Page 145 of Inflict

Connor undid the robe he’d used as a makeshift gag, and helped Evelyn put the item back on, tying it at her waist, but not too snugly. Then, he pulled an extra pocket square handkerchief from inside his suit jacket, and cleaned the mess between his soon-to-be wife’s thighs that he’d made in his haste.

“Sorry about that, love,” he said in a chuckle, tucking the ruined silk square away, “but we’re all better now, yeah?”

Evelyn nodded. “Perfect.”

“You’re going to need to get some of that air out of your voice before you get downstairs to say your vows.”

“Your fault.”

“So be it. And your lipstick.”

Evelyn sighed, happy and blissed. “What about it?”

“I smudged it. Fix that, too.”

“You’re such an asshole. I love you, Connor.”

He grinned. “Aye, lass. I know you do; I love you, too.”

No truer words had even been spoken from his mouth. He was sure, other than the vows he would speak in a short while, no truer words would come from him ever again.

• • •

Six months later …

Evelyn peeked into Connor’s office, a handful of balloons floating alongside her. “I need your help.”

Connor closed the folder in front of him, numbers that would never be as important as the woman just a few feet away. “What for? I thought you had the party handled, lass.”

“I do.”

“Okay.”

“It’s not the party.”

Connor raised a single brow. “I need more information to go on, if you really want me to help you, love.”

“The party is fine. One canceled because her daughter woke up sick this morning. The food is here, and the cake is on its way.” Evelyn held up the handful of helium-filled balloons, all with pretty pink 7s and stars on them. “The decorating is almost done, too.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

Evelyn sighed. “Ciara.”

Oh.

Well, then …

Connor stood from his chair, and put the folder away for a later time. “Where is the wee hellion now?”

“Hiding in the backyard.”

“Isn’t it cold for her to be outside?”

Evelyn shrugged. “She managed to put a coat on, but even that was punctuated with a glare when I mentioned it.”

Grand.

“I’ll have her in the house and ready to smile shortly,” Connor assured.