by Tamie Dearen
“And in two years, Escapade has grown twice as big as Good Knight,” Finn remarked. “But I’m betting he’s still not impressed.”
“Nope.” Bran popped the P. “Says it grew too fast. The value’s inflated. It’s set up to fail.”
“Does it still bother you? His opinion? Can’t you just forget him?”
“He had the audacity to inform me he’s set up a trust fund. Not for me, but for my first child.”
“So? One day your kid will get your old man’s money. Sounds good to me.”
“He had stipulations. A blood child—not adopted, not blind.”
Finn let out a string of curses.
“I know. Just confirmed my plan to never have children.”
“Could that be why Carina wants to get married?”
“No way. I haven’t told a soul. Not even Fordham. Besides, the kid has to be eighteen to inherit.” Branson balled his fists until his fingernails bit into his palm. When he spoke again, his voice was croaky. “How can he hate me so much?”
A hand squeezed his shoulder. “I’m sorry, Branson. Your dad sucks. If it makes you feel any better, my parents like you better than me.”
The corner of his mouth twitched, threatening a smile. “I can’t blame them.”
He anticipated the shove that knocked him off balance.
“You’re such a jerk,” Finn said playfully. Then he gripped Bran’s arm. “There was this guy I used to know… His name was Branson Knight. He was always up for an adventure. Nothing he wouldn’t try. He didn’t give a flip what anybody thought, least of all his pretentious father.”
“Sounds like a fun guy.” Bran grinned, somehow feeling lighter than he had in a long time.
“There was nothing he’d like better than pulling a fast one on a fiancée who’s bound to have something up her sleeve.”
Yes. Why hadn’t he seen it before? Carina had to be hiding something. Two could play that game. In a flash, Bran was a college freshman, planning a prank on the hall bully, with the help of his three roommates. Those had been the happiest days of his life, before he got bogged down in responsibilities.
“What did you have in mind?” Bran asked.
“It depends. First… about Carina… It seems like you’d reject any woman your father might like. How determined are you to marry her and complete your business deal?”
“Less by the minute. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I have to find some other way to get control of that CF drug. I’m still ticked someone got the Astons to sell their shares.”
“Are you sure she’s telling the truth about that?” asked Finn.
“No, I guess not. I’ll message Fordham. Maybe he can find out the real reason Carina wants to rush this marriage.”
“How far are you willing to go to beat Carina at her own game—whatever that is?” Finn’s slight English lilt grew heavier as he got more excited. “Ready to get a marriage license with me?”
“I’m in,” Bran swore. “I’ll do whatever you say. But Finn, I’m warning you...”
“About what?”
“If you and I end up married, you better not try to kiss me on the lips.”
Bran heard garbled laughter. Then a hand grasped his and shook it with so much vigor his shoulder almost came out of joint.
“Branson Knight,” Finn said his name with a chuckle. “Glad to have you back again.”
With a text on the way to Fordham, Branson joined the rowdy group on the trek to the clerk’s office. Carina pulled him to the back of the limo and plastered herself to his side. He wanted to push her away, but he needed to soothe her suspicions if he was going to uncover the truth.
As her fingertips slid up his thigh, he clamped his hand on top of hers to stop its progress.
“What’s the matter, Branson?” Her silvery voice, meant to entice, set his teeth on edge like fingernails scraping on a chalkboard. “Are you mad at me?”
“Of course not. I’m just tense.” He listened to the other conversations inside the limousine, relieved to hear everyone laughing and chatting. No one seemed to be paying any attention to them. He lifted her hand and placed it on her knee, covering it with his own to hold it in place.
“I’m sure I could help you with that tension.”
Her suggestion made him shudder. “Not now, Carina. But I’d like to know how your father found out about the buyer. If the Astons told him, he must know who it is.”
“Dad didn’t have time to explain the details. Only said they expect a hostile takeover attempt any day.”
“It could affect the company’s stock prices, too.”
“I’m sure it won’t,” she answered a little too quickly. “Dad said Aston-Parker is extremely stable right now. Shouldn’t affect us at all.”
Why would she deny the obvious possibility?
“But a takeover—especially a hostile one—would probably send prices plummeting.”
“We won’t let that happen. That’s why we should get married tomorrow, while we’re here, and sign the contract for my shares. Monday could be too late.”
“Right now, I want to get this license thing over with and get back to the tournament.”
“You’re not being very romantic,” she whined. “Aren’t you even a little bit excited? We’re on our way to get our marriage license.”
“For a marriage that will last a few months,” Branson added. “I have to say, I’m surprised you’d consider getting married in a Las Vegas wedding chapel. Figured you’d want a big to-do with a long white dress and a fancy dinner.”
“I’m planning on it. We’ll have a proper wedding when we get home.”
“I’m not interested in an elaborate wedding.” Not interested in any wedding. Maybe a bachelor’s party, though.
“What are you smiling about?” She leaned into him, nuzzling at the base of his neck. “Thinking about the wedding night?”
“Carina, we’ve talked about this. There’s not going to be a wedding night.”
“You could change your mind.” Her words almost sounded like baby-talk, probably because her lower lip was protruding.
“I’m not changing my mind.” Remaining calm was becoming more of a challenge.
“Shhh… Don’t raise your voice. The others might hear.”
What would the old Branson Knight do? Maybe goad her a little?
“I’m thinking of adding a clause to the pre-nuptial agreement.” Bran lowered his voice, but tilted his head closer to Carina. “I might throw in a cheating clause. If either of us engages in sex with someone other than our spouse while we’re legally married, the stocks revert back to the original owner.”
A small gasp. Then silence. Branson enjoyed imagining her expression. Was her mouth hanging open?
“You can’t do that,” she rasped. “If you want to be celibate, that’s your business, but you can’t expect me to go along with it.”
“I can. I’m thinking about it.” He was proud of how even he kept his tone, without a hint of the laughter he was hiding.
“Too late. I’ve already signed the other one.” Her voice was cold and hard. The real Carina.
“It’s not valid until we’re married. And your reaction tells me I need that clause added.”
“Remember, it goes both ways.” She hissed her warning like a snake. “So you can’t sleep with Stephanie anymore.”
The hair bristled on the back of his neck. “I’ve never slept with my personal assistant. Stephanie’s not that kind of woman.”
“That explains a lot.” Carina sounded as if she could barely condescend to speak about her. “Pretending to be some innocent virgin, as if she hadn’t been married and popped out a kid. How did she manage to pull the wool over your eyes? She’s even fooled Finn, conning him into getting a marriage license. Maybe she puts out some hormone designed to make billionaires’ brains quit functioning. Or maybe your brains are in your pants.”
“Stop it—”
“You know, she’s not what you think. My peo
ple have been digging and found something that might give you a whole new perspective on your PA, Miss Polly Perfect. Bet she told you her husband was a villain who deserted his blameless wife and sick kid.”
“Shut. Up.”
Though he’d never hit a woman in his life, Branson’s muscles trembled with the desire to slap Carina for the insult.
She must not have sensed the danger, because she continued, undaunted. “The truth is, her ex is a really nice guy whose wife cheated on him. Did you know she refused to do a paternity test on the girl?”
“That’s enough.” He raised his volume enough that the other conversations halted for few seconds.
“I’m sorry, Bran. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Her voice went sugary-sweet, like an overripe melon. “I shouldn’t have mentioned it. What’s in the past is in the past. I promise I’ll never bring it up again.”
The limo pulled to a stop and someone opened the door.
“We’re here.” Finn followed his announcement with an off-tune hummed version of Here Comes the Bride.
“Believe me, you’ve made the wise choice,” Carina whispered in his ear. “I’m not perfect. But then again, I don’t pretend to be.” She brushed a kiss on his cheek before scooting out of the limo.
Though Carina’s accusations didn’t sound like the Stephanie he knew, her words lingered in his mind like stale cigarette smoke.
Chapter 13
Stephanie was having second thoughts. In fact, she was having third and fourth thoughts. What had she been thinking when she’d blurted out an acceptance to Finn’s outrageous marriage proposal? She looked like a hapless idiot. Or worse, a gold-digger. What must Branson think of her?
Even when Finn had informed her of his planned prank, to switch the names on the marriage licenses, she still felt miserable. And Branson, though he’d been laughing and joking when he returned from his tête-à-tête with Finn, appeared distraught as well. She was tempted to turn on her microphone and speak a few calming words, but he’d brushed past her when he came into the building with Finn, giving off a hostile aura.
Better get used to the cold shoulder. I’ll probably get a lot of them once he and Carina are married… if I’m still around.
Stephanie needed to face the facts. Even if Finn spoiled Carina’s plans for a Las Vegas wedding, the two would get married eventually. Steph had thought to warn Branson against Carina, but should she? Branson wasn’t stupid. He knew exactly what he was getting from Carina. The witch might be spoiled and selfish and hateful, but she was also poised, beautiful, and born into high society. Branson had made his choice with his eyes open, so to speak.
Though Steph’s job was guaranteed in writing for the next twelve months, she realized she couldn’t stay. She could hardly bear seeing the two of them together now—it would be ten times worse after the marriage.
Too bad she couldn’t convince herself to fall in love with Finn. Not that she believed for a minute his proposal was serious, but it would help her get over Branson. Finn was a fun guy, and he’d certainly understand Ellie’s struggles with cystic fibrosis. As charming and handsome as he was, though, her heart was fastened to Branson like a wet tongue on a frozen metal pole.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why do I do this to myself? She’d only been in love twice in her life, and both were impossible relationships.
Her first love had been Jeff. When they were dating, she’d thought his possessiveness was cute. Immediately after marriage, however, that possessiveness morphed to insane jealousy, as he cut her off from all her friends and family. Convinced she was cheating on him, he refused to believe Ellie was his child until she proved it with a blood test. And when Ellie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, he presented that as infallible evidence of her unfaithfulness. He left her and immediately hooked up with an old girlfriend, with whom he’d been having an affair the entire time. Too preoccupied with saving Ellie’s life to argue with him, Steph had been almost relieved to see him go. Except for the financial strain, life was easier without him.
She was fine with being single and gave all her attention to Ellie, swearing off men forever. That worked for a few years, until she met Branson. Yet another impossible relationship. She was drawn to him like a magnet to steel, a gentle soul hidden behind a gruff exterior. Steph was convinced she alone saw his true inner beauty, not to lessen the impact of his amazing muscles and drop-dead gorgeous face.
Why can’t I control my feelings?
“Can’t believe they stay open this late,” Jarrett remarked as they exited the elevator and made their way into the clerk’s office.
“That’s Vegas, baby,” said Cole.
Steph limped along, with Finn’s help, carrying her shoes instead of wearing them.
They arrived to find two other couples already waiting in line. The clerk must’ve been remarkably efficient, checking both out in less than five minutes. With a tired smile and worn-off makeup, the middle-aged clerk looked up. “How can I help you?”
“Good evening,” Finn greeted her with a flourish of his hand and a deep bow. “We need two marriage licenses, please.”
“Have you filled out your applications online?”
Though she was pleasant in her delivery, Steph could tell she’d probably asked the same question a thousand times every day for years.
Finn cocked his head. “No. We didn’t know we could.”
The woman leaned to the side and craned her head to check out the boisterous group, which now included Cole at the back, attempting to link arms with a mortified Jarrett.
“Those two with your group?” the clerk asked.
Finn rolled his eyes. “Yes, but they’re not getting married. Only four of us.”
“As long as no one else is in line behind you, you can just fill out your forms right here.” She slid some papers forward. “Print and sign at the bottom. Include your social security number. I’ll need to see picture ID—a driver’s license or passport.
“Carina, you go first,” said Finn. “Then I’ll help Branson.”
Carina moved up beside Finn and quickly finished her part, flashing her driver’s license, which included an image worthy of a magazine cover.
Who looks that good on their driver’s license? Steph decided to keep hers in her purse until the last minute, lest anyone see her disastrous picture. The lady at the DPS office had attempted three previous shots, each one capturing Steph’s eyes closed. In the final attempt, Stephanie had held her eyes open so wide she looked like someone had punched her in the stomach. Over her objections, the DPS agent had pronounced it perfect. Steph had often considered misplacing her license rather than being stuck with the bug-eyed image for eight years.
Cole and Jarrett were laughing at a video on one of their cell phones, and they called Carina back, clearing the way for Finn to work his prank, putting her and Carina together on the marriage license.
“Stephanie, you can go next. Okay, sweetheart?” Finn gave her a wink.
The pen slipped in her sweaty fingers as she attempted to write her information down. She whispered, “No offense, Finn, but I’m nervous filling this out. You sure you can pull this off? And when are you going to tell her? What if she doesn’t think it’s funny?”
“No doubt, she won’t see the humor in it. But the rest of us will have a great laugh.” His elbow nudged her, and she glanced up to find him staring with unrepentant merriment in his eyes. “Stop worrying. She’ll be angry with me, not you. And I could care less.”
“If you say so.” She passed her driver’s license to the clerk, who gave it a summary inspection, compared it to her paperwork, and slid it back to her, face up. She sucked in a surprised breath and slapped her hand over it. Not quite fast enough.
“You take that picture at gunpoint?” Finn attempted to pry it from her fingers, then tickled her ribs and succeeded in snatching it away.
“You cheated,” she hissed, giggling. “Give that back.”
“Sorry, sweetheart.” He guffawed, holding
it out of reach and ogling her fish-eyed expression. “I can’t pass this up. It’s a perfect distraction. Hey, Jarrett! Catch!”
To her complete horror, he tossed her license to the back of the room, into Jarrett’s waiting hands.
“Nooooooo!” She scrambled after him as he held the license high, displaying it to Cole and Carina. “Give me that!”
“Stephanie,” Cole cackled as Jarrett passed him the license in a cruel game of keep-away. “Back in Texas, we’d say you look like you got stuck with a cattle prod.”
“So not funny,” Stephanie replied, though she couldn’t help laughing. “Be nice. I’m injured.”
“I think you look cute,” Jarrett argued. “Kind of like a baby owl.”
Carina opened her mouth to comment, but Stephanie sent her the murderous look she’d used for years on Ellie when she’d been misbehaving. Carina bit her lips, instead. Wise move.
“Okay,” Finn announced. “We’re all done.”
“I’ll take ours.” Carina waltzed up to Finn, her hand outstretched.
“I have it, safe and sound, and I’m keeping it.” Branson’s grim expression brooked no argument as he patted the chest of his tuxedo.
Steph wondered if Carina would find a way to steal it.
“Let’s get back to the tournament,” said Cole as he handed Steph’s license back. “Hey, Stephanie. Don’t be upset. Shock and awe looks good on you.”
“Cole, you are walking on thin ice,” Jarrett replied. “Did you see the look Steph gave you? She’s about to put you in time-out.”
“Time-out, I can handle.” Cole held up his palms in mock terror. “I was afraid she might stick that license where the sun doesn’t shine.”
Branson had a concierge doctor waiting in the lobby when they returned to the hotel. He insisted on remaining behind with Stephanie, since he needed to authorize his employer insurance, but sent the others back to the tournament. Carina hesitated, giving Steph a dirty look, but Cole propelled her forward, whispering something hilarious in her ear, her strident laughter echoing off the high ceilings.
