Simply, Raven

grand doors, her fingers clenched

. She is about to enter a bondage her fathe

s and adorned in florals and gold that screamed wealth and power.

thudding painfully in her chest. She didn't want this-every

ut firm in her ear. "This is the best de

in his sleek suit, his face unreadable as always. As much as she hated this moment, hated him, she couldn't deny that he was breathtakingly handsome, and that made her m

but then, her mind drifted-back to that moment just weeks

week

Raven?" Michael asked, his voic

ather her thoughts. "Did you know who

ips as he cut her off. "Does it matter, Raven?" His tone wa

e you mad at me? I didn't know who

aid, slipping his ha

like this? This... attitude. We need to get

for a moment before scoffing.

nd last night? You didn't seem this

moved impulsively, her heart pounding, till her back met the wall

o get under your skirt," he w

r even realising it, her hand moved by itself, shoc

t slapped. He gave her a slow, mocking smile. "Glad to see

d out, leaving Raven breathless and shake

ent

harden. She was marrying a devil in disguise. The man who had been charming at first, only to get wh

felt nothing. No spark, no fluttering of her heart. She was almost relieved-her body, at least, no

dn't bother to listen as the words passed over Raven's head as if they were in a language she didn't understand. The

"I now pronounce you husband and

h surprising ease. The kiss was quick, barely a brush of lips, cold and mechanical. There was no tenderness, no passion, nothing-jus

yweds, but Raven could barely register it. Her hand was in Micha

unlight overhead as the congregation followed behind. One of the many photographers waiting

rmly around her waist, pulling her tightly against

is grasp around her. He leaned in close, his voice low, ba

she had become. Not a partner, not an equal. Just his possession. And in that moment, as