The secretary said hello to Ryder as he swept past her and made his way to his father’s office, but he just ignored her. He should have at least asked if his father was occupied, but if he lingered he probably wouldn’t go through with this. Let George Hendrix see that his son was scared of no one. He had proven her worth. She had not said one word about Sheila and he had showed that he could control her. All he had to do was play humble and she bent. His shoulders slumped and he stopped, hanging his head. He hadn’t done that. He had formed a lie in his head about working overtime in Moscow, but once he saw her light blue eyes full of compassion, the story just spilt out. How he wanted her to shower him with love and nurture. And she had.
Ryder gripped the doorknob of his father’s office, feeling the sweat on his palm. Who was he kidding? The man would have him thrown out of his office and worse. A heat spread through him. He couldn’t live without her. He just couldn’t. His father needed to realize in order for him to become the man he wanted, he had to have her.
He knocked on the door.
“Come in, Ryder.”
He lowered his fist. How did his father know he was here?
Ryder opened the door and walked in before shutting it. His father looked up from where he sat on his desk with his arms crossed – his young secretary sat across from him with a laptop on her lap – her blouse a little too low.
Ryder stood with his hands clasped in front of his waist until his father dismissed the secretary and sat in a brown leather chair. Mr. Hendrix folded his hands on the desk and gave him a glare that made every inch of him stand up straight.
Ryder raised a hand. “I know I can trust her. I want to her to officially become my mate this December.”
His father tilted his head as his lips snarled upwards. “Of course you do. You broke my command and told her.”
Ryder took a deep breath, but he couldn’t calm the heat that coursed through him. “You were watching us.”
“You’re the one who told the council to keep an eye on her.”
“Let me marry her.”
“No, I want you to drop this girl and get back with Taylor.”
Why? Was he mad? What did he have to do to win her? Kill her father as she sang his praises. Ryder shook his head and planted his hands on the desk. “What are you afraid of? That we can’t shut down some girl. You know what we could do to her.”
His father chuckled as he leaned back into the chair, placing his hands behind his head. “You’d deny her in an instant?”
“If needed.”
His top lip curved into a smirk. “I thought it was true love.”
“Family first.” Ryder stared at his father’s eyes - his chest rose and fell with each of his deep breaths.
“Family?” The man raised his eyebrows.
Ryder stood and crossed his hands in front of his waist. “Your plans first.”
Mr. Hendrix waved his hand as if he was dismissing him. “Marry your girl, but you’re responsible for her.”
The breath slipped from him. He had consented. Ryder turned for the door and clutched the handle.
“I mean it, Ryder.”
He stopped and looked back at his father, as he dropped a pen on the black desk. He leaned forward, his glare piercing through him as he pointed a finger at Ryder. “Know this. I’ll tell the council to slice that pretty throat if you don’t and she causes problems.”
“I won’t fail you.” Ryder walked out the door, clenching his hand. She was his.
* * *
Alecia stood trembling on the steps of the building she was to we'd Ryder, as well as become his official mate.
Hopefully her tears weren’t staining her veil. Alecia clutched her father’s arm listening to his sweet advice as his voice cracked. The Hendrix's diamonds weighed heavily on her chest making her feel the burdens of previous hopes for the family line. Mrs. Hendrix had told her every Hendrix bride wore these on her wedding day and now they adorned her neck - a sign that she was now a part of their powerful family. She closed her eyes. The bell skirt of the dress flowed out from her. When she had first tried it on, she had swirled side to side as if she could make it ring. The white gown had few decorations; just a small gathering of lace at the sleeves. She had wanted a simple dress, so the family jewels Ryder had presented her with would be the focal point of her attire.
The doors opened and Alecia gasped at the sea of people. Her father took one step, but she stayed still. What was she doing?
“Just focus on Ryder,” her father said, nudging her forward. She looked up and found Ryder at the front of the altar, hands crossed, face stoic, waiting for her. A slight smile crossed her face. Yes, she must focus on Ryder, the most important person to her. The one she was completely giving herself to. She took her first step.
Just before she reached the steps that led to the altar, Ryder let a full smile fill his face.
Alecia's heart flipped. He longed for her.
The smile never left as he looked into her eyes and promised to always love her. She could barely speak, and only whispered her vows. When the preacher announced them man and wife, she closed her eyes as Ryder kissed her cheek. She opened them and took a deep breath before looking at the sea of people before her, slightly laughing. She had captured one of America’s most sought-after bachelors. She looked at his strong face. A brightness filled his eyes. He led her down the long aisle, as if he was making it known to the whole world that she was his.
He bent to her ear, as they walked out of the building. “You’re mine forever,” he whispered, making her smile. Yes, she was.