Damon Black’s Secret Bride: The Vegas Vow

Chapter 3

AURA’S POV

“Because your bride is already married to me.”

The stranger’s words hit like a trunk, my head snapped toward him so fast I thought my neck might break. My head whirled as thousands of unanswered questions raced through my mind.

What the hell is going on?

“No, I am not!” I yelled, appalled by his statement. “I don’t even know who you are!” I said in frustration as I struggled to pull my arm free from his grip, my eyes stinging with unshed tears.

“I’m hurt you don’t remember me, especially since you instigated the marriage between us.” The man said, his voice dripping with mock hurt.

My head began to throb as a pounding headache began to form too. His words slammed into me like a freight train, rattling my already fragile composure. I really do not know what is happening but lord knows I desperately needed someone to wake me up from this nightmare.

The murmur among the guests grew louder as whispers of speculation filled the room. Judging eyes pierced my skin from all directions, they were clearly coming from Jet’s prestigious guests. They were glaring at me with disdain like I was the villain in this mess.

I too was as confused as them.

Jet’s mother, Evelyn, shot to her feet abruptly, her face ashen and tight with fury. “Aura, what is the meaning of this?” She demanded in a sharp voice, glaring at me with disdain.

She had never approved of me, always thought I was beneath them and wasn't good for her son, but I never cared, as long as Jet loved me, I was fine. Her glare now carried a new weight of hatred. I could almost feel it rolling off her as she likely boiled over the embarrassment I’d caused her family in front of their prestigious guests.

“I-I don’t know.” I stuttered as my voice cracked. “Jet, you have to believe me. I don’t know this man.”

“You keep saying you don’t know me.” The stranger interrupted, his tone rimmed with irritation. “But how else would I know about the heart-shaped birthmark on your inner thigh?” He asked, making me freeze. For a second, I lost the ability to breathe as my mind spiraled into chaos.

How the hell does he know about that? Even Jet didn’t know, as we had never gone further than kissing during our time together. Jet had always been patient with me, waiting for the right moment.

My head snapped to Jet, desperate to explain, but the expression on his face made me want to dig a hole and bury myself in it. Betrayal was carved deeply into his features as he stared at me like I had destroyed his trust.

“Jet, I swear, I don’t know how he knows that!” I pleaded, as my voice grew frantic. “He’s probably a stalker!” I tried to move toward him, but the stranger’s grip on my arm held me firmly in place.

“You wound me, babydoll.” The man said as his lips curled into that smirk of his that oozed danger.

“Please don’t call me that.” I whispered as a shiver ran down my spine. His presence hovered over me, suffocating and inescapable.

“You need to leave.” Jet said in a sharp tone, though he made no move to approach. I couldn’t blame him, this man’s aura screamed danger, and I even felt paralyzed being so close to him. “Can’t you see you’re ruining her day?”

The man’s smirk widened as dark amusement gleamed in his eyes. “Ruining her day?” He echoed, tilting his head slightly, his voice was deceptively calm yet laced with menace. “Actually, I’m doing my wife a favor. I believe it’s against the law for a married woman to marry someone else. Bigamy, was it?”

At this point, tears began to spill down my cheeks because I didn't know what else to do. He was so calm and confident making his claims almost believable. The problem was that I had never met this man in my life before.

“Alright, man, let’s say what you’re saying is true.” Oliver interjected as he stepped forward with deliberate calm. “You can’t just make claims without evidence.”

If I weren't practically held captive, I would have jumped into Oliver’s arm from the relief that flooded me at his intervention, his rationality cutting through the chaos.

“Fair enough.” The stranger said, nodding toward one of the men in black. The man opened a briefcase and pulled out a folder, extracting a document before handing it to him.

“Here. Right here is our marriage certificate.” The stranger announced as he handed the paper to Oliver.

Oliver’s eyes scanned the words on the document, his expression shifting to one of confusion as he looked at me.

“He isn’t lying, Aura. You are married to him.” Oliver said, his voice laced with disbelief.

“What?!” My voice rose in desperation and confusion. “That isn’t possible! How can I be married to him and not know about it? That must be fake, it has to be fake!” I turned to Jet. “Jet, you’re a lawyer! Take a look at it!”

Jet took the document from Oliver and examined it in silence. No word left his mouth but his clenched jaw and taut expression betrayed his inner turmoil.

“It may look real, but we cannot believe it without confirmation.” Jet’s father, Mason, spoke with an air of authority. He pulled out his phone, snapped a photo of the certificate, and sent a message to somebody to confirm.

A few minutes later, his phone pinged with a message making Mason’s face turn white as he read the response.

“It’s real.” He said in a strained voice that was barely audible.

“No!” I cried out, my voice breaking. “It can’t be!”

“Well, if that’s all.” The stranger said, his attention turning back to me, “I’ll be taking my wife home now. I’m sure she’s exhausted.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you!” I shouted stubbornly as I struggled against his iron grip.

“I’ve wasted enough time as it is.” He said coldly. “So, either you walk voluntarily, or I’ll make you.”

At this point, the murmurs in the church had lowered into hushed whispers as everyone stared at the stranger in stunned silence.

My eyes flickered between Oliver and Mila, who had identical expressions on their faces. It was a mix of concern and reluctant relief. I know they have always been skeptical of my relationship with Jet and were happy that this marriage wasn't happening, but they could at least hide the expression on their faces.

Desperate, I turned to Jet as my last resort. “Please, don’t let him take me!” I begged as tears streamed down my face.

The stranger let out a growl of impatience mixed with annoyance before hoisting me over his shoulder like I weighed nothing.

“Put me down! Why are you doing this?!” I screamed as I pounded my fists against his back but he acted as if he was been hit with a stuffed toy.

“Don’t feel so sad.” He said to the priest in a tone that was laced with dark humor. “You’ll get the chance to officiate our white wedding.” He cast a side glance at the priest before strolling casually toward the exit.

“Jet!” I screamed, my voice breaking, but no one dared to move.

This man eluded a suffocating dangerous aura and it is clear that everyone felt it. The air in the church was thick with fear and uncertainty, and I realized no one wanted to risk angering this man.

Outside, he carried me to a sleek, luxurious black car and placed me in the back seat. Strapping the seatbelt across me, he leaned in making my breath hitch, his sharp and unwavering eyes locking onto mine.

“Stay.” He ordered, gripping my chin firmly. “I’m already pissed at you for trying to marry someone else behind my back. Don’t make me angrier, you wouldn't like to see me angrier.”

“Who are you?” I asked, my voice trembling as a stray tear slipped down my cheek.

“Damon Black.” He replied coldly, catching the tear with his thumb. “Do well to remember it, babydoll.”