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Clayton’s jaw tightens. “I don’t care for your jokes.”
“Sure, jokes. I got lots of those.” I stroll back over to the chair and plop down into it. “Send in the crew.” Really, I’m stalling ‘cause I’m kind of freaking out on the inside. A small seed has sprouted in my mind. What if Ididkill my husband? His kingdom would then be mine. I’d be free. I run my finger along the knife hilt.
“I’ll send them in,” Clayton says and turns to leave.
I won’t be running. He has my cat. The truth was the door was ajar the entire time we were talking. Even if I had Ms. Kittles where would I go? My parents are gone, and my only friend is a cat. I’ve been kept in what one could call an ivory tower my whole life. I’m not sure I know how to function in the real world with all the normal people I was so eager to join.
“Ouch.” I let the knife go and lift my hand. I cut my palm. It’s only a scratch, but if I plan to kill my husband, I might want to get a little better with my weapons. Women in two tons of makeup and fancy clothes burst into the room, their voices high and busy.
“Make me look good,” I tell them. “Want to show my husband what he’ll never have.”
They look at me confused. The only blood that will be shed in our marital bed tonight will behis. My virtue isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Especially not to the likes of Luke. Maybe I’ve fantasized about him a few times. So, what? That doesn’t mean I’ll let him touch me.
The only touch he’ll get tonight will be the sharp kind.
3
LUKE
“She has a knife.” Clayton takes position next to me at the front of the small church.
“Come again?”
“She took the knife from the charcuterie tray. Probably has it stashed on her body somewhere.” He checks to make sure the rings are in his pocket.
I smile. “I’ll enjoy stripping her bit by bit until I discover it.” I nod at the priest.
He gives me a nervous smile. “My son, are you certain this is what you want?”
“We’re all sinners here, Father, and I’m not the confessional sort.” I’m paying him to do a job, not offer counsel.
He takes the hint and backs away to the polished stone pulpit.
“How did she enjoy the food?” I took great care in selecting her snacks. She’s quite particular about them, after all. I ordered her favorite grapes and a cheese I knew she’d favor, then set up the tray myself to make sure it was perfect for her.
“She was eating like a starving woman.” Clayton almost smiles. Almost, but not quite.
“Good.” I take pleasure in the little details like that, knowing that she enjoyed something I chose just for her. “And how about the cat?”
“She didn’t like that so much.” He shrugs. “But she’s going to play along. I left the door cracked while I was speaking with her. She didn’t make a move.”
“She wouldn’t have gotten far. Only a fool would try to run right now. She’s surrounded, trapped on my estate, and watched at every moment.” All the same, my bride is cunning. I’ve known that since the first moment I saw Cassandra. She was sitting at her parents’ table, her cat at her feet. During the course of dinner, she managed to sneak that cat most of her meat portion without breaking conversation or anyone else seeing. A small thing, of course, but a rebellious streak and a devious mind are the primary reasons I chose her.
“No one else is coming.” Clayton checks his pocket for the rings again. “We’re ready to go as soon as she gets out here.”
Javier stands at the rear of the chapel, and my other men are scattered around the property. I’ve left nothing undone, no door unguarded. Cassandra will be mine tonight.
“Did she like the undergarments I sent her?”
Clayton shrugs. “I didn’t ask to see any of that.”
“Good.” I peer over at him.
“You testing me now?” He bristles.
“Cassandra is a very attractive woman. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for others to covet her.”
“Maybe others, but not me.” He reaches inside his coat and pulls out a blade. “I’ll swear to you right now on my blood that I will never so much as lay a finger on—”
