The Debt Collector's Bride

Damien's POV:

  Just before Sera could answer, the big doors of the ceremonial hall are swung open. The priest walked in, he was dressed in black. He is one of the few men I still trust. He looked calm, but he was worried. He looked at Sera and his face softened with concern.

  Then he looked at me and gave me a nod that said; "I see the mess you've created."

  "Ready?" he asked softly.

  Sera jumped and grabbed her dress.

  "No," she whispered.

  "Yes," I said at the same time.

  She snapped her head up, furious and scared. She breathed fast and stepped far away from me, she looked heartbroken. And God it destroys me. Her fear cuts deeper than any knife and it hurts me so much.

  "I don't want this," she whispered.

  "I know."

  "Stop it then."

  "I can't."

  Her eyes narrowed. "You mean you won't."

  She was right. I won't stop not because I want to trap her, not even because of the debt or my empire but because if I do..., I'll lose her again.

  The priest moved closer. "Please, come here."

  Sera shook her head hard. "No.. wait.."

  "Sera," I said, taking a step.

  She gasped and stepped back, her breathing was getting too fast and shallow.

  "It ends soon," I told her.

  "That doesn't help," she snapped.

  "I didn't mean it to."

  Her chest rises and falls in panic. She sucks in air too fast. She looks so scared and helpless. Every thought and instinct in me wants to pull her into my arms, but I don't. I can't. I've wanted her for twelve years, and wanting her is the most dangerous part of this.

  "Walk over here," I said quietly.

  She didn't move. I held out my hand, but I didn't touch her. She looked at my hand like it was a blade, then she looked at my face slowly. Her voice was small but sharp. "I hate you."

  It cut me deep but I didn't flinch.

  "You can hate me later," I replied. "Just stand by me now."

  Her lips trembled. Then bravely, stupidly and beautifully she steps closer. She refuses my hands but she comes to my side.

  Good girl.

  _____

  The priest started speaking the wedding words fast. Sera was trembling, looking at the floor. But I couldn't stop looking at her. Every swallow, every shaky breath... I watched it all, like a man starving.

  "...to take this woman as your lawful wife"

  "I do," I said before he finished.

  Sera jumped, shocked.

  The priest looked nervous. "And do you, Sera Hale..."

  "No."

  Her voice shakes like she's barely holding herself up. "I won't say yes. I refuse."

  The priest looked between us, confused. "Mr. Vescari-"

  "Give her a second," I said.

  I turned to her and lowered my head to look her in the eye. "Sera," I whispered, "your answer changes nothing tonight."

  She was shaking. "Why make me say it then?"

  "Because...." My voice becomes lower "I want you to hear my vow. And I want you to hear yourself bind me to you." I said softly.

  "And I want to hear you tie me to you."

  Tears ran down her cheeks.

  "Why?" she whispered. "Why do you care so much?"

  My chest tightened painfully.

  "Because twelve years ago, you disappeared," I said, my voice rough. "And losing you destroyed me."

  Her eyes got wide. "I didn't know you then."

  "You knew enough," I said. "And I knew everything I needed to know."

  She trembled. "I don't get it."

  "You will," I whispered. "Later."

  She shook her head. "I can't marry you."

  "Yes, you can."

  I lowered my voice again.

  "And you will. Because the second you say the words, no one can touch you."

  She froze.

  "Your aunt planned to kidnap you," I told her quietly. "Your dad was almost killed. Someone gave away your location. Someone wants you dead."

  Her face went completely white.

  "If you walk out of here not married," I continued, "you will die before you can hate me properly."

  Her legs almost gave out. I made myself not reach for her. Not until she chose me.

  "Sera," I said gently, "Say it."

  Her voice was almost nothing.

  "I... do."

  It was enough.

  The priest let out a breath. "Good. With these promises-"

  "Wait," Sera whispered, turning to me. "Your promises? You said you wanted me to hear them."

  The room went silent again. I stepped closer. Closer still, until I could feel her shaking.

  "My vow is simple," I say, my voice low, obsessive and unbreakable.

  "I will protect you with my life."

  "I will find who wants you dead."

  "And I will destroy anyone who touches you, even if it's someone you love."

  She swayed slightly.

  "And Sera..." I leaned in so close my breath touched her ear.

  "I will never let you disappear again."

  The priest quickly finished the words.

  "...you are now husband and wife."

  Sera's eyes blinked slowly, then they rolled back. Her whole body fell. I caught her before she hit the floor and lifted her into my arms. Her skin was cold and her breath was tiny.

  "Sera." I shook her gently. "Sera."

  She didn't wake up. Luca swore, the priest panicked and the guards tensed up.

  And in the cold silence, a sharp, terrible fear hit me... My wife had just passed out in my arms.