Page 73 (1/2)

“Do you, Sloan Meghan O’Neill, take Sebastian to be your husband…”

I tune out the rest of Lono’s speech and zero in on ical phrase

She draws in a choppy breath and ot fire and spine, so she pulls through “I do”

“And do you, Sebastian Andre, take Sloan to be your wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward? For better or for worse? In sickness and in health? Forsaking all others until death do you part?”

I squeeze her hand again and smile into her eyes “I do”

We exchange rings as Lono says so love because they, like love itself, have no beginning and no end

“I now pronounce you Sebastian and Sloan Shaw” He turns tofor Kiss your bride”

He’s right I don’t hesitate to cup her face, lean in, and loseof the ocean, I smell strawberries Her breath is war this ed exhalation Then closes her eyes and gives herself over to me

Our lips touch, but I feel the kiss all through my body Sloan must too since she stiffens But when I brush lide, a press of reassurance, she softens against me

It’s almost surrender

Maybe I should back aith a polite s is e her lips apart and settle my mouth more firmly over hers And—yes!—she letsue as I slip inside

Her sweet acceptance makes me lose my head

I plunge deeper, sweepingwhen she gripsShe tastes like cinnamon and honey—both spicy and so, so sweet

God, I’ to convince her to spend her life withto work since she still hates me I’ll have to break down the barriers she’s built around her heart because everyone who should give a shit about her doesn’t But as I press into her ure all that out because I’o

Evan clearing his throat beside uests My semi-hostile bride