Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 68(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 101(@200wpm)___ 81(@250wpm)___ 68(@300wpm)
“I’m not Mrs. King yet.”
“Yes, but you will be. Please forgive us for speaking out of turn.” They look to the door as if they’re afraid. I don’t press my luck by asking them anything. Instead, I work on getting me ready for my wedding. Something seems off, but I knew my husband was dangerous from the start. I should have run when I had the chance, but did I really have a chance? The dang tiger was ready to pounce the second our eyes locked, and I’d had nowhere to go.
“Wow, you look beautiful.” I gasp because he’s standing at the door. He looks to the ladies. “Please leave us.” When they’re gone, he smiles at me and my body lights up, making me forget my brain and turning my panties into a soaking wet mess.
He takes my hand and brings it to his lips, making me forget the animal I’d just been imagining. “I couldn’t wait. The judge is downstairs.” He pulls a box out of his pocket and then opens it. He gives me a smile before sliding a beautiful diamond ring on my finger.
“This is too much,” I say, shaking my head as I stare at the gorgeous piece of jewelry set in a platinum band.
“You’re about to be my wife,” he says.
“Yes, I am.”
“They’ve set up a beautiful room for the ceremony. It’s amazing what their staff can put together in a few hours with a nice bonus.”
“Sir, they’re ready.”
“Shall we?” I nod, and then we walk down the stairs. Several professional cameras capture our photos like a happy couple, and then I realize he didn’t do it because he was excited to see me; he wanted to put on a show for the press. My smile falters for a moment, but then I remember that fat bank account that I can live off after we divorce and that my child will be set up for their lives if I invest wisely.
The ceremony goes off without a hitch, and I’m now the wife of Killian J. King, whoever he really is.
Goodness, what are my parents going to think when they find out? They’re going to flip. How am I going to explain that I’ve married a stranger, a man like Killian, without them? My mom’s going to be upset about not being included, and my father’s going to be angry that he didn’t meet him first. My brothers will be furious. I’m going to have to talk to Killian about all of this.
What have I done?
Chapter Five
Killian
I can’t explain why I had to walk her down the aisle. It wasn’t necessary. She had no reason to escape, but the moment I saw her, I wanted to walk her down. Magnolia looked radiant in her ball-gown-type wedding dress. I don’t know how they managed it in such a short time, but it looked as if it were made for her measurements. Everything about it was perfect. Her long, luscious locks were up in a fancy ‘do with some strands that framed her face, and thankfully the makeup artist was a true artist and hadn’t messed with Magnolia’s natural beauty.
She wasn’t wearing too much makeup, which is what I told the women when they entered. I wanted her to keep it simple, but elegant for the photos. Magnolia radiated beauty and didn’t need all that extra crap to appear natural. When Magnolia woke up this morning completely fresh faced, I wanted to pin her to the nearest surface and bury myself inside her.
Although I didn’t think she’d welcome it. This morning, she looked like she’d rather run for the hills than marry me. The regret was written on her face and all over her attitude last night and into the morning. When I came to check in, some of the ice seemed to melt—until the cameras’ flashing bulbs went crazy. She might have put on a faux smile, but it wasn’t the same as the happy woman I remembered earlier.
After the ceremony there was no added fanfare or celebration. We took a few more photos and then I escorted my sexy wife back up to our rooms. “We’re leaving today. I have business to attend to, and Christmas is coming. Things will be hectic.”
“Do you celebrate Christmas?” she asked, her curiosity piqued. I hadn’t celebrated it with family since my mother was alive.
“No, but I’m sure with a wife now, it’s something to consider.” There were probably several traditions she had, and I suppose I could honor some of them. “What were your plans?”
“I was planning on going home with the money.”
“Well, it’s a trip home. Where is your home?”
She pauses too long, giving more honesty in her silence than in her words. “I’m in college in New York City.” I want to take her over my knee right now. She’s being intentionally obtuse.