The Game (28 page)

The fairytale would come true this time. It just had to. Chastity squinted against the radiance of the afternoon sun as she heard the bungalow door slide shut behind her. As her gaze absorbed the exquisite gardens of 155

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Ecstasy Island, she could’ve sworn the grass was greener, the flowers brighter and the clouds fluffier in the aquamarine sky.

Fact was, everything looked better through the eyes of a woman in love.

“Chastity.” She started at Tatiana’s sudden appearance. The woman’s face beamed.

“I’ve been asked to escort you to the Temple of Worship.”

Chastity felt the blood rush from her face. She couldn’t believe that Seth would allow his future bride to be fucked by another man, not to mention by three at the same time. Like a knife pressed deep into her heart, it hurt to remember their morning, to recall their words of love and to know it meant so little, if anything, to Seth. Then Chastity remembered Voyeur II, the game, and that as far as everyone on this planet was concerned she was still Seth’s slave. Apparently Seth felt the same way. Disheartened, she followed Tatiana through the gardens and past the citadel, and over the creaky wooden bridge that swayed with a rhythm that had Chastity’s stomach somersaulting.

As they entered the room where the iridescent crystals glowed, Chastity gazed about. The room was empty except for the flood of colors and lights dancing within the crystal. In the air, tiny starbursts ignited. The energy level was so high that she could feel electricity brush her skin. She shivered, sensing something big was about to happen.

Spellbound, Chastity stood motionless as Seth entered the room. Her anger vanished with his appearance. He was dressed in an elegant tuxedo, black with satin lapels, and a pristine white shirt. With a flick of his head, waves of ebony hair floated on the air, drawing her eyes to the matching bowtie around his muscular neck. Seth’s presence was bigger than life, filling the archway to the beautiful atrium she had awakened in the previous day. Piercing eyes raked her frame coolly, as he stroked his beard, running his fingers through his goatee. Then with a wave of his hand, he motioned her to him.

Chastity couldn’t move.

What kind of man confessed his love then allowed this to happen?

Seth quickly moved to her side. He frowned. “Are you okay?”

Through a wall of emotion she breathed, “Is this your surprise?”

“Well—” he looked around at the room, “—part of it.”

Chastity snapped her jaws together to resist the urge to respond. Heat singed her cheeks. It took a massive willpower not to reach out and bitch-slap the man. Then as if it couldn’t get worse, Seth threw back his head and roared. Full-bodied laughter spilled from his mouth. In a quick move he reached out and brought her rigid body into his arms.

His warm breath caressed her ear. “Do you trust me?

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Trust? She gazed deep into his blue eyes, and then she saw it… Love. Could she return his love and give him unconditional surrender? As she melted into his arms she knew the answer was… “Yes.”

Seth stepped away and held her at arms length. “Do you love me?”

“With all my heart,” tumbled helplessly from her mouth.

His tongue moistened his dry lips. “Will you marry me, here? Now?”

Chastity’s eyes widened. A tremble rocked her down to her soul. “What?”

Passion Flower approached with a large white box, a red bow wrapped around it. She placed it in Seth’s open hands.

“It only just arrived.” His outstretched hands presented the gift to Chastity. “I’ll hold the box, while you open it.”

Chastity gripped the ribbon and pulled, allowing it to uncurl and float to the ground as she raised the lid. The cover slipped from her grasp and tumbled next to the ribbon.

Her eyes widened with wonder. One palm covered her mouth, while the other one brushed the tissue paper back.

Inside was a wedding dress.

“For me?” she gasped, extracting the gown.

Seth laughed. “Yes, for you.” He set the box on the floor. “Passion Flower, will you assist Chastity?” The Asian woman took the dress from Chastity’s trembling hands and slipped it over her head, careful not to disturb her hair. The strapless gown slid down her body, conforming to her shape, until it floated gently to brush the floor. It was satin and lace, and exactly like the one she had worn on their first wedding day.

“How?” she asked.

“It’s not the same one.” Seth took a step back. He stroked her with a tender gaze.

“But how I remember—” his words seem to stick in his throat, “—how I remembered you that day. Our wedding day.”

Chastity had not forgotten that day, and evidently, neither had Seth. Tatiana stepped forward and placed a lacy coronet weaved with blue forget-menots and baby’s breath on Chastity’s head. The airy veil slid over her naked shoulders, sending goose bumps across her skin as it settled at her elbows. Then the woman pressed a bouquet of matching flowers into her hands. Its sweet delicate scent rose to surround her.

Seth meant to marry her this very moment.

Seth held out his arm. Chastity was bursting with emotions as she weaved her arm around his. Together they entered the adjacent chamber.

Her steps faltered. Tatiana, the Thorenson brothers and Passion Flower were in attendance.

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Chastity stared at the smiling faces before her. Emotion gathered tight and heavy in her chest. She swallowed hard, choking back stinging tears. Should she pinch herself?

Surely this couldn’t be happening. Was her dream finally becoming reality?

Seth drew her close. “Before we begin, I have another gift for you.”

He disappeared behind a large boulder. When he appeared again, a woman in a gauzy blue gown held his hand. Immediate jealousy stung Chastity’s heart. Then the air in her lungs seized. She took one blurry look and then another. A tremor racked her body.

“Mom!”

The frail woman released Seth’s hand and fled into Chastity’s open arms. They embraced.

Through a haze of tears Chastity murmured, “How? When?”

Celeste Ambrose wiped at her daughter’s tears. She smiled at Seth. “Your young man made it happen.”

Chastity looked at Seth standing apart from them. He had done this for her. She remembered the game, the money, the years of work to obtain her mother’s release. How much had it cost Seth?

Chastity’s arms tightened around her mother. “But how? When?”

“Does it matter, sweetie?” Celeste eased herself from Chastity’s embrace. “Now, daughter, I believe this man has waited two long years to wed you.” Her lips curled into a smile. “Now go to him. Make him happy.”

Chastity didn’t need any more encouragement as she released her mother and flew into Seth’s awaiting arms.

“Thank y—” Chastity’s words of appreciation were smothered by a kiss.

“If the two of you can come up for air, I’ll start the ceremony.” Tor moved in front of them.

Chastity’s obvious confusion spurred Seth to explain that Tor was, in essence, the captain of Zygoman, and therefore ordained to perform marital rites. Chastity couldn’t help the blush that surfaced as she stood before the man who had thoroughly fucked her, and was now performing her wedding ceremony. Was life strange, or what?

* * * * *

“…I now pronounce you Master and slave.” Passion Flower gave her husband a sharp elbow to his side that elicited a chuckle from the audience. He cleared his throat.

“Husband and wife,” he corrected, before frowning at his spouse. “You may kiss your bride.”

Seth stole Chastity’s breath away as he pressed his lips to hers. Tender, yet masterful, he branded her with his affection, leaving no doubt that she belonged to him. 158

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When they parted, their love was reflected in each others eyes. He grinned and swept her off her feet, into his arms.

Chastity inhaled a blissful breath as Seth nuzzled her hair.

“You’re mine.” It was a growl of possession that sent chills slithering up her spine. Arms tightened around her, reinforcing his words.

Everyone else in the room ceased to exist as far as she was concerned. Seth’s racing heart and heavy breathing matched hers. If he was as hard as she was wet, they would climax as soon as naked flesh slid across flesh. She fought the desire to wedge her hand between them to verify the condition of his cock. It wasn’t necessary.

The dark hunger in Seth’s blue eyes told Chastity that she had guessed right. Seth wanted her as much as she did him. Without a word, he headed toward the exit. As they reached the door a strong hand folded around Seth’s biceps, halting their escape. “That can wait, Allen. A celebration feast awaits you and your bride in the citadel.”

Chastity’s pulse faltered. Another test of willpower came as her heated body slithered down Seth’s. And, yep, his cock was rock-hard as he paused, settling it between her thighs, pressing his hips against hers before setting her on her feet. A featherlight kiss and then Seth whispered, “Later.”

Chastity nodded, barely able to stand on the rubbery legs perched beneath her. But a secure arm linked with hers, helped guide her through the door and the rest of the way out of the temple.

Above the chatter that filled her head as the small group of people headed back to the citadel, Chastity beamed.
I’m Mrs. Seth Allen
. Seth grinned, placing an arm around her waist and drawing her closer. “And don’t you forget it.”

Embarrassment burned her face. She had spoken aloud.

“Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” Seth squeezed her. Then he frowned. “I didn’t have time to send for your ring.”

“I don’t need a ring.” And Chastity didn’t. All she needed was Seth’s love, and her mother, who had walked up next to her.

“Mom, the house is gone. Everything is gone.” Chastity hung her head. The weight of her actions was heavy on her shoulders as she told her mother about the sale of their belongings. Even harder was admitting that she had given the proceeds to Josh. Monies used to retain Celeste instead of release her.

A loving hand settled on Chastity’s arm. “Honey, that’s water under the bridge. It’s over.” Celeste’s voice firmed. “I don’t want to hear mention of this nasty incident again.” Her fingers shook slightly as they tightened around Chastity’s arm. “Today is your wedding day. It’s a day of celebration.”

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Chastity’s mother wasn’t fooling anyone. The deeply etched lines on the woman’s face screamed of her trials. Only time would heal her wounds, and those that Josh had inflicted on all of them.

With that, they entered the beautifully decorated ballroom. A lavish spread of Egorian breads, Baccarac fowl and meats, exotic native desserts from Zygoman and an array of fruits and vegetables from Earth, covered the richly adorned tables. Above them, a million sparkling lights twinkled like stars in the heavens, illuminating the great hall. Flowers and greenery appeared as if they had sprung from the drywall and floor.

Passion Flower led Chastity and Seth to the head of the table. Two large, intricately carved chairs—thrones—awaited them. Passion Flower perched on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss across Seth’s cheek.

Next, she did the same to Chastity, pressing her cheek to her, saying, “The dark has been lifted. Follow the sunshine in his eyes. It will show you the way into the abode of bliss.”

Then the woman bowed and took her place next to Tor, who sat at Seth’s left. Terrance was on the other side of Passion Flower, and Shawn was strangely absent. Tatiana escorted Celeste to Chastity’s side. Then as a group they sat. Immediately, servants swarmed them with wine and drink. Laughter filled the air. Yet Chastity couldn’t forget Passion Flower’s words. Chastity looked over at her husband. He turned and their gazes locked. Passion Flower was right. Sunshine brightened his eyes, brightened her life.

A warm hand lifted her gown and traced a path from her knee to the apex of her thighs. She cocked a brow, meeting her husband’s mischievous grin. Quietly, she parted her legs, offering the seeking fingers free passage. But the dark expression of hunger on Seth’s face was not appeased with the grape Chastity popped into his mouth. Slowly, Seth bit down on the juicy fruit. Then his hand pushed past her panties. He chewed once, twice. His fingers gently probed. He chewed again and hit pay dirt as his digit sunk into her heat.

Chastity’s nipples tingled, her clit swelled beneath Seth’s exquisite touch as he caressed her folds. Her hips lifted from the chair to meet his thrusts, eager to reach the summit that was building inside her. When he extracted his hands from her pussy, Chastity whimpered.

“
Seth
?”

“Hush, my love.”

Chastity’s eyes grew wide as Seth plucked a grape off the platter and pushed it into her mouth, along with the finger that had been buried to the hilt inside her. The purple grape blended with her essence was a heady combination as she sucked gently, pulling him deeper into her hot mouth.

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Suddenly, a racket from outside drew their attention. Seth’s finger slipped from Chastity’s mouth as a barrage of cameras and Voyeur II personnel clattered through the doors. Beyond them was Monty Jamison, with Shawn Thorenson close behind. The wary expression on the game show host’s face made Chastity wonder if he was here of his own accord, or if the brawny man behind him was the reason for his unexpected appearance.

A rough shove against the man’s back answered her question. Then, like a true professional, a smile lit Monty’s face. “Cameras.” The lights showered him, following his every step, then swooped in on Chastity and Seth, blinding them. Both of them brought a hand up, squinting as they adjusted to the glare. Slowly, Chastity brought her hand back down. As Monty padded closer, Chastity could see that he looked a little green around the gills. Monty stopped and grinned impishly into the cameras. “And so we end this competition with a surprise marriage.” A hearty pat to Seth’s back pushed him forward.

“Miss Ambro—uh, Mrs. Allen—it appears that you have won both the money and the man.”