Chapter 4 - The Vows of Blackwood Manor
The wedding ceremony was not held in a church, nor was it attended by the hundreds of socialites who had filled the pews for Claire's first wedding.
It took place in the library of Blackwood Manor, beneath the gaze of thousands of antique leather-bound books and the warm light of a massive stone fireplace.
A retired judge, a man who owed Roman his life and his career, stood behind the heavy mahogany desk.
Claire wore a simple, elegant ivory silk wrap dress that clung to her curves, highlighting the fullness of her hips and the softness of her shoulders. Her dark hair was pinned back with a vintage diamond comb Roman had given her—a family heirloom that had belonged to his grandmother.
Roman stood opposite her, his gray eyes dark with an emotion she couldn't quite define.
The Exchange of Rings"Do you, Roman DeLuca, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the judge asked.
"I do," Roman said. His voice was steady, without a hint of hesitation. He took her hand, his fingers surprisingly warm as he slid a massive, flawless emerald ring onto her finger. The stone was surrounded by delicate diamonds, looking like a drop of frozen forest fire on her skin.
"And do you, Claire Bennett, take this man?"
"I do," Claire said, her voice matching his.
The judge pronounced them husband and wife.
There was no music. No cheers. Only the crackle of the fire and the quiet breathing of the three children sitting on the leather sofa near the window.
Roman stepped closer, his hands rising to frame Claire's face. His thumbs brushed over her cheekbones, his touch remarkably gentle for a man whose hands had taken lives.
"You are a DeLuca now, Claire," he whispered, his gray eyes searching hers. "My name is your shield. My wealth is your weapon. And my heart... well, my heart is something you will have to teach me to find again."
He leaned down and kissed her.
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It wasn't a cold, transactional kiss. It was deep, possessive, and filled with a slow, rising heat that left Claire’s knees weak. Her hands found his lapels, holding onto him as the world outside the library vanished.
From the sofa, Isabella let out a small, happy giggle. Leo crossed his arms, but his lips twitched into a reluctant smile, while Mateo simply nodded, satisfied with the arrangement.
