Page 5 of Rory: His to Discipline

“No, you will not go digging through boxes searching for a book,” Mason informed her firmly. “Tell me the title and author and I’ll order one for her online.”

“This is a special book, honey. Priceless really,” she continued, nibbling on her fingernail again. “I’m sure I can find it before the six weeks are up.”

Mason stopped and turned her towards him. Both of his large hands were on her shoulders as he peered into her eyes.

“What does six weeks have to do with it?”

“What? Six weeks?” Shit, did I say that out loud? “Nothing, not a thing really. I have to go to the ladies’ room. Could we please get inside?”

Mason let it go. It was obvious there was something she didn’t want him to know, but the way he figured it, he had at least six weeks to uncover it.

* * *

Tess was on her second straight shot of tequila by the time Rory found her and there was another one ready to go in front of her.

Leaning against the bar, Rory spoke in a deceptively calm voice. “Feeling better?”

“Not yet, but I imagine I will be soon,” Tess answered sarcastically as she reached for the next shot.

Rory picked it up before her hand could close around it and handed it back to the bartender.

“She’ll have a soda and I’ll have a scotch on the rocks,” he informed the young man who was taking in the entire scene with poorly-concealed interest.

“I’ll have tequila,” Tess informed him smartly. “I do believe this wedding is open bar.”

“Why, yes, it is,” Rory answered smiling. “But unless you want a repeat of this morning, I suggest you stop acting so childish before I am forced to embarrass us all.”

Tess stared up into his face and fumed. She had no doubt Rory would do exactly as he said and while she would like nothing more than to thwart his authority, she had no desire to repeat this morning’s experience.

“Fine!” she finally answered, picking up the coke the bartender placed before her and stomping toward the dining room with Rory’s throaty laughter ringing in her ears.

“She’s a fiery one,” the young man stated as Rory pulled off some bills and laid them on the bar.

“You have no idea,” he replied with a grin and followed her.

Chapter Two

Tess spent most of the reception standing, although Rory did pull her to the ladies’ room, handing her the slip just before they sat down for the meal. Although, not familiar with the music that Maggie and Nick had chosen to go along with the vintage theme, she had to admit most of the songs were beautiful. She danced and smiled for pictures, even going so far as to lay her head against Rory’s chest during the bridal dance as he guided her around the floor to The Way You Look Tonight. It was wonderful being in his arms and she fought to hang onto her anger.

Patrick and the ever-graceful Molly danced to Fly Me to the Moon and brought the guests to their feet. Bridget and her "flavor of the week," Mike Something-Or-Other, rocked out to Old Time Rock and Roll. All in all, it would have been a lovely day if it hadn’t started so badly.

Tess made absolutely no attempt to catch the bridal bouquet, even though Maggie had all but thrown it at her. The boys harassed Rory until he went to stand with the other single men and after Rory snagged the garter out of mid-air, she watched in frustration as he slowly slipped it high on the thigh of a perfectly lovely young woman. The teasing and laughter that followed only made her angrier and she made her way back to the bar, ordering another shot. Just as she tossed it back, she found herself pinned between the bar and an incredibly hard body.

“You just don’t learn, do you, little girl?” Rory’s voice rumbled in her ear as his arm wrapped around her, his big hand splayed across her abdomen, pulling her firmly back against him.

Tess quivered as sparks shot through her body. In a matter of seconds, she was hot and wet. Why this man affected her so she did not know, but it made her furious. Reaching her hand up behind her she managed to grasp his tie and yank his head down beside hers.

“No, it is you who does not learn, Mr. O’Malley. I am a grown woman, not a little girl and you have no right to tell me what to do,” she hissed.

Rory nipped her ear with his teeth and laughed as he easily extracted his tie from her grip. He pulled her even tighter to him, enjoying her gasp as her soft body sagged in his arms. The scent she wore wafted to him gently and he could feel her trembling as she fought for control.

“Do you know what I think?” he whispered darkly.

Tess snorted. “How could I when I do not even know what I think at this moment?” she replied breathlessly.

“I think you liked being over my lap this morning and having your beautiful bottom set on fire,” Rory murmured before he began to kiss her neck as though he had every right to do so.

Tess’s head snapped up and she struggled to get out of his arms. “I think you are loco,” she spat, praying the bartender could not hear them from the other end of the bar. She knew her cheeks were aflame, just as she knew there was no way in hell she could make him release her if he did not want to.