For Better, For Worse: The Serpent's Contract Wife

[Music: The One By Jorja Smith]

I stood in front of the full-length mirror wearing a custom couture gown in a rich deep garnet, somewhere between burgundy and ruby.

It had thousands of hand-sewn crystals that shimmered like starlight. There was a high slit that cut up to my thigh, and behind, the fabric flowed out in a chapel-length train style.

The outfit was paired with metallic champagne-gold satin stilettos with slender ankle straps and a four-inch heel. On my hand was a matching minaudière.

My eyes followed the movement of the assistant spreading out my gown to check the full fitting.

"Mr. Salvero will be pleased. You look so beautiful, Mrs. Salvero," the woman who led the team said.

I had spent hours here getting ready, from a quick facial to having my makeup, and hair done, along with slipping into my gown.

"Thank you..." I replied, looking back at the mirror, barely able to recognize myself.

I didn’t even need to check whether the gown I wore was the latest design; I could tell that everything, from head to toe, was specially made for me.

I felt like a queen the whole time I got ready.

"Mr. Salvero is waiting outside... I’m sure he can’t wait to see you."

I swallowed a thick lump down my throat and threw a look over my shoulder. "I’ll be out in a minute. I need some time alone."

She nodded, called out her team, and I was left alone.

I looked back at the mirror, and the longer I did, the more a sinking feeling consumed me whole, my mind flashing to the diary.

I was so close to opening it, but in the end, I couldn’t bring myself to. I realized at that point it was a Pandora’s Box I didn’t have the heart to open.

I ended up hiding it far from sight.

In a shuddering breath, I closed my eyes, resting a hand on my stomach as though to balance myself in some way.

I just wanna focus on tonight and nothing else. I needed to remain in this bubble that didn’t stem from hate and anger. I was so tired of feeding off it, and for once I want to let my feelings steer the wheels.

At this point, it was stupid not to admit that I didn’t have feelings for Zade. Because I do. God, I hated him so much I never realized how fleeting that was.

I didn’t know which ate at me more, the thought that I was willing to sacrifice the last piece of my sister for this daydream or the fact that I had fallen for her killer.

Nothing made sense anymore; it stopped making sense ever since I walked down that aisle to marry Zade.

I drew in a sharp inhale, closing my eyes briefly, then I opened them with an exhale before leaving the room.

I got out of the building and saw the limo waiting with Zade standing by it, dashing in his midnight navy tuxedo.

The jacket was impeccably tailored, with rich wool. Beneath it was a crisp white dress shirt that fastened with polished black onyx studs, a black silk bow tie resting neatly at the collar. Tailored trousers and black leather Oxford shoes.

Zade looked as though he could pull off a runaway without breaking a sweat.

The rings on his fingers glistened with the lights coming from the building as he brought the half-smoked cigar to his lips for a drag.

His eyes had been on me ever since I stepped out of the exit. The closer I got, the more I could feel the hot air kissing my skin and stealing away the chills.

Smoke unfurled from his nostrils as he dragged his eyes on every inch of me like I was a piece that had been uncovered for the first time.

When I got within arm’s reach, he flicked the cigar away and took one step to steal the remaining space, and my chin tilted upward.

My lips parted when he gripped my chin and slowly, so fucking slow, he pressed his wet lips against mine.

I closed my eyes blissfully, the faint taste of smoke lingering on his lips. The bittersweet flavor clouded my thoughts, leaving me dizzy, as though I’d been the one holding the cigar.

His hand brushed to cup my cheek as the movement of our mouths took a different turn, his tongue lining my teeth, before he sucked against my bottom lip.

My lipstick is ruined.

Zade pulled away, and I shivered when I felt the string of saliva still connecting us. He licked his lips before using his thumb to wipe off the smear of lipstick.

"I might not last until the end of this evening, kitten."

I shivered from the depth of his voice as he spoke low like a poisonous promise.

"I guess it’s up to me to control myself."

"Who said it has to be you?" I countered.

He grinned. "Why?"

I gasped when he snatched my waist and pulled me close to his body.

"Do you have intentions for me?"

I didn’t say a word, as I pulled away from his hold and got into the limo. I caught his lips stretching wider as he got in after me.

The limo drove out, and the whole time on the road it was as though a volcano was about to explode.

Zade didn’t take his eyes off me, and the longer this played out, the more those orbs darkened until I was convinced it had nothing to do with the cigar.

It was pure hunger, and with every passing second, it became contagious until I couldn’t think anymore.

I moved in a heartbeat, and Zade welcomed me in his arms as I saddled him, smashing my lips against his in a ravenous kiss.

"Is this what you had in mind?" he asked through a heavy breath, adding more heat to the moment.

"No," I rasped, unfastening his belt.