Excerpt of Tempt Fortune by Hebby Roman

The magistrate cleared his throat loudly and intoned the opening words of the ceremony. Angelina strained to listen, but the words didn't quite register. She felt strange, as if she were standing outside her body and looking on. She'd acquiesced to their marriage because it was better than returning to Cuba and facing what her father had planned. Alejandro had promised she could live her life as she saw fit.

But somehow, all his reassurances rang hollow. She was more than aware of their attraction to each other. How could they possibly withstand temptation, living together as man and wife? And if they succumbed to temptation, there would be no easy annulment.

The magistrate met her gaze and frowned. Impatience colored the tone of his voice when he repeated, "Will you, Angelina Herrera, take this man for your lawfully wedded husband? For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to honor and obey?"

The word "obey" stuck in her mind.

What had she gotten herself into?