assured. His strength was her strength.

"You are not wearing gloves," he murmured, his lips curving in amusement.

Her expression mimicked his. "I always do forget those damn things."

Their fingers intertwined as their officiant began to speak, but Emilia knew she wouldn't be able to repeat a word of what he was saying. All she knew was that Will was warmly gazing into her eyes, and it was as if they were the only ones there.

The world seemed to tilt around her as they repeated the words they were told to. Soon, Will took her into his arms and kissed her with far too much enthusiasm for a church. As his tongue swept in her mouth, she forced herself to break away, even though a jolt of desire went through her body at his sensual touch. He wore a devilish expression on his face when she looked up at him. Laughing, Emilia grabbed his hand happily before Will tugged her down the aisle.