The Husband Beside Me (The Devil Trilogy Book 2) (4 page)

“Take a few steps ahead of me,” Daimon instructed, letting go of my hand.

“What?” I breathed.

“Just do it, Addie,” he demanded. I walked in front of him and stopped. “Turn around and face me.” I turned around slowly and looked back at him. “You look…you look so fucking beautiful,” he sighed. Heat flooded my cheeks at his words and the way in which he spoke them. I finally felt the approval I sought out from him, but I pushed it down, not wanting to acknowledge how it made me feel.

“Well, you paid for it,” I said, waving my hands in front of me, smiling meekly.

“Either way, you look beautiful,” he stated as he smiled enigmatically.

“You’re not too bad yourself,” I offered.

“I know. I always look good.” He grinned as he pulled on his suit jacket; his sky-blue eyes were brightened by his dark features and dim lighting that had surrounded us.

“Now what?” I asked anxiously.

“Well…” he walked over to me, his every step controlled and precise. He lowered his gaze as he looked into my eyes. “Tonight, we act like a happy, loving couple, no mention of our deal. Not one word,” he said in a serious tone, his devilish smile disappearing, his words laced with warning.

“O…kay, what’s with the anger? I thought this is what you wanted?” I said pointedly.

“Today you became my wife. I don’t want to hear anything about our fucking contract.” He took me by the waist and pulled me closer. His hard body pressed against mine. I rested my hands on his chest, holding in my breath as I looked up at him. “The wedding was exactly what I thought you’d do. That’s why you are now mine.” He reached up and softly brushed my face. “Simply breathtaking,” he breathed.

My body wanted to touch him, to reach out and feel his heat, but it was me blurring the fucking lines again.

“Addie,” he said softly, but we were interrupted by the abrupt opening of the doors.

“I realize, Daimon, you want some private time, but your guests are waiting for you,” Jessica said as she stood at the doors, her hands at her waist as she held onto her walkie-talkie.

“We’ll be right there, Jessica,” he barked at her. “That girl is relentless,” he said to me.

“Trust me, I know. You left me alone with her this whole week,” I said as I tried to break free from Daimon's embrace.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked, somewhat annoyed.

“Out there, where our guests are.” I thumbed toward to doors. He let out a heavy sigh, finally letting go of me.

“Fine,” he hissed as he took my hand and walked us out.

“Finally!” Jessica huffed. “Cue the musicians,” she said in her walkie-talkie.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Daimon Evans!” The lead singer said into his mic. “They will now dance their first dance. The bride chose an amazing song. She must really love him.”

Sophie Milman's version of “La Vie en Rose” was crooning as Daimon took me to the dance floor in the middle of the main hall. Soft white lighting lit the whole room as little tea lights flickered on the tables. Daimon’s hold on me was strong, as his arms wrapped themselves tightly around me. His scent filtered through my senses. It was absolutely intoxicating.

“Really?” Daimon whispered in my ear.

“What?” I pulled back a little to see him smiling his sexy devilish smile again.

“Don’t you think the song is a little too telling?” he asked.

“I don’t care. I love it.”

“Whatever you say, Addie,” he said lightly.

I didn’t want to admit it, but Daimon was right about how much I’d love this. I just wished it was with someone I loved, but just like I can pretend to be his wife, I could pretend I was with the man of my dreams. Once the song ended, we were escorted to our own little table toward the back of the room.

“The flower arrangements are nice,” he noted as he looked over to me, watching me as I took it all in.

“They’re called peonies. I love them. My mother used to grow them when she was alive.” I looked at the table arrangements. They literally took my breath away. Jessica said the florist was the best in the city and from her connections I could believe it. The main hall was dimly lit, while tea candles were placed everywhere, some even hung from the ceiling by silk ribbon. The flower arrangements were a combination between soft pink Esperance roses, which were nestled with white and pink peonies. Mini green hydrangeas were mixed in to balance the soft colors. It was simple and romantic. It was exactly what I had envisioned. I watched as our guests, many of whom were strangers, sat down on perfectly set rectangular tables that were placed in the small alcoves, positioned off to the side. The band played old-school jazz music. The soft sounds of the saxophone, the gentle tapping of the drums and the strumming of the bass, added to the atmosphere. It fit so nicely with the rustic red brick building and iron trusses, which were high above us. The night seemed perfect and magical.

“What?” I asked, after I noticed he didn’t look away.

“You love this,” he grinned.

“Shut up,” I said in a hushed voice.

“Just admit it. I know you better than you think,” he said confidently. I hated that he knew I would be happy.

“I’m not admitting anything,” I gritted out through my smile.

The waiter came and began pouring our champagne.

“The bracelet? Who gave it to you?” he asked as he took his glass.

“My father. It was one of two things he ever bought my mother,” I muttered as I took my glass and drank a little.

“It’s pretty,” he said still watching me, damn him and his piercing blue eyes.

“Stop it!” I nearly shouted.

“Stop what?” he said annoyed.

“Stop looking at me like that!” He laughed as he drank his champagne. “Addie, you’re my wife. I’ll fucking look at you if I want. Come, I think it’s our cue to go around thanking our guests.” He nudged his head to everyone.

“What cue?”

“Jessica’s waving at me with that look on her face.” Daimon leaned his head toward the back of the hall. I looked past the crowd and saw her looking exasperated. I laughed the moment I saw her. That look did me in. She even stomped her foot when our eyes met.

“Now that’s worth every fucking penny,” Daimon said slyly.

“What is?” I asked.

“Hearing you laugh like that,” he replied. I stopped, feeling my heart skip.

“Shut up, Daimon!”

“Shall we?” He stood up and took my hand. I followed him as he introduced me to his various business associates.

“She’s stunning, Daimon. You're a lucky man,” Rafe said as he approached us.

“Don’t I know it,” Daimon said proudly.

“Congratulations to you both. It was totally meant to be,” Rafe laughed as he walked up to me and kissed both my cheeks.

“Hey, get your own girl,” Daimon bit out possessively.

“Relax, Daimon. Everyone knows Addie’s yours,” Rafe stated, laughing at his friend’s expense.

“I suppose congratulations are in order.” I heard from behind me. I watched as Daimon’s face fell. I looked around and there was his mother. She was the picture of pure elegance as she stood in front of us.

“That’s my cue to leave,” Rafe said coldly. I guess Rafe didn’t like her much either.

“I honestly don’t understand why you married her, but your father is beside himself. He decided to not come to this ridiculous farce,” she said quietly, not wanting to make a scene, but I knew she wanted to ruin this day for us. “Addie, I have to say with the right kind of money, you do clean up well. The only thing I’m going to tell you to do is take off that tacky bracelet of yours. That stunning dress is being ruined by it!” Her venomous words made me want to slink away. I tried to release my hand from Daimon's, but he held on tighter.

“You don’t get to tell Addie anything. She belongs to me, not you!” He voice sounded menacing.

“Daimon,” I said, trying to calm him down. He looked back at me and intertwined our fingers.

“If you can’t be respectful to my wife, then you are not welcome here,” he said fiercely. He then pulled me away, taking me to the bar.

“Daimon, that was your mother,” I implored.

“Trust me, Addie, she’s not… worth it,” he hesitated; I could tell he was struggling with something.

“Daimon?” We both heard an older gentleman call out to him.

“I’ll only be gone for a few minutes,” Daimon said, looking back at me, his fingers leisurely caressing my cheek.

“Just go,” I waved him off. I turned to the bartender, and from the corner of my eye, I saw Darren.

“Hi,” I said smiling nervously.

“Hi,” he grumbled. Darren was already drunk.

“Darren, what's with you?” I asked as I approached him.

“You’re really asking?” He looked at me incredulously. “You! You’re what’s wrong with me!” he snapped.

“Why?” I asked, hurt at his words.

“Come with me,” he said roughly. Darren took my hand and led me to the next room. “You look so fucking gorgeous. You think this is easy for me, especially with the way you look right now?” he said in a hoarse tone.

“What are you talking about, Darren?” He took two steps forward and towered over me. “Ever since high school, I’ve been by your side, but you never once noticed me. You only ever saw Daimon,” he growled.

“Look, Darren—” I started, but he wouldn’t let me continue.

“No! You’re going to hear me out. Of all the fucking people to choose, you chose him. I didn’t give a shit you were dating; I knew— I mean, I thought he’d fuck it up somehow. Why? Why couldn’t you choose me?” he slurred his words. My heart sunk even lower as I watched him like this.

“He’s your friend and you’re my friend. I’m sorry if I did something to encourage this. I really am. I’ve always felt safe with you, but I never once thought of you like that.” I bit my lip upset I was doing this to my dearest friend.

“Kiss me!” Darren demanded.

“What? No!” I shouted, and tried to leave, but he blocked my path and leaned in. “No Darren! I know you can’t understand Daimon and me, but I love him. He gives me something I need.”

“Yeah like what? Money,” Darren snarled. His words speared through me, like his drunken sight saw the truth I had been hiding.

“What’s going on here?” Daimon growled. Darren pulled back his arm letting me go. The moment he did, I quickly walked over to Daimon, who took my face into his hands. “Are you okay?” he asked, looking at me anxiously.

“Oh, come off it. Like I would ever hurt Addie,” Darren barked.

“You fucking asshole,” Daimon bit out as he tried to lunge at him.

“Stop please!” I begged as I pulled on his arm. “He’s our friend. Just let it go,” I pleaded. Daimon’s face contorted and his jaw clenched. I reached out and felt the muscles of his face ease up at my touch.

“For you, I will,” Daimon said low in his chest as he looked down at me. “But for the sake of our friendship, I want you to stay the hell away from her,” Daimon ordered as he looked back at Darren.

“I can’t do that. You’re not the only one who loves her,” Darren declared. I took Daimon by the hand and pulled him away from Darren.

“Fucking asshole,” Daimon said under his breath. “You are not to leave my side unless I say so,” he hissed.

“Okay,” I relented. Daimon seemed to calm down after I agreed with him.

“So you love me? I give you something you need?” He smiled bitterly; he was still angry but was trying to let it go.

“Daimon, you said we shouldn't mention anything tonight,” I said, alluding to our agreement and how I couldn’t refute anything unless I mentioned our contract.

“You’re right, Addie. It was just nice to hear,” he said cynically.

The night was magical, despite the few snags and the fact I had just married the man who ruined all of high school and a good part of the year for me. Daimon was an enigma. Something I just couldn’t quite put my finger on. I hated him. I hated how easily things came to him and how much he took for granted. He barely understood me and my world, yet I was feeling content despite knowing I had a price. Everyone always says they don’t have one, but when confronted with the reality that we all need money to live, we would all sell ourselves. That’s what I kept saying, hoping to comfort my soul.

I played the part of a blissful bride, happy to be married to the man she loved. Daimon seemed pleased with my efforts as I smiled and beamed whenever someone was near, especially his business associates. Darren left, but what happened between us weighed on my mind.

We sat down to eat our meal. It was succulent and exquisite. Leave it to Daimon to pay for the best. Apparently, Jessica told me, he was the one who chose the meal and that I didn’t have to worry about it.

“So from all the things you could have helped me with, you chose the meal?” I said, cutting into my perfectly cooked filet mignon.

“I like good food and I was worried since you bankrupted your diner that you hardly knew about food,” he said tactlessly without looking at me. His small barb just hit too low.