Sinclair

Shock coursed through her. Then the emotion turned to anger.


She had been kidnapped, tortured, and sexually assaulted more than a month ago. She thought she had experienced the worst nightmare at that time but she was wrong. The panic coursing in her body right that moment was incomparable.

Running from Nicholas was futile. What could she do? He left her no choice.

Sobbing hysterically, she locked herself in the women's lavatory, oblivious to anything. She kept crying. Pouring all of her emotions out. It had lasted a while. She didn't care. Knowing she needed this or she would combust with fury.


Her sobs turned to hiccups eventually. She was sprawled on the floor. The back of her head hit the tiled wall for support. Drained. Her energy depleted.

Trying to think sensibly was a chore. But she had to. The growing life inside her took precedence over her anger toward its father.


Nicholas was only giving her a reprieve, he would surely storm through the door any minute. She knew for a fact they would need to sort this out.

Her heart squeezed painfully. He lied to her. She was so disappointed in him.

He had promised to never hurt her. And he broke it.

This was her body. She had the right to know. Yet, he deliberately kept something so significant from her.

Is that the real reason, Sin?

Fuck! Prodded by that sensible question, she stayed still. He loved her so much that it was an act of betrayal to even question his feelings.

They should be happy.

She should be happy. Closing her eyes. Tired and swollen, her chest heaved, trying to breathe in and out to release her pain.

I am afraid because...

She knew the answer. But she was a coward.

Tentatively, with trembling hands, she touched her belly.

"I can do this." She mumbled softly. Trying to act courageous and accept the fact she was carrying a life inside her.

She didn't know how long she was staring into space. It was too quiet. The only sounds she could hear were her breathing and occasional sniffles.

"Sweetheart," her eyes flew to the door. His hard body was leaning on it while he was watching her cautiously. It seemed he had been observing her for quite some time.

So, he could pick locks, too? Must be among his many talents. She thought sarcastically.

Her anger flared once again. He couldn't trust her enough and let her be. She would have come to him eventually.

"How could you?" She spat. Her usually soft brown eyes were blazing in outrage. "And don't you dare sweetheart me!"

Not wanting to be towered over, she got up on her feet to march at him and poke his chest hard. "You lied to me, Nicholas. Why? Maybe I was an idiot for not recognizing the changes happening with my body. But I trusted you with every part of it. The least you could do is trust me back! You should have told me the moment you knew!"

Tears were running down her cheeks. She wiped them angrily then hit his hard chest with her fists. He let her, allowing her to vent until she sagged. Catching her, he tenderly gathered her in his arms. "I'm sorry." He whispered on her temple. With her remaining strength, she thrashed in his embrace, trying to get away. "Shhh...stop, sweet. Think of our baby."

His words felt like a bucket of cold water. Their baby. A life they created. A precious gift. How could she not want it? She did! More than anything. But...

She raised her eyes and looked at him. "What...I don't know if..." God. She felt terrible. "I don't know how to be a mum." There. She said it.

"I'm afraid, too." He admitted. His face was graven, his chiseled jaw was ticking. "But I love you both so fucking much I am willing to be afraid for the rest of my life if that's the price I have to pay for loving you." He cupped her cheeks, his thumb brushing away her wayward tears. He took a deep constricted breath. Acknowledging his weakness, a man so powerful, dictatorial and so dominant; this had taken a toll on him, too.

Sinclair was only just realizing. Her lips were pressed together in a tight line however, her tear-stained eyes softened.

"I thought I'd give you time, Sin." He continued. "You were so weak after the ordeal you had gone through, I didn't want to add to your worries. You were unconscious, severely wounded, when I found out." His lips touched her forehead. "Not to mention, your state of mind was fragile. Letting you know at that time would add to your anxieties. You're in pain. That's why I made the call."

"I was going to tell you last night but I was so tempted to make love to you...I had to..." She shivered at his confession. "I can't act on it. Not until I'm sure you are fully healed. You and our baby. That's why we are here." Pulling her closer, her taut belly on his lower torso, he gazed down at her. His dark orbs were full of love. And recrimination. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. I should have told you before coming here. I didn't mean to hurt you. Forgive me."

"I felt betrayed. I know you only want what's best for me but I am stronger than you think, Nick. You should also trust my judgment. And you should have told me sooner." She knew running from him was stupid. She was glad she did. It was an eye-opener for him.

"I know." He caressed her cheek. His forehead touched hers. "This will not happen again. I swear, Sin."

Taking a deep calming breath, she nodded. Accepting his apology. Her arms wrapped around his torso. "I'm pregnant." She whispered after a while. "We are having a baby." Her voice became firmer. Happiness finally filled her heart. The reality of it sinking in.

He chuckled softly. His body relaxed in her arms. "Yes, sweet. You made me the happiest man on earth."

Sinclair pulled back, her face tilted up. "You are truly happy?"

"Very," his lips hovered above hers. "And you?"

"Very very much," she answered with conviction then met his hungry mouth with her own.

They kissed sweetly and gently, savoring the moment.

She would be a fool to let this man go. He would be there through it all. Every step of the way.

_________________

Nicholas

Fuck it! He had made a colossal mistake. He had hurt his sweetheart.

Walking back to the clinic, with Sinclair securely in his arms, he gave thanks to the Man above for his woman's forgiving nature. Though he was prepared to beg on his knees, he was glad they didn't come to that.

"I'm nervous," she mumbled.

Nicholas squeezed her hand in reassurance. "I feel the same." He confessed.

The receptionist saw them right away. She immediately picked up her phone and dialed the clinic to let the physician know they arrived.

"Dr. Simmons is waiting for you on door 8." She informed with a tentative smile. The Viscount nodded.

Guiding his sweet to the closed door, he halted, gazing down at Sinclair. "I will be with you on every visit. Starting today." He vowed.

"I know. I'm ready." She smiled gently while he released a huge breath.

Knocking twice, he turned the knob to open the door for them and escorted the lady in his arms inside the room.

Dr. Simmons, a middle-aged doctor, grinned at them. Having attended the Stafford sisters during their pregnancy, she knew Nicholas. "I guess congratulations are in order? Huntley sent me your wife's file."

The Viscount nodded his thanks. "Sinclair, this is Dr. Simmons. One of our family doctors." He gently nudged her forward.

"Nice to meet you, my lady. And call me Irene." Sinclair shook the doctor's hand shyly. "Come take a seat before I examine you. How are you feeling today?"

"Just...just overwhelmed. I get nauseous from time to time and I seem to have lost appetite." His fiancee confessed. He inwardly frowned.

"It's normal, dear. From your laboratory results, everything seems fine. We just have to make sure you are eating right. I will prescribe you prenatal vitamins and something for your nausea." Dr. Simmons was writing numerous prescriptions. "More lean meat, fruits, and vegetables. Whatever you crave, get it, okay?"

Sinclair nodded. The uncertainty in her body dissipated. He was glad. He listened attentively while the physician gave more instructions about pregnancy health care.

"Intimacy is allowed until you feel otherwise." Dr. Simmons said in a business-like manner. The young lady was blushing, her eyes went to the Viscount. "As long as you are comfortable then the fetus is safe. Exercise is good but no heavy lifting." While Nicholas was relieved to hear they could still make love, he had to make sure it was what Sinclair wanted. "Okay, let's check on the little bean. Follow me, please." She led them to a small cot in the clinic. An ultrasound machine was set to one side.

Nicholas felt his heart thump in excitement.

"Please lie down and get comfortable, dear." Dr. Simmons waited patiently while Sinclair was helped by her fiance on the bed. Her plain pink blouse was pulled up and her jeans unbuttoned. "Here you go. This will be cold." She warned.

Their eyes were on the screen, his hand covering one of Sinclair's, he held his breath. For a moment, he could only see some numbers, then a black void. The doctor moved the white stick, a picture of a very small pouch appeared, followed by a strong heartbeat. "So, that's the little heir." She beamed while Sinclair laughed through her tears, squeezing Nick's hand. He felt unexplainable joy fill his heart. A daughter or son. He will love either.

"Very healthy heartbeat. Normal length. About seven weeks. I will print a copy for you. The next ultrasound will be scheduled in the second trimester. I will meet you back in my office." Viscount Redington knew Irene was giving them a bit of privacy to celebrate.

He wiped Sinclair's exposed belly and helped her fix her clothes. His arms pulled her in a tender embrace as soon as her feet touched the tiled floor.

"Thank you, sweetheart," he murmured against her scented long black hair. He knew his voice was filled with emotions.

She giggled. "And thank you. You did your part as well."

He groaned. "Don't remind me now. I am trying to control myself." She pecked his lips in response.

"Let's spend the day at home. I am craving my pot roast." She said excitedly. He missed her cooking, too. But...

"You are not to tire yourself, sweet." He warned. Making a mental note to tell Mrs. Dee of their mistress's delicate condition. Although he knew his housekeeper wouldn't be surprised.

"Pft. I'm pregnant not an invalid. Come on, Dr. Simmons is waiting and we need to do some grocery shopping." She pulled his hand, her happiness was contagious. How could he deny her? He wouldn't even try.

____________

Sinclair

The way to a man's heart was through his stomach. Or maybe a few inches lower.

She tried to hide her smirk. Her plan was working. Cooking her favorite dish, now Nicholas's favorite, too, was part of it.

She was craving pot roast tonight. And him. It had been way too long since they were intimate.

While Nicholas was changing for dinner, she called the Dowager. Affirming their agenda was to be executed two days hence. Mama happily agreed.

Sinclair had faith that her sisters-in-law and Lady Louise were rallying behind her and finalizing everything.

Viscount Redington was in for the biggest surprise of his life.

There had been some sexual tension during the drive home but he still would not act on it. He was treating her like delicate china. Frustrating her to no end.

She was determined to end their abstinence this evening.

On their usual favorite spot, she eyed her creation approvingly. In a corner laid a lush soft rug, pillows of different sizes to cushion their bodies, and in the middle was a rectangular wooden board a huge platter of dishes awaited them. No cutleries. She would be feeding him by hand tonight.

The evening air was neither frigid nor humid. Just perfect. She shivered in anticipation.

Hearing a sharp intake of breath behind her, knowing who it was and the effect of her thin silk teddy on him, she turned slowly with a soft gentle smile on her lips.

She had told him to dress casually. Wearing an open-collar dark blue dress shirt and black pants, barefooted, Nicholas didn't disappoint.

"Sinclair," her name left his lips. His voice was gravelly while he thoroughly scanned every inch of her body enticingly displayed only for him.

Her smile widened. "Hungry?" She gestured at the inviting set-up. "I've set a dinner picnic." She also instructed the butler not to disturb them and clear the gardens below their private balcony. She didn't want any audience. The thought made her blush. Noticing, his chiseled jaw hardened.

Slowly, stalking Sinclair like a predator, halting in front of her, his arms went around her tiny waist. Leaning down, he nuzzled his nose on her neck.

She bit her lip but a moan of desire escaped.

"You are playing with fire, sweet. We will dine as you wish. Afterward..." He let his promise hang in the air. He licked her skin and she shuddered.

"Hmmm, I would want my dessert," she finished, giggling when he growled, before pulling her to their banquet.

They settled on the many pillows and she leaned comfortably on his hard chest. His muscular limbs surrounded her, giving comfort.

Since she labored over the dishes, he made it a point to serve her.

Dining with him had always been a delight. He attended to her every need. Feeding her unhurriedly. Only satisfied when she was full.

This was his art of seduction.

Nicholas's dark gaze was constantly returning to her lips, her eyes, and her ruddy cheeks.

She couldn't eat anymore. The anticipation was killing her. Every inch of her was focused on him. On his deep breathing, the lust in his eyes, and his erection poking on the small of her back.

"Fuck, this!" She whispered harshly. Turning in his arms, she drew his head down to feast on his lips hungrily. She could taste bourbon on his hot tongue and she moaned in delight.

Mature Content 18+

Nicholas's hands roved her front just as ravenously. Like a man possessed, he mapped a familiar territory.

Sinclair had no resistance. She had surrendered a long time ago.

"I can't stop," he rasped on her moist lips, his hand moving steadily further down until she felt it against the joint of her thigh and her pussy. She gasped and tried to pull away but his hand tightened around the back of her neck, his other hand moved over her pussy lips, two fingers running over them. She knew he could feel how wet she was and that made her want to whimper a little more, but it also made her want to moan. "Hmmm, no underwear. And so wet for me."

"Don't stop, please." She was squirming again when his fingers slipped between her pussy lips and found her clit, and she heard herself sob as he rubbed against her little nub, "Nick," she bit her lip, trying not to cry out louder as her body instinctually pushed back, and she found his fingers inside of her, pushing and twisting, she grabbed his broad shoulders seeking purchase.

She found herself gasping when he pulled her firmly against his hard body, changing positions, he laid her on the thick pillows.

His hand snaked down over her taut belly to rub against her pussy from the front, she found herself opening her thighs to give him better access. The hand that had been holding her down grasped lightly at one of her breasts, caressing it at first, then narrowing down until he held her nipple between two fingers. As he pinched and rolled it she found herself moaning and squirming in his grasp. She wanted to touch him, too.

She could feel his throbbing erection through his dress pants. Pulsing and hard for her.

"Let me touch you." She pleaded. He stopped to look at her flushed face. Giving in, he nodded.

Then she cupped him. She heard him let out a little groan of relief. When he rolled her nipple and pinched it hard enough to make her cry out she tightened her hold on him.

Breaking free for a moment, he pulled her hard against him, his mouth covering hers in a passionate kiss. She returned it with equal fervor, her tongue delving into his warm mouth as he grabbed at her ass, pulling one of her legs around his hip and grinding the rough fabric of his pants into her pussy.

Moaning, Sinclair grasped his shirt, grinding against him, feeling her wetness spread over his pants, and she knew he could feel it sinking into the fabric.

As he dominated her mouth, he broke their kiss for a second, pulled at his shirt from his pants, her hands slipped beneath it to feel his strong muscles. Impatient, she tugged the front and tiny buttons flew around them.

Nicholas chuckled huskily. "Sweetheart," he murmured on her neck.

"I need you now, please." Her voice sounded unfamiliar. So needy and hoarse.

"No. Slowly. I need to be gentle." From the tone of his voice, firm and full of authority, he wouldn't be dissuaded.

"If that's what you want. But I want to give you pleasure, too." She negotiated.

"I am all yours."

"Good." Then she pushed him until he lay underneath her.

She moved, running her hands over his thighs and pressing her breasts between his knees, making room for herself between his legs. Her hands moved up over his lap, he groaned and the intensity in his eyes made her shudder.

She felt so hot. So turned on. Her fingers pulled at the zipper of his pants. All that mattered was how warm his cock felt beneath the material, and how close she was to it.

Leaning down, still looking up at him, her tongue ran over the fabric, she opened them slowly, and then she ran her swollen lips over his black silk boxers. She could smell him now, strong and musky, and she could feel his cock pulsing at the touch of her tongue through it.

Nicholas groaned, his head thrown back on the cushions, waiting, anticipating.

Her hand slipped into his boxers, pulling his cock free, slowly stroking it, she leaned forward to run her tongue over the moist bulbous tip.

Cursing, he tangled his hand deeper in her thick hair, rocking her head forward so that she could take the head of his cock into her mouth as she stroked him. She moaned around his cock head, her tongue bathing it, taking more of him in as she rocked her head back and forth with his urging, her hand moving up to meet her mouth, then away as she pulled back.

Looking up at him, still stroking his cock, his dark gaze bored into hers, "I want to taste you."

"Sin," he warned. The determination on her face gave him pause. "Okay. Anything for you."

She grinned. "Watch me."

His cock filled her mouth once more. Moving her hand away, she suddenly pushed down his pulsing length, taking the entire shaft into her throat. Bobbing her head up and down.

"Fuck, sweet." He was groaning each time she took his cock in. His trembling hands guided her.

She hummed in approval. Knowing she was driving him crazy with desire.

One of his hands moved down to one of her breasts, plucking her nipple and pulling on it, she squirmed on his lap. Aroused beyond belief.

Trying to relieve the ache in between her thighs, she straddled his lap, pushing her body against his.

She gasped. Her play was short-lived. Nicholas had driven his face down towards her breasts and he unceremoniously pulled her up to start sucking and biting on one of her nipples, rolling the hard nub with his tongue, one of his arms wrapping firmly around her back to hold her where he wanted her, the other moving down until his hand was rubbing her pussy again.

She cried out, arching her back as she felt his fingers rubbing her clit and slipping into her cunny, fingering her slowly at first, and then faster smearing her juices over her pussy lips and thighs.

"I need you inside me." Restless, she squirmed on his hard thighs, rubbing against his body, and she could feel his cock against her hot skin caressing softly. He switched from one nipple to the other, she closed her eyes in bliss, grabbing at the back of his neck, pulling at his dark locks.

She brushed her leg against his rod sensuously, so close it made her want to scream with frustration, but one unrelenting hand remained on her derriere, keeping her above his cock for the time being.

"I want your cock, please, fuck me." Neither of them could feel the cold of the evening air anymore, their blood rushing so fast through their bodies that it felt like they were on fire. She heard Nicholas groan around her nipple, his hand moved from her ass to his cock and he stroked it, moving it over her clit, back and forth, driving her to distraction. Every time she tried to push down onto it he would move it away and she would feel it slide against her, preparing her. "Oh, God! Now!" She grumbled. Losing her patience.

With a savage growl, Nicholas's throbbing cock suddenly speared inside of her. He thrust himself up the cushions, wrapping both arms around her, standing, he turned quickly, and gently lowered her body on the many pillows, moving his cock in and out of her slowly as she cried out, his mouth on her neck, his teeth biting into her tender flesh. She whimpered aloud, uncaring of their surroundings, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her legs around his waist as he fucked her, filling her tight cunny with every inch of his length, pumping her for all she was worth. She threw her head back and her hair fell away from her body, gasping from the sweet sensation, her pussy ached for more, and she knew it wouldn't be long before her fiance made her cum.

"Fuck! I'm losing control," he groaned and growled into her hair. She met him when he thrust harder up into her, and the power of his movements amazed her, he fucked her with abandon yet he was still careful of her, his gaze was soon glued to her body, assessing, gauging. "You take every inch of me so well, sweet." He praised.

She watched him, too. The desire burning in his eyes, his hunger for her.

.

His lust. All for her.

She reached with one hand to push against his chest as she watched the way his eyes moved over her body, as she felt the way his fingers dug into her firm breast. "Cum for me, baby."

At her words, he drove faster. Thrusting into her with all he had, harder still, she could feel every inch of his throbbing cock, she knew it couldn't be much longer until he came inside her, and that made her hotter, wetter. Her back arched, she closed her eyes, opening them again to scream with pleasure when he rubbed her clit, making her cum. Her wall squeezed him rhythmically, urging, caressing him. Draining him.

Suddenly, he let out a loud, growling groan, he drove his slick length into her cumming pussy, his balls slapping her ass as she felt him explode inside of her. He leaned over her, thrusting hard a few more times, filling her, his mouth closing over her, giving her a much-needed breath, and she arched her back to meet him. His cum was hot inside of her and sticky on her thighs when he pulled back to look down at her.

"Sweetheart," he called out. Dazed, Sinclair opened her eyes slowly. "Are you alright?"

With one trembling hand, she cupped his cheek, "We were perfect, Nick." She said. Assuring him, she and their baby were doing just fine.

He leaned down, molding her lips with his once more while they lay on their makeshift love nest.

"Though, I will need you to recuperate faster. My hormones are driving me insane." She complained.

His rich laughter comforted her. Nuzzling her neck, he murmured. "How about a nice warm bath, sweet?"

Nodding eagerly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her.

They always knew where that would lead them. The night was still young and they were just starting.

_________________

Espionage

Nicholas

Two Days Later

"Where the hell are we going, Huntley?" Redington asked impatiently. "Why couldn't I drive the Audi?"

His foul mood also derived from the fact of being awakened at the crack of dawn by his butler, only to find out Sinclair was kidnapped by his mother and his sisters.

Huntley was looking down at him with a shit-eating grin on his face.

Knowing Redington, who was about to scramble out of the mammoth bed to go after his fiancee, the baron immediately handed him two sealed envelopes.

One from his mama. The other one was from Sinclair.

His sweetheart explained she had to go with the Dowager Viscountess to meet the tenants at Redington's Place, the family estate. Which was odd. His frown continued to grow while reading the letter. As the current lord and landowner, he should be the one accompanying her instead of his mother. But he could hardly deny Sinclair's whims these days. It had become his prerogative not to upset her.

Reading his mother's message, his confusion grew. In a detailed instruction, he was asked to dress according to her specifications, to which he again complied. And he should go with the good baron in all haste without so much a small complaint. Those were the dowager's exact words.

Huntley was taking full advantage of his friend's unusually ruffled state. Redington scowled.

"Why the long face, Nick?" He asked dryly. His eyes never leave the road. They had been driving for hours. To his horror, Huntley had intentionally driven around the familiar countryside in circles. He swore they passed the same signage four times already.

"Are we going to my estate?" Nicholas queried. They passed by a village a few kilometers from his land.

"Yes. Lady Redington asked me to get something you will need today." Huntley answered vaguely. "By the way, you know I'm loyal to you, and I would die for you, right?"

His words gave the Viscount pause. "What have you done, EJ?"

"Correction. It's what I am about to do." Baron Huntley said in an amused tone. Thoroughly enjoying his role.

"What?" Viscount Redington's brows furrowed in confusion.

"I'm sorry, my friend." Nicholas felt a small prick on his neck. Incredulous dark brown eyes went to the baron. He was clutching an empty syringe in his left hand. "Your lady made me do it," were his last words.

Then blackness.

______________

Marching

Nicholas

Groaning, slowly waking up, he twisted his body, trying to get up from the cot at the same time, he tried to form a coherent thought.

Where was he?

Nicholas's lids closed tightly, then fluttered. Blinking, he tried to focus. The dull ache in his head slowly dissipated.

His dark brown eyes surveyed the ceiling of the white tent he was brought to.

Fuck! Where am I? Where is Sinclair?

Panicking, he swiveled his long limbs and got up. He came face to face with Sandringham.

"Where the fuck is EJ? I'm going to skin him alive with his scalpel!" He growled. The Marquis laughed hard. "He drugged me!" Redington reasoned.

"Your lady's instruction. Stop the dramatics. Your mother is waiting." He patted Nicholas's back. "Come on. Let's get you ready, big boy."

Concentrating on his surroundings, still trusting his peers, despite the fact they drugged him, he followed Sandringham to another part of the huge enclosed area.

"What is going on?" Puzzled. His gaze fell on an all-black tuxedo displayed for him. And his friends. EJ, in formal attire, was standing behind the duke. Who was also decked out in his finery.

"Sinclair will kill us if we ruin the surprise. You better get dressed before you are late, Redington." His eyes narrowed menacingly at the doctor.

"Okay, stop planning my funeral. Reserve your energy for later." Everyone snickered at EJ's words.

Grudgingly, he changed into a tuxedo, to his surprise, perfectly tailored for him. The duke helped him with his tie while Mountford handed him a glass of bourbon. "Here, you will need this." The Earl said with a smirk. He downed the strong drink in one gulp. Fire settled on his belly, mellowing his mood. But suspicion hasn't left him.

"I can't believe I am allowing this," Nicholas muttered, gazing at his reflection in the full-length mirror.

"Where are we and what are we attending?"

"Don't worry. It's not a funeral." Sandringham snorted his mirth. "Though your bachelor days will be officially over today."

"Shut up, you two. Come on, it's time to go." Cerdic said.

The white flaps of the massive tent were opened and that was when Redington realized. Fuck! His sweetheart was a one-in-a-million.

"You still have time to run, big boy." Lucian mocked from behind him.

"No way." The Viscount shook his head. "Where is she?" He scanned the vast field on his land. Pruned and decorated for the event.

"I believe you have to wait at the altar for that." One of his peers teased. He ignored them.

Servants and workers were putting the finishing touches while guests were ushered to their respective seats.

Nicholas strode to the area where everything was perfectly decorated for his wedding. White arcs made of roses led him to the make-shift altar.

He recognized the local vicar.

"Mr. Chandler." Redington acknowledged.

"My lord," the aging man, a close friend of the former lord, inclined his head, pleased to officiate the Viscount's wedding ceremony. "It's about time." He added in approval.

"Do you think he would be proud of me?" He continued to look around him. Asking made his heart ache from the bittersweet moment. His sire was a loving father. A devoted husband. He should have been the one walking Sinclair down the aisle.

"He is, my boy." The Vicar answered with conviction. "Just remember the two most important rules. One, the wife is always right. Two, if you think she's wrong, remember rule number one."

Redington's rich boom of laughter filled the air. A rare sight, he made everyone grin. Then he sobered when he heard the scratch of a violin.

Lucien tapped his back. "It's time." He nodded, arching his brow in a silent question to the earl. "Yes. I'm your best man since I won the wager." His gaze went to the rest of the club members occupying the front seats.

Music filled the air, his heart began to hammer in his chest, in anticipation, and the thought of spending the rest of his life with the woman he loved made him impatient.

The procession began. He concentrated on what was about to take place. Cameras were discreetly snapping pictures.

Good. He wanted all of England to know.

Two beautiful girls, his nieces, walked down the aisle. Flowers were strewn on the carpet, creating a pool of fragrant flowers. Followed by Ingrid's three-year-old son, the ring bearer.

Nicholas grinned proudly while the female guests giggled at the children's cuteness.

Lady Louise, a refined lady he also saw as a little sister, obviously the maid of honor, walked towards them, a serene smile on her youthful face. She could give any gentleman a run for his money with her angelic and innocent beauty. But he knew she already belonged to one man. She just didn't know it yet. It was something to look forward to in the future. For now, he will keep it a secret.

Then the music changed to the cadence of a traditional wedding march. People seemed to hold their breaths at the picture his wife-to-be presented.

Redington's attention prevailed to the most awaited part of the ceremony.

Sinclair Yuan, his Viscountess, his lady, a white veil covering the entirety of her delicate features, wearing a simple white silk wedding gown glided towards him serenely.

A shaky smile graced her lips, her soft brown eyes never leaving his, the tremors on her hands unnoticed because of the bouquet of white roses she held.

His future. The lump in his throat made it impossible for him to breathe deeply.

He didn't care. He had wanted to go to her but he waited until she stood before him. Looking up at him with adoration in her soft depths. "Hi," she whispered.

"I love you," was his response. His voice was loud and clear for everyone to hear.

She sobbed her happiness. "Surprise." She answered shakily.

One strong hand glided to her back, he guided her to the steps leading them both to the vicar at the altar. "The best surprise of my life. Come. Let's start our future, my sweet."

"Yes, my lord. Let's."

_____________________