by Clare Revell
“I have a flower for it.”
Martin glanced at his watch. “We should change, don’t want to be late.”
Tamlyn followed Peggy upstairs to the bedroom. She wanted to change alone, but Peggy and Casey both insisted on helping her.
“You look like a million dollars,” Casey said, fixing the flower in her hair.
Peggy frowned. “Wait, Marty’s not supposed to see your dress before the ceremony.”
Tamlyn smiled. “He chose it. Well, he pointed to the rail and said, ‘how about one of those’. I picked out this one. He doesn’t know which color is it.”
There was a knock on the door and Martin’s voice came through it. “Are you ladies ready? We need to go.”
Peggy opened the door. “My, don’t you look handsome, little bro.”
Tamlyn gazed at the figure standing in the doorway. A white shirt and black suit jacket hugged his broad chest and narrow waist. A blue tie and neat black trousers completed the image. She stared at him, her heart pounding, and her pulse racing. Wow. He looks like an Adonis. Lord, I know he isn’t going to be mine forever, but at least I have him for a few days. Thank You.
Martin grinned. “Want me to do a twirl so you can stare at my back as well as my front, Tam?”
“No,” she managed, her throat dry and her voice husky. Did he have to use those words? The image of him running into her room, wet from the shower and clad only in jeans sprang to mind, making her cheeks burn even hotter.
Martin moved over to her. “You are beautiful.” His hand trailed down her face, cupping it and bringing it towards him. His lips brushed across hers tenderly, his other hand sliding into the small of her back, pulling her against his taut, hard figure.
Tamlyn slid her hands around him, running them down his back, returning the kiss. As he pulled away she smiled at him.
Martin smiled back. “Let’s go get married.”
****
Martin stood next to Tamlyn in front of the chapel. He could feel her whole body shaking as he held her hand. He longed to take her in his arms, comfort her, and tell her he loved her and that everything would be fine, but he wasn’t sure it would be.
The reaction of the others to what he was doing had stirred up doubts within him.
Would Tam expect more of him than he could give her? Because this wasn’t simply a case of the department faking the paperwork.
This was a legally binding contract between the two of them. One he couldn’t fulfill in the way everyone expected him to. This was going to be one of the hardest things he’d ever done. He was doing something he wanted to do, but could never let her know.
He held Tamlyn’s gaze as he slid the ring onto her finger. He’d chosen the vows deliberately, so as not to mention faithfulness, because that would never be an issue.
“Tamlyn, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife. Before these witnesses, I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all of your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and will turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.”
Her hands shook as Tamlyn picked up the other ring and slid it onto his finger. Her pretty blue eyes glistened. Was that love in her voice as she spoke her vows? Or were his tortured emotions making him hear something that wasn’t there?
The minister pronounced them man and wife and Martin wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her gently, not wanting to make this any more of a big thing than it already was. Cameras clicked and flashed as he and Tamlyn signed the papers.
She looked up at him, concern written all over her face.
His heart twisted within him, the desire to hold her and make all this go away increasing exponentially. He kissed her cheek. “Everything will be fine.”
Peggy frowned. “You’re supposed to tell her you love her. Did I teach you nothing?”
“Apparently not.” He wanted to tell Tam that, so very much, but couldn’t.
“We should go and celebrate. How about champagne at the Bellagio?” his father suggested. “Get pictures of you two by the fountains?”
That was the last place they needed to be.
Martin shook his head. “Tam doesn’t drink, and I’m driving home—”
Tamlyn shushed him. “Photos by the fountain sound great and we can stick to juice, as you’re driving.”
Peggy smiled. “See. A voice of reason, that’d be why he married you. Maybe we should see if the honeymoon suite is free. Or were you actually planning on going back to your apartment?”
Martin cleared his throat. “Well actually, yeah, we were.”
Peggy looked at Vance in horror. “The guy has no idea how to treat a woman at all. Martin, this is your wedding day. At least try to do something nice for your wife. Vance, tell him.”
Vance looked at him apologetically. “There’s no arguing with your sister. But I’ll book the room. Make sure it has a nice view at least.”
Martin nodded; that meant it would be nowhere near the suites they had to avoid. It also meant someone would know where they were should the need arise. “Thanks, bro.” He glanced at Tamlyn as his sister steamrollered them out of the chapel. “Sorry,” he whispered.
Tamlyn shrugged. “Maybe we can get the rest of my things while we’re there. And it’s a big hotel. Perhaps we can avoid them.”
14
Standing on the terrace looking at the fountains, with a glass of sparking juice in her hand and her wedding ring on her finger, Tamlyn didn’t think the moment could be any more perfect. She had a dashingly handsome husband on her arm, a new family who adored her and...
Scratch...
The scrape of the sound effects indicating the dream turning back to reality, was almost audible. She gazed around the room, half expecting to see her father or Garth appear on the edges of it, before returning her gaze to the protective services cop, aka her husband, hanging onto her arm.
Martin kissed her cheek. He’d stuck to juice as well. But then he’d have to, as she supposed he was still working. “Are you OK?”
She nodded. “Yeah. It isn’t exactly how I’d imagined my wedding.”
“Me, either.”
“You have a room here for the next couple of nights,” Peggy said. “I’ve got them to take your bags up for you. Vance tried to talk me out of it, but it didn’t work. Then he insisted on picking the room. I wanted a suite, but he chose otherwise.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Vance said. “I mean it’s got a bed and a bathroom, what more do they need?”
Martin rolled his eyes. “A swimming pool would be nice,” he said dryly.
Tamlyn shivered as Peggy shoved the key into Martin’s hand. Hopefully it’s on a lower floor than my original suite. She caught sight of the number on the key and closed her eyes in relief. Nowhere near either her, or Daniel’s, suite.
She stood quietly as Martin chatted to his parents, then they made their goodbyes and headed across the lobby to the lifts. “Your family is nice.”
They don’t deserve this, Lord. Any of it. Forgive me for dragging them into all this.
Martin nodded. “Yeah, they are. I wish Peggy hadn’t called Mom and Dad and told them, though.”
“She’s happy for you. So were they.” The lift came and Tamlyn felt his hand on the small of her back as he guided her in. “Martin, I...”
He glanced at her, exhaustion showing on his face.
“You look shattered.” She ran her fingers down his face.
His hand caught hers, stilling it. “I am. It’s been a long couple of days.”
Tamlyn shook her hand free, letting it fall to her side. “Tell me about it. All I want to do is sleep.” As the lift doors opened, she made her way into the hallway. “Which way?”
Martin consulted the key and nodded to his right. “This way.”
Tamlyn let him lead her down the hallway and waited while he unlocked the door.
He let her go in first, following behind.
The door shut and Tamlyn flicked on the light. The room looked fairly basic. A bed, two chairs, small round table and a bathroom.
But it was only for the one night as she assumed Martin would want her out of here first thing.
Their bags sat on the queen-sized bed, which someone had turned down for them. Crossing to the window, Tamlyn looked out at the view of the strip. “Should try and hit a few more casinos tomorrow and get some more chips.”
A grunt came from behind her. “Sure.”
She turned to see Martin drop into a chair. He doesn’t look at all well. Maybe he still has those drugs in his system. “If you want to sleep that’s fine. I’ll put a movie on or something.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “Yeah, quite sure. I might go have a bath before I do that, though.”
“OK.” Martin pulled himself up. “Let me check it first.”
“Martin, no one knows we’re here.”
“Tam, don’t argue.”
She raised her hands. “Fine, go check it. Make sure there isn’t a bad guy with false teeth and a ski mask hiding behind the toilet.” She unzipped her bag and pulled out one of the oversized t-shirts she’d bought.
As Martin came out of the bathroom, she brushed past him and shut the door. This was a mistake. She thought they were friends. Maybe more than friends after the way he kissed her, but now? He’d gone from exuding fire, to being the iceman.
She didn’t understand. He’d kissed her, awakened such feelings in her, and then turned and said married in name only.
Why’d he done it?
Why not simply get the papers forged, give her a cheap ring and be done with it? Witness protection did it all the time.
Why go through with it if he didn’t love her?
Tamlyn left the bathroom and glanced across the room. Martin had put the two arm chairs together and turned them into a makeshift bed. He lay curled up, fast asleep, his coat covering him.
“Oh, Martin,” she whispered. Crossing the room, she pulled off the top blanket from the bed and covered him properly. Then she took one of the pillows and laid it gently under his head. She watched as he grunted softly, before settling back down.
She moved over to the bed and curled up on her side watching him. Her day had gone from one extreme to the other. Tomorrow wouldn’t be much better. She had to face her father. What would he say? How would she respond? Other than standing up to him and fighting for what she wanted. The problem was, even though she wore Martin’s ring, she didn’t know if he wanted her. She closed her eyes, and stumbling over the words, began to pray.
****
Bright sunlight woke Tamlyn the following morning. She opened her eyes to see Martin, clad only in a pair of shorts, unfold his frame from the two chairs and stand up. He stretched, trying to work the kinks out of his shoulders and neck, before grabbing a change of clothes from his bag. Then he turned and padded across the room to the bathroom.
Her husband. Just the thought thrilled her. Even if they were only friends.
She rolled onto her back and clasped her hands behind her head. She heard the shower click on and gazed over at the window. Maybe he’d make good his promise on the rest of the chips. She’d only got ten of the forty she needed.
The shower turned off and after a moment, the door opened. Tamlyn caught her breath at the sight of Martin standing in the door, black jeans sitting snugly on his hips and his feet and chest bare, his short hair wet and spiked. “Morning.”
“Morning.” His smile made her heart beat faster and her knees felt even weaker. He pulled the t-shirt over his head, hiding the scars. “Shower’s all yours.”
Tamlyn shook her head. “I’m good. I’ll go get dressed.”
“What do you want for breakfast?”
“I’m not hungry.”
“You need something.”
She grabbed a change of clothes and tugged the tee-shirt down. “Coffee’s fine.”
Martin nodded. “OK.” He picked up the phone and ordered. Then he looked at her. “You should arrange to meet your father to get your clothes back.”
Tamlyn sighed. “Or I go to reception and tell them my suite has been infested with squatters and have them evicted.”
Martin laughed. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Watch me. I’m not paying for a suite I can’t use.”
“You are a wicked woman, Tamlyn Bradshaw.”
Tamlyn looked at him and trudged to the bathroom, his words piercing her to the core. I thought my name was Tamlyn Ames, not Tamlyn Bradshaw.
“What did you want to do after we’ve seen your father?”
Tamlyn shrugged. “Finish the casinos before I leave.”
He moved over to her with curiosity in his eyes. “Leave? Where will you go?”
“Somewhere I’m wanted.” She shut the door in his face. When she came out, Martin was eating.
“There’s your coffee.”
“Thanks.” She sat at the table and picked up the cup. It hurt being this close to him, his ring on her finger, with him ignoring her.
“What are you thinking?”
“Mainly confused thoughts about you.”
Martin put his cutlery down with a clink. “How am I confusing you?”
Tamlyn studied him over the cup before putting it down. “Well, one minute you’re all over me, your kisses set me on fire and the next minute you’re an iceman and keeping your distance. You slept on the chairs when we have a perfectly good bed. You acted like you were ashamed of me in front of your family yesterday. If you didn’t want to marry me, then why not just forge the papers—the cops on TV shows do it all the time. Don’t you find me attractive?”
His eyes darkened and he struggled to contain the emotion that shot across his face. “It’s just...”
Tamlyn turned away, tears burning her eyes. “Forget I asked. While you eat, I’ll gonna go pay what I owe on my suite. You can get this marriage annulled. I won’t contest it.”
Martin reached for her across the table.
“Don’t.” She pushed to her feet.
“Don’t walk away from me, Tamlyn,” he commanded. “And don’t look at me like that, either. I didn’t have to marry you, but I did, and I told you that it’d be in name only.”
She coughed to hide the lump in her throat and grabbed her bag. “Forget I said anything, I’m going to go settle my bill.”
“You’re not going alone. Let me put my shoes on.”
****
Tamlyn grabbed Martin’s hand as they crossed the lobby, seeing the familiar sight of her father’s bodyguard by the desk. “Great, just what I need.”
Garth blocked her path. “Your father wants to see you, Lady Tamlyn. Alone.”
“That’s Mrs. Ames, to you.” At least as far as he and her father were concerned. “Whatever my father has to say to me, he can say in front of my husband.”
“Your husband?” Garth’s sinister tone matched the malevolence in his gaze.
She scowled. “I’m not debating this with the hired help. Where’s my father?”
“Lord Bradshaw is taking breakfast in the restaurant, Lady Tamlyn.”
Lord, help me keep my temper here and give my father the respect he deserves. Holding tightly to Martin’s hand, and grateful the encounter would be in public, she swept past Garth over to where her father and Daniel sat by the window. Without waiting to be told, she sat, tugging Martin down to the chair beside her. “Morning, Dad. Garth said you wanted to talk to me. So, here I am.”
“What’s he doing here? He was told his services were no longer required…along with the penalty for disobeying me.”
“Martin isn’t my protection officer anymore. He’s my husband.”
Her father glared at her. “Your what?”
“Martin and I got married yesterday. I did tell you I was in love with someone else.”
Lord Bradshaw scowled. “Then get it annulled
. You didn’t have my permission.”
“I don’t need your permission.”
Martin squeezed her hand. “We’d hoped you’d be happy for us, Lord Bradshaw.”
Lord Bradshaw’s scowl darkened. “That’s not possible. Tamlyn will get this marriage annulled and marry Daniel.”
Tamlyn shook her head. “No, I won’t. I’m sorry if it messes up your plans, but I’m doing what’s right for me.” She took a deep breath. “So, what did you want to discuss?”
“You leaving the hospital for one thing. And there are the forms that need your signature to sign your share of the estate over to Daniel.”
She frowned. Surely, she misheard him. “I don’t remember anything about that. You said you sold him half of it. But either way, I’m not signing anything. You can send those to Martin’s lawyer. He’ll be dealing with anything to do with my share of the estate now. And I’m fine, thanks for your concern for my health.” She paused. “I need the key to my suite, please, so I can collect my things. Along with the cross Grandma gave me. I wore it to dinner, but when I woke in the hospital it was gone.”
“You’re not having the key. That necklace, like everything else you own, is part of the estate. Always has been, always will be.”
“Grandma gave it to me for my birthday. And if it’s not returned with the rest of my things, I’ll report it stolen.”
Lord Bradshaw’s hand closed over her wrist. “You’ll do no such thing. Now you’ll stop this nonsense and come home.”
Tamlyn lowered her voice. “Let me go or I’ll have Martin arrest you for assault.”
“You’ll be back, Tammy.”
“No, I won’t. My life is here now. Let’s go, Martin.”
Desolation filled Tamlyn as she and Martin walked back across the lobby. She’d burnt her bridges, but the problem was Martin didn’t want her, either.
“Tam, are you really going to have them evicted from your suite? We can replace your clothes and my Bible and…”
“I can’t replace my necklace.” Tamlyn stopped at the desk. “Would it be possible to speak to the manager please?”
“I’m Bryan Wilson, duty manager. How can I help you?”
