Marcella sent me a look that said she knew what I was thinking, and I doubted she’d have any qualms about me ridding the world of one or two of her extended family.
“I knew she’d avoid the bloody sheets tradition.”
“Of course, she gave it away before marriage.”
“Slut.”
My blood pumped wildly in my veins. I’d expected rumors and even badmouthing, but hearing it first hand was a different matter. Most of my life I’d worked hard to appear perfect in everyone’s eyes.
Now the scale had tipped in people’s eyes. My failures weighed more heavily than my successes. I was no longer untouchable.
I braced myself and took a deep breath. Their thoughts didn’t matter. What they judged me for wasn’t something I should be ashamed for. And I wouldn’t let anyone ruin my wedding, definitely not someone like Cressida. That girl proved to be the thorn in my foot. The moment I stepped out their faces twisted with shock, but also a hint of curiosity, probably soaking up my reaction like a sponge. Cressida was with her friend from last time again, but this time a third girl was with them.
I gave them my coldest smile. “You should be grateful that my father abolished the Bloody Sheets tradition. It means you can choose to keep your dignity by keeping the most private moments between a husband and wife actually private. Of course, it’s up to you to diminish the night’s importance and with it the bond itself by sharing bloody details for curious eyes.”
The girls’ mouths were open. Without another word, I left the room with a swoosh of my dress. Outside, I took another deep breath. My hands were actually shaking. I knew my words would change nothing. People would keep speculating about my sexual activities and badmouth me for it. But my words had given me strength. This was only the first of many battles I’d have to fight against prejudices and malice because of the man I loved, but I’d always fight them gladly.
Maddox was waiting for me with a glass of champagne for me and a bottle of beer for himself.
I took the champagne and emptied half the glass, even if it was a shame to waste champagne on anger drinking.
“What’s up?” Maddox asked quietly.
Most people used the after-dinner satisfaction for business discussions or to chat.
My eyes caught on Cressida once more. She stood by her parents. They, too, belonged to those who judged me as openly as their survival instinct allowed. I hadn’t told Dad about her, she wasn’t worth it, and I doubted Amo had done it either.
“Some girls called me a slut for avoiding the bloody sheets tradition.”
Maddox’s lips curled. “That tradition is vile, and girls should be glad it’s gone. Why would anyone want to bleed during sex? Don’t tell me you regret not being a virgin, because I would have died of blue balls if you’d insisted on keeping your cherry until your wedding night.”
I nudged his shoulder. “You would have survived. And no, I don’t regret it. Not at all. If I was a virgin and intended to deliver bloody sheets, I couldn’t have sex with you on our wedding party.”
His brows rose slowly and a playful smile pulled at his lips, making his dimple-scar pop up. Maddox grabbed my hand. “I hope you were serious because I’m going to fuck you now.”
His hold on my hand was almost painful as he dragged me into the male restroom. He shoved an armchair that had been in the corner against the door, jamming the handle. Toilet sex was becoming a tradition. Lucky that this was the best hotel in town and each toilet a separate, luxurious room of its own.
“Since you licked the cream off my cock, I have been dying. Fuck, Snow White. I’m so horny, if you don’t want me to sport an erection during our dance you let me fuck you now.”
His mouth collided with mine almost desperately. My own body was desperate for his touch. “Fuck me, we don’t have much time.”
Maddox turned me around so I held on to the sink, then he began to lift the layers of my skirt. “Fuck, where’s your pretty pussy. This dress is killing me.”
I laughed but it turned into a moan when he clapped my ass hard. I cocked an eyebrow, then parted my lips for a low moan when Maddox slid two fingers over my slit. I was sopping wet, so Maddox didn’t meet any resistance when he pushed two fingers into me. “Bend lower.”
I braced myself on my elbows. Maddox’s palm slapped against my ass cheek as his fingers thrust into me at blinding speed. Then he pulled out without warning, making me mewl in protest. God, what a sound. He smirked and lowered the fly of his tux. His tip was already glistening but he didn’t give me much time to admire him. He gripped my hips and thrust into me, and then he fucked me. It was fast and hard, and we both came within a few minutes. And this felt like giving the finger to Cressida and girls like her. I enjoyed myself with the guy I loved before my wedding night, so what?