The Vampire’s Fake Fiancée

Corette smiled. “Excellent. Let’s do the alterations then and I’ll box it up for you.”

“Alterations? I didn’t think you’d have time for that.”

Jenna made a face. “She’s not going to send you down the aisle with those plastic clips up the back.”

“No, I am certainly not going to do that.” Corette joined Tessa on the platform and began pinching spans of fabric at Tessa’s sides and under her bust. She checked the length, which Tessa thought was perfect, then stepped back, narrowed her gaze and wiggled her fingers at the dress, finishing with a dramatic flourish.

Tessa swore she saw the shimmer of magic dancing in the air like dust motes in a ray of sun. Then the dress shifted. And tightened. And went snug all over. The plastic clips popped off the back. “Oh!”

Tessa glanced over her shoulder at the discarded clips before looking at Corette again. “Sebastian said you were a witch. I didn’t think I’d get to see you use your magic, though.”

Corette gave a coy smile. “I don’t do that for everyone, but in emergencies, it’s nice to be able to help.”

“Very cool,” Jenna said. “Very, very cool.”

“Just one more thing,” Corette said. She went to a low, ivory storage cabinet against the far wall and lifted a cloud of white free from one of the drawers. She shook the gossamer fabric out as she came toward Tessa, rejoining her on the platform. “Your veil.”

“It’s lovely.”

She fastened the little clear combs into Tessa’s hair and arranged it around her shoulders. The delicate tulle had minute crystals fastened onto it, matching the sparkle of the flowers on the strap. “There. Now you’re ready.”

Tessa turned toward the mirrors and inhaled. She looked like a bride. A beautiful bride.

A pang of disappointment shot through her. Too bad the wedding was all for show.

She’d agreed to it, though, and in her heart, she knew helping Sebastian be free of Evangeline was going to be worth it.

For him.

She just didn’t know if she’d get over walking down the aisle for the first time knowing she would be getting divorced a short while later. What if she and Sebastian didn’t turn into anything? What if this was her one and only marriage? A sham that ended as quickly as it had begun? A flood of doubts filled her. She couldn’t go back on her word. Sebastian needed her to do this, but was she just adding to the emotional baggage she was going to have to carry around for the rest of her life?

Refusing to go through with it could ruin Sebastian’s life. Hell, it could cost him his life if Evangeline went to the council.

Jenna leaned around so Tessa could see her in the mirror. “You okay?”

Tessa forced a smile and nodded. “Just overwhelmed by the emotion of it all.”

It would be too cruel to back out now with the wedding just a few hours away. And besides, she’d given her word.

Tessa lifted her chin. She was a valkyrie. A strong, capable woman. Whatever the price, she would pay it.

Sebastian was worth that much.

Sebastian had yet to receive the documents from his solicitor, even though the man had promised they’d be in his inbox in plenty of time. Hitting refresh made no difference. They weren’t there. Sebastian closed his laptop and went upstairs to the bedroom to see how Greaves was coming along with his tux.

Duncan was lounging in the top-most perch of the cat tree, looking down on the room as though it were his kingdom.

Sebastian grinned at him. “Where’s Greaves, little man?”

“In here,” Greaves called out from the walk-in closet.

Sebastian leaned on the doorway. “Everything in order? Which one am I wearing?”

Greaves answered without looking. He hung the second tuxedo beside the first, then stood back. “The shawl-collared Armani is the most classic, but the Tom Ford peaked-lapel is the newest and most modern. Your choice, really. They’re both ready to wear, but I might want to give whichever one you choose a little steam.”

Sebastian studied the two suits. “Which one do I look the best in?”

Greaves snickered, glancing over his shoulder. “I don’t think you’ve ever asked me that before. Nor do I think I’ve ever noticed that you cared.”

“Well, I do. It’s my wedding. And if Tessa’s going to see me as a groom, I want her to think that…I don’t know, that I really could be her groom. Someday.”

Greaves nodded. “I like her very much. She’s done you a world of good. I approve your motives.”

“Excellent. I was worried.”

Greaves snorted. “Yes, I’m sure.” He tapped his chin. “The Tom Ford is a little more youthful. And more James Bondish. Women usually go for that.”

“And you would know this how?”

“I date.”

Sebastian straightened. “You do?”

Greaves’ irritation was plain. “Being your rook doesn’t require me to be celibate.”

“No, it doesn’t but spare me the details. The Tom Ford it is.”

“I’ll get to work on it.” Greaves stared at him for a second longer. “Have you told your grandmother about all this?”

“No, and I don’t plan to until it’s the real deal.”

“You’re okay with the possibility that Evangeline could say something first?”

Sebastian snorted. “Evangeline wouldn’t dare speak to Didi.” The nickname was born out of Elenora’s former title, the Dowager Duchess. It wasn’t one she was overly fond of, so Sebastian and his brothers tended not to use it to her face. “If Evangeline values her life, she’ll make sure Elenora doesn’t even know she’s in town.”