Lucien's POV
"By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
I did not have to be told twice. The tears I had been holding back finally slipped free as I pulled her into me and kissed her, my burning lips finding hers as she gasped into my mouth. The kiss lingered, pouring everything I felt into it.
Her lips were warm, trembling slightly against mine. I could taste the faint salt of her tears mixed with longing and desire.
The chapel erupted into applause, people rising to their feet, but it all sounded distant. When I pulled back, her lips were lightly swollen, with her lipstick smeared at the corner. She was laughing through her tears, shaking her head slightly.
I let out a quiet breath, reaching into my pocket and pulling out a handkerchief. I dabbed gently at her cheeks, careful not to ruin her makeup.
"Do not cry, Mrs Volkov," I murmured, my voice low enough for only her to hear. "Save it for tonight."
