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His handsome face, even with that scar, goes expressionless. “I’m not sure. I live on instincts, and I had an instinct about you. My gut told me to watch you.” He deftly removes my veil. “Watchoutfor you.”
The stalker aspect sends my guard up, but also thrills me. I never thought I’d be attracted to danger. Falling for the Irish Enforcer is dangerous. Even if this murderer is my husband.
“Okay. But what wereyoudoing at a strip club last night?” I fold my arms, mimicking him.
Lachlan’s jaw tightens. “I went there to relieve the kind of stress that torments my life.”
I have no right to question what he did before he became my husband, or even after. This isn’t a marriage based on love.
“Again, thank you.” I turn around. “Can you please unbutton this thing for me?”
He breathes against the back of my neck. “I didn’t go inside, Katya. I went home and planned the murder of the man who hurt you. I found that satisfying enough, knowing you’d be safe. And as long as my name sits on a marriage license, I will not be frequenting strip clubs any longer.”
I consider his confession, and I believe him, because he has no reason to lie to me. “Okay. I trust you.”
“Mmmm.” He deftly undoes one button at a time on my dress until I feel it give way from my body. A pleasant humming changes to a deadly growl. “Katriane… Yourshoulderis bruised.”
“That’s a fall I took at school. Not Rahil.”
“Still, your skin is all red.” He drops his hands. “I’m getting you ice and ointment for your lip.”
“How long can I stay here, exactly?” I hold the loose, scratchy fabric against my chest. I’m dying to get out of this ugly thing and toss it.
“Katriane…” His Irish accent, mixed with the French-rolling r pronunciation of my name, makes me swoon. “I didn’t want you with that man.” Not exactly a declaration of love. Not even close. “You aremywife now. You can stay here as long as you want. But I put the question back to you. How long do you want to stay?” He strokes his chin, rough with dark stubble. “You mentioned an audition next month to finish your studies in London.”
It crystalizes now. He sees this as temporary. That suits me. I never wanted to stay in Astoria.Mamanbrought me here. I had no choice. I fought for the choice to determine my own future.
“I appreciate that you listened to me. No one really listens to me. Except, my sister.” My voice gets low, worrying about her so much.
Lachlan hovers over me. “Have you heard from her again?”
“No.” I catch my breath to show strength. “So…this is all temporary until I leave for London?IfI leave for London. I’m auditioning against other dancers.”
“Ican get you into that conservatory,” he boasts. “I can give you anything you want and need. But you need to have a full grip on the situation. You are valuable to your father. London is only an ocean away, he can get to you there. Are you truly a virgin?”
I gulp down the lump in my throat. “Of course, I am.”
“Good girl.” His mouth lingers above my swollen lip. “Before you leave for London, we will change that.”
CHAPTER TEN
Lachlan
IleaveKatyablushingwith quivering lips while I collect the rest of her suitcases. I still can’t believe Koslov tried to give his daughter to that pig.
Katya wanders around my living room, holding her wedding dress up against her chest. My heart pounds, thinking of what’s underneath, and how it will feel against my bulky, scarred body. Am I too much for her? Will I hurt her? She’s tough, though. Dancing gave her both grace and strength. What she lacks in stature, she makes up for in power.
Fuck… I’m a big guy, and when I take a woman to bed, I need someone sturdy, someone who can handle me. Even if bruises like the one on her shoulder come with the territory.
I bet I can be a little rough with her. My cock swells so thick, so fast, I get dizzy from all the blood draining away from my brain.
“Lachlan…” Katya’s voice drags me from dirty thoughts that sent my mind inward.
I didn’t realize I was staring at her. “Right. I’ll show you to your room.”
“I’ll take that small bag for now.” She steps toward a blue and white case, but her foot catches her dress, pulling it down. She’s not quick enough to stop it from snapping to the floor. Her hands quickly cover tiny, naked breasts. She’s got adorable curves too, thanks to a tiny waist. She’s sexy as fuck. But I can’t help chuckling at the white cotton panties that come up past her belly button.
“That’s not very encouraging. My husband laughing at my body on our wedding night.”
