The Devil's Ride

The Small Wedding

Ever since I was little, I had never wanted to get married. I watched my mother tear my father apart piece by piece, and I promised myself I would never end up like that. Love always looked like a trap to me. Pain dressed up as commitment. But being thrown into Scar’s world forced my eyes open in ways I never expected. The violence, the power, the loyalty, the danger. All of it stripped away the fantasy version of life I had been living and replaced it with something raw and real.

I agreed to marry him because, deep down, I loved the way I felt when I was with him. Call me crazy, but after only one week, I could not imagine my life without him in it. That was the truth I kept circling back to every time I asked myself why I had not run. Why I had not packed a bag and disappeared when I had the chance.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands folded tightly in my lap, my knee bouncing as nerves twisted through my stomach. The room felt too quiet, the air heavy with anticipation. Today was the day. Scar had told me I could choose anything I wanted, and I had chosen his backyard. Ace walking me down the aisle felt right, grounding, like the final piece settling into place.

A small smile curved my lips as I stood and crossed the room to the wardrobe. I pulled out the dress Ace had helped me pick. Lace clung from my shoulders down to my knees, delicate and bold all at once, the fabric sheer enough to reveal the white panties beneath. It was unapologetically sexy without trying too hard, and it felt like me. I layered a stack of necklaces around my neck, the diamonds cool against my skin, catching the light every time I moved. I applied my makeup slowly, steadying my hands, then pinned my blonde hair into a soft, elegant style that framed my face just right.

I barely had time to take one last look at myself in the mirror when a loud knock echoed through the room, snapping my attention toward the door. My heart leapt as I hurried over and pulled it open.

Ace stood there, dressed sharply, his expression warm and proud.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I said, smiling up at him. “Let’s go. You look handsome.”

His smile widened as I looped my arm through his, and together we walked out of the room, our steps slow and deliberate, heading straight for the backyard where my future waited for me.

Butterflies swarmed violently in my stomach as we walked, the mix of nerves and excitement making my chest feel tight and light all at once. With every step closer to Scar, my pulse raced harder, my breath growing shallow. The backyard glowed under soft lighting, strings of warm bulbs woven through trees and beams, casting a golden haze over rows of flowers arranged carefully along the aisle. White petals brushed my ankles as I walked, their sweet scent filling the night air, and tears burned behind my eyes before I could stop them.

When I finally saw Scar waiting at the end of the aisle, dressed in a perfectly tailored black tux, my heart swelled painfully. He looked impossibly handsome, standing tall with his hands clasped in front of him, his gaze locked on mine like nothing else existed. A single tear slipped down my cheek as Ace squeezed my arm gently, steadying me as we continued forward. I never looked away from Scar, not even once, until I stood directly in front of him.

Ace leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek before stepping back to take his place behind Scar, leaving me standing there, floating somewhere between disbelief and happiness.

Scar’s voice softened as he spoke, his eyes scanning my face like he needed to memorize every detail.

“Wow, Rachel. You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”

My smile trembled as I spoke back, emotion thick in my throat.

“Thank you, Scar. You look very handsome yourself.”

Up close, I noticed how pale he looked, the sharp angles of his face more pronounced than usual, and a flicker of worry passed through me as I wondered if he felt all right, if he had taken his medication. Before I could ask, he took both of my hands in his, grounding me instantly, his palms warm and steady.

He began to speak without notes, without hesitation, his voice carrying clearly through the quiet space.

“I know the way we met wasn’t traditional, and it was most definitely f****d up. But standing here today with you, Rachel, I wouldn’t change anything about that night. I know I’m not easy to deal with, but I promise I’m going to do better for you. All I want is to make you f*****g happy, and I want you by my side. I know we hardly know each other, and there are things I still need to tell you, things I will tell you soon. I will always protect you. I will always be faithful to you. I promise.”

My cheeks ached from smiling, tears blurring my vision as he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek before stepping back and nodding for me to speak.

“I promise I’ll be there for you through the good and the bad. I promise I’ll take care of you when you’re not feeling well, and I promise I’ll always wake you up with a morning head.”

His lips twitched, amusement flashing through his eyes.

“That’s what I’m talking about, baby.”

I laughed softly, nerves easing as I added one last thing.

“And I promise to always keep hating you for as long as you let me.”

Scar laughed fully this time, the sound warm and real, and it pulled a giggle from me too, dissolving the last of the tension hanging in the air.

“I hate you too, Rachel. So much.”

Ace cleared his throat loudly, shaking his head.

“We know you both hate each other. Just kiss already.”

Laughter rippled through the space as Ace whistled and cheered, and the minister, one of Scar’s men, stepped forward to finish the ceremony.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Scar, you may kiss your bride.”

Scar’s arm wrapped securely around my waist as he lifted me slightly off my feet, tipping me back as his mouth claimed mine. The world faded away as stress melted out of my body, replaced by pure happiness that spread all the way down to my toes. His kiss was deep and consuming, his presence overwhelming in the best way, and when he finally pulled away, my body hummed with warmth and euphoria.

Ace clapped loudly, grinning.

“Congratulations, you two. I know it’s f****d up and backward, but I think you were made for each other.”

Scar looked at me with a slow, dangerous smirk, his eyes darkening as they traced over me.

“Yeah. I think so too. I think you were made just for me, Rachel. And now you’re mine. For good.”

His thumb brushed lightly over my knuckles as he leaned closer, his voice dropping low.

“And my next step is putting a baby inside you. My baby.”