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“Feels like it is.”
“Business is complicated. So are relationships. Mixing the two is a bad idea, more often than not. She’ll get over what happened and you will too.”
I glance at him. “If mixing business and relationships is a bad idea, why are we doing this again?”
“I enjoy making a mistake every once in a while.”
“Speak for yourself. Fun mistakes last a few hours at most. You’re like the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.”
“Can’t have anything good without a little risk.”
“Says the guy blackmailing me.”
“Not anymore, I’m not. We reached a mutually beneficial agreement.” He seems amused, in a good mood.
“I’m starting to think I’m suffering from some disorder. Like maybe I had a stroke or something. I can’t imagine any other reason why I’d agree to something so stupid.”
He laughs softly as the SUV pulls into the parking lot of an enormous hotel right on the Strip. Square front, water fountain spraying into the air. Multiple pools, cabins, and outbuildings.
“You agreed because you think this is your best option.” He puts a hand on my thigh. Not menacing, not invasive, but strangely comforting. “You’re doing this because you want to.”
I don’t get a chance to tell him that I’m doing this because I’m desperate, because the SUV parks and I’m whisked away. Two men appear, both wearing suits, despite the heat and the late hour. “Mr. Crowley, sir,” the younger of the pair says. He’s got straight dark hair and his jacket’s sleeves are slightly too short. “Everything’s been arranged.”
“They’re ready for us?” Nolan doesn’t glance at me as he strides into the hotel. The staff stares at him, but nobody moves to intercept. It’s like they’re afraid to approach.
“Ready and waiting,” the young man confirms. He glances at me. “Should I prep Mrs. Crowley? We have a room prepared she can use.”
“Not Mrs. Crowley yet,” I grumble at him.
Nolan waves that off. “Not necessary. We’ll head up straight from here.”
The older of the two enters into the elevator with us as the younger begins speaking into a walkie-talkie. The doors shut and we begin our ascent. I feel like I left my stomach back on the ground floor; everything in me is trembling.
“What do you think, Adrian?” Nolan asks. “How does the ceremony look?”
The older man grunts. “Security’s tight. Bad news on the priest though.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Drunk.” Adrian shows his teeth. They’re crooked and white. “Can’t be too surprised though. We dragged his ass outta bed at three in the morning with no notice.”
Nolan doesn’t look happy. “Can’t be helped.” But his lips press together.
“Don’t worry. I bet he does this inebriated all the time.” Adrian glances at me. “You sure we shouldn’t get her a dress?”
“No need,” Nolan says sharply before I can politely decline myself. “We’re here. I want this over with quickly.”
“What a romantic,” I say, exaggerating a loving sigh.
Adrian laughs. Nolan isn’t amused.
The elevator stops at the top and the doors open to an incredible view.
We’re on the roof of the hotel. Cool, dry wind blows through my hair. Adrian steps out first, grinning wolfishly as Nolan takes my hand. My breath catches in my throat, but he pulls me close. “Don’t be nervous,” he murmurs. “Everything will be all right, my something.”
“Assuming I’m about to be married to you, I really doubt that.”
Nolan pulls me forward. We’re in a round pagoda with views of Las Vegas and the mountainous desert in the distance. Ahead, more men in suits stand around the perimeter, while another older gentleman in a priest’s outfit fiddles nervously with a Bible.
