Alec

After I leave Levin confined to the bathroom, I rush to get everything ready for our ceremony. George has secured a priest and would bring him at 2:00 p.m. I alerted the guard so he would know and there would be fewer distractions.

Her dress is hanging up in another bedroom, and I walk into the room to inspect it. I tried to think of everything but am visibly overwrought by the idea of forgetting an item or trinket.

There’s a bathroom inside this bedroom. I put my hands on the sink and look in the mirror. My face is red, and I’m crumbling under the constant pressure. A permanent scowl resides in the glass.

I take a breath and count to ten. The vows are what matters—that piece of paper that to some people is unimportant, merely a formality.

It’s not in our case.

The promises we make today, in front of the priest, they seal the deal.

They’re all I care about—my financial freedom.

I can feel the stress subside, the tension in my neck eases, and the constant drone in my ears subsides.

How do I communicate to Levin that she will be in a coffin if she doesn’t fall in line?

The items are on the bed—a matching veil, garter, panties, strapless bra, jewel-encrusted heels, and a notepad so she can write her vows.

They need to be heartfelt and sincere—unlike this hiccup. It’s appropriate for us to share some sentiments with each other, especially with all we’ve been through.

A quick walk through the house is necessary. There is only one way in—the massive, iron, double doors in the front. I check that they are locked.

I examine the backyard. It’s pristine—backing up to the mountains, an oasis for one family to enjoy. A patch of grass is near the infinity pool, where we will exchange our vows. A perfect backdrop for a perfect day.

The excitement starts to creep in. We’re about to be married—husband and wife. I smirk as I head back in to get Levin ready for her big day.

She’s in an awkward position with her back against the wall, not quite sitting or standing. I chuckle to myself as I realize it’s probably not the smartest idea to leave her to her own devices. What’s the saying? Idle hands being the devil’s playground?

“Levin.” I tap her on the shoulder. “I want to discuss with you the plans for the day. Are you ready to hear them?”

She nods. She’s naked and judging by the shaking of her body, she’s chilled. I rub her back as I speak.

“To build our trust back, we need a solid foundation.” I push her hair back from her face, the tangled pieces hanging down from her crooked updo. “Levin, this can only be accomplished by one thing.” My jaw tenses as I speak. “We’re getting married today. Time to be man and wife.”

She’s in shock. She just stares at me, her eyes wide. “Where are we getting married?” Her voice is barely audible.

“Here. A priest is coming.”

“But I don’t have a dress.”

“I took care of it. I took care of everything.” I grab the key out of my pocket and start to unlock the handcuffs. She slides down the wall with a loud sigh until she’s in a seated position, arms curled around her legs. I join her on the marble tile, putting a hand on her knee.

She considers this and slowly, a grin creeps across her face. “We’ve always wanted to get married. Now we can just do it and not worry about all the planning.”

She scoots closer to me. “Did you remember my ring?”

“I did.” I grin. I like where her head is at. I thought I would have to warm her up to the idea. I didn’t want her to be black and blue for the wedding pictures, but I would do what I had to do.

“Can we start trying, you know, tonight?”

My heart melts when she says this. I had planned on doing that, regardless if she was into the idea or not. Forcibly taking my wife isn’t beneath me, especially when she belongs to me and my business longevity is at stake.

I’m enthusiastic, my face beaming. She’s going to give me an heir. I cross my fingers for a boy.

“Of course, doll.” I touch her leg and caress it. She doesn’t shy away from my touch.

“Let’s take a shower and get ready.” Her wrists are red, both from the burn marks from the rope and the cold metal. I grab them and glance at her.

“I’m sorry about the accident last night.” I lie. “Hopefully you can mask it.”

She smiles, but it’s forced. It doesn’t reach her face.

I hold tight to her guiding her by the neck as we enter the shower. She immediately sits down on the bench as I hand her a razor to shave and shampoo and conditioner to wash her hair. I busy myself with lathering my body and start humming a tune trying to force the noise in my ears to die down.

“What should our wedding song be?” I pause mid-thought. She’s soaping her body, and she stops as she thinks about it.

She gives me a peck on the cheek. “I know you know the perfect song, you organized this entire thing. It’s only fair you pick.”

“You’re right, I’ve got it.” I’m animated as I speak. ‘Undying Love’ by Eddie Cochran. It was an old song, but the lines about eternity and unrequited love were fitting. I start singing the words to her.

She tilts her head to listen massaging her temples. She’s quiet for a moment and then gives me a tight smile. “I think it’s perfect. It fits us to a T.”

I help her wash her hair, her arms fatigued from the length of time she was in bondage.

It’s finally happening.