by Parker, Ali
“I should check and make sure everything is set up,” I mumbled, feeling I needed to be doing something.
Justin shook his head. “That’s why you have a wedding planner. She’s taking care of all that.”
“I know what Hannah likes. That woman doesn’t.”
He grinned.
“What?” I growled.
“Nothing. Not. A. Thing.”
I eyed him suspiciously. “Just because I know what she likes and doesn’t like doesn’t mean I’m in love with her. I know her well enough to know she has certain quirks—nothing more.”
He held up both hands. “Fine by me. Are you sure you don’t want a little something more from today?”
I shook my head. “All I want is the truth. I can deal with whatever it is that’s going on if I know about it.”
He stepped in front of me, his arms folded across his chest. “What if you already know the truth? What if all this scheming and plotting is all in your head? How are you going to react then? You’re going to feel ridiculous and like an asshole for being so damn suspicious.”
I flopped down in one of the brown leather chairs in the room. “I know my brother. I need to know the truth. He’s a manipulator. I know he’s up to something. What I don’t know for sure is how much Hannah knows and how much she is going along with.”
Justin shook his head as he adjusted his bow tie in the mirror. “It must be tough living in your world. You see deceit and conspiracies at every corner. Personally, I like the ignorance-is-bliss approach. I don’t distrust anyone until they’ve given me good reason to. Has she given you a reason?”
“Not yet, but he has, and that’s the one I’m worried about,” I muttered, taking another sip from the glass.
Chapter 43
Hannah
“I feel like a queen or a princess,” I said in awe as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.
“This is your special day. I don’t care what circumstances brought you to this point, but it is special and I’m so glad I get to be a part of it. You are going to remember this day for the rest of your life,” Amber said, handing me a tissue to dab away the tears threatening to fall down my face.
“Thank you. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. When he first proposed the deal, I was expecting some simple ceremony in front of a judge with only the two of us present. When he started talking about an actual wedding, I’ll admit, it all felt too fairy tale like for me to believe. It has been a whirlwind.”
She laughed. “You planned a wedding in six weeks that would take normal people at least a year to do.”
“I didn’t do this. I have to give credit to that wedding planner. She’s a little overbearing, but she makes things happen.”
Amber nodded. “Yes she does, and speaking of the tyrant, we better get out there before she sends in the guards to drag you out.”
I nodded, took one last look in the mirror, and smiled. “I’m ready.”
Together we walked down the long hall toward the back garden, which had been decked out with plenty of white flowers with a few royal blue ones mixed in. It looked very regal as I stared out the glass windows overlooking the gardens. I could see Grayson standing up front, patiently waiting for me. Well, he was putting on the look of patience, but I knew my man, and he was probably scolding me eight ways to Sunday under that cool exterior.
There were white flowers everywhere with pretty white twinkling lights strung overhead and intertwined with the flowers. It was the most romantic scene I had ever seen. It was better than any movie as I looked out over the people dressed in their Sunday best. People were chatting and pointing out the gorgeous arch covered with more lights and flowers. I didn’t want to walk out the door. It would all be over too soon. I wanted this moment to last forever.
“You both look lovely,” the wedding planner said, rushing over to do a little straightening on my gown while talking into the mic she was wearing. The woman could have been a Navy SEAL with the way she carried out her mission.
Justin appeared out of nowhere, a warm smile on his face. “You ladies look stunning. Grayson is a lucky man.”
“Thank you,” I said, the nerves kicking up again.
Justin and Amber had met for the first time at the rehearsal dinner last night. He was a nice guy. It was hard to imagine a family man like him being best friends with Grayson, but he had filled me in on his story. It was sweet and romantic, and I liked him. His wife had the patience of a saint as she wrangled children like a pro all while sporting an obvious baby bump.
“You’re up,” I said to Amber when I heard the music start.
“Here goes nothing,” she said with a wink before looping her arm through Justin’s.
I watched as the two of them walked through the open French doors. Justin’s daughter was acting as the flower girl, dressed in a gorgeous white dress covered with lace and a blue sash, which matched the color of Amber’s dress, tied around her waist. A blue ribbon in the same shade held up her curly blond hair. She was the cutest little thing ever. I knew Grayson was gunning for a boy, but I thought it would be nice to have a little girl who I could dress up, then later, spend hours shopping with her when she was a teenager.
Before I knew it, it was my turn to walk down the aisle to meet my groom.
“Are you ready?” the wedding planner asked.
I nodded, took a deep breath, and prepared to face my future head-on like the mature adult I was. She walked behind me and adjusted the train before giving me the all clear. The music changed, and I found myself practically floating out the door as I focused on Grayson. Everyone stood, briefly blocking my view of him. When he saw me, I saw the flash of desire that I knew so well. His intense stare was erasing all the nerves and making me horny as hell. I couldn’t wait to get him alone. I walked toward him, seeing nothing and no one else but him.
When I finally reached him, he blessed me with one of his few, genuine smiles. “I’m awestruck,” he whispered. “You are the most beautiful woman in the world.”
I smiled, feeling warmth in my very soul at his heartfelt words. “You’re looking pretty handsome in that tux.”
“You’re gorgeous.” He shook his head. “That isn’t the right word, but it’s all my brain can come up with for now.”
The minister grabbed our attention and began his speech. My palms felt sweaty as I listened to him go over the duties and responsibilities of a husband and wife. The look on Grayson’s face had given me hope for a bright future together. I saw the way he gazed upon me. It was more than a business deal—it had to be. I knew I had fallen for him way back when and hoped he felt the same way. I got lost in my silent hopes and dreams, and completely tuned out the minister as he droned on.
Grayson squeezed my hand, pulling me back to the present. I looked up at him and smiled. He tilted his head at the minister. I had been caught daydreaming. It wasn’t long before I heard myself say “I do.” Then Grayson said the words and once again, I felt my heart soar.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the minister announced.
Grayson took the order very seriously and passionately kissed me in front of everyone. When we turned to face the crowd, I could feel a blush staining my cheeks. It was a combination of embarrassment and desire set aflame by my husband. My husband. I couldn’t believe he was my husband. I wanted to do a happy dance and squeal with excitement.
“Walk ahead of me,” he whispered in my ear.
I giggled, knowing exactly what he was asking. I took a few steps in front of him, giving him the view he was after, before he joined me and held my hand as we walked down the aisle together as husband and wife. I was beyond happy. I couldn’t stop smiling. My face hurt from smiling so much and so big. Everything felt so right.
“In here,” he whispered, pulling me into a quiet sitting room.
We were given fifteen minutes alone to talk and just get our bearings before we had to go into the reception. I walked in and set down my bouquet on the table. It was a
surreal moment to realize I was a married woman. I felt like I should pinch myself to make sure it was all for real.
Grayson walked behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “I love the dress,” he whispered close to my ear.
I smiled, turning my face to him. “Thank you. I picked it with you in mind.”
“I can’t wait to get it off you,” he growled.
“We have a long night ahead of us and about two hundred guests to entertain. This dress has to stay on for a while.”
“We only have to make an appearance. The liquor and food will entertain them,” he said while kissing my neck.
I moaned, feeling my white wedding thong growing damp. “Stop, you’re going to make me come and I’m sure that is going to show in this dress. Nothing is hidden in this thing.”
He laughed softly against my neck before stepping away and turning me to face him. “Was it everything you hoped for?” he asked me in a serious tone.
I nodded. “It is more than I could have ever dreamed of. It was beautiful. Everything was absolutely perfect. Thank you for letting me have the dream wedding I didn’t even know I wanted.”
He kissed my nose and then placed a soft kiss on my lips. “You deserved it. I’m glad I could make it happen for you.”
I looked at him, the words I wanted to say frozen on my tongue. I wanted to ask him if he felt anything for me. I wanted to say so much but was too afraid to bare my heart and soul to the man who had told me over and over our marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement.
“We should probably get out there,” I murmured, not convinced I could resist the temptation for a quickie if I stayed locked in the room for another minute.
He grinned. “I guess so. I’d hate to make a mess of that hair and makeup before you had to greet your guests. Know this: I’m going to be thinking of the many ways I can make you orgasm. I want to give you more than you’ve ever had.”
I gulped down the lump of desire in my throat. Turnabout was fair play. “I’ve got a little surprise for you once we get back to your place.”
He raised an eyebrow. “A surprise?”
I nodded. “A combination of leather and lace.”
His nostrils flared as he stared into my eyes. “I’m going to have you screaming for mercy.”
I shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t know. It might be you who ends up screaming,” I said, turning to walk away.
His hand reached out and grabbed my arm. “What do you have on under that dress?”
I smiled. “A pair of panties that are the size of a postage stamp.”
He closed his eyes and his jaw clenched as he inhaled deep breaths through his nose. “Let’s go—now.”
I shook my head. “No way. I spent hours deciding on that cake. I want to see it.”
“Someone will take a picture,” he growled.
I giggled softly in my throat. “Let’s go. The sooner we get out there, the sooner we can leave.”
The man looked like he was in pain. I reached out to caress his erection through his pants.
“Stop or I’m not going to be able to,” he snarled.
I laughed again, loving how much I could turn him on. It made me feel sexy and powerful and much desired. He took my hand and led me down the hall to the ballroom where our reception was being held. I couldn’t stop thinking about how romantic the wedding was and how attentive he was being. It all felt so right, so real. I wondered if there was a part of him that finally trusted me enough to let himself love me—even a little.
He was different today. I wanted to believe it was because he was finally ready to let me into his heart. I swore I would never hurt him or betray him. I would never give him a reason to doubt my loyalty. When I had said my vows, I meant every word. I was the only one who knew that. He thought I was going along with the show. I wanted to tell him otherwise. He turned to look at me with that same smile on his face and I almost blurted it out. I held back.
He was happy, and I didn’t want to risk disrupting that happiness in any way. I could see he was enjoying himself and I was very proud to know I was the one who had put that smile on his face.
“Are you ready, Mrs. Bancroft?” he asked, pausing at the double doors.
“I am.”
The party planner was standing off to the side, ready to give us our cue after we had been announced. “And go!” she said, giving us the order to walk into the ballroom.
We walked into the reception to a roaring applause. We stood near the front and greeted each of our guests. I had no idea who most of the people were, but that didn’t get in the way of my joy. The night was spent dancing and being held in his arms. The only thing that could have made it better was for him to tell me he loved me.
We danced to a slow song, our bodies pressed together as we moved around the dance floor. I felt like I had to open the door and take that first step in telling him how I felt if I wanted to hear him say the words. I didn’t dare. I knew how skittish he was and the last thing I wanted to do was ruin the most perfect day of my life. I’d have to wait. Even if he didn’t say the words, I could tell by the way he looked at me and held me close that he felt something. I could wait. I could wait until he was ready. We had our whole lives.
Chapter 44
Grayson
I had danced, dined, and mingled about as much as any one man could. I had shaken so many hands and had told what felt like a million people that I was glad they could come. I was exhausted. I could not afford to be exhausted on my wedding night. I scanned the crowd, looking for my bride. My brother Colt was openly flirting with a young blonde at the bar. I shook my head. He would find a woman in a convent willing to sleep with him; it was the dimples. Mason was skulking in the corner, staring at the remaining guests as if they were criminals. In a tux, all his tats were covered, and he looked like a real Bancroft man. The moment the tux came off, everyone would know he was the rebellious one in the family.
My eyes went back to Hannah who was smiling and nodding as she chatted. I knew she was probably tired. She’d not sat down at all during the entire reception. I was ready to leave. Hannah’s body in that gown was making me hard and horny. I had to get her naked. I wanted to taste every inch of her body. I wanted to give her pleasure she had never felt before. I needed to give her intense pleasure and seal our deal.
I meandered through the dwindling crowd of people and found my bride chatting with a middle-aged woman I didn’t recognize. I touched her arm, grabbing her attention while smiling at the woman she was talking with.
“Hi,” she said, greeting me with a soft kiss.
“You ready to get out of here?”
Her eyes lit up. “I thought you’d never ask.”
I put my hand on the small of her back and steered her out of the room, making a discreet escape before anyone else could stop and talk to us.
“The limo is waiting for us. Someone will take care of all the gifts and your clothes,” I told her, opening the door for her to crawl inside the limo.
I sat next to her, resting my hand on her thigh as the car pulled away. The driver already knew where to take us. We were about thirty minutes from the city and I had plenty of ideas about how to pass the time.
“Wow, that was an amazing night. I feel like I could stay up for days on the high this night has given me,” she exclaimed.
“I’m glad you had fun.”
“I had more than fun. I’m excited for our future together. I’m so happy we did this. I mean, I didn’t think I was going to like the whole idea of a wedding and all that, but I’ve been convinced,” she said, looking up at me and smiling.
“Good. That was my goal.”
She continued to smile at me, her eyes bright and shiny. “I’m ready for what comes next,” she said in a voice barely above a whisper.
“What comes next?” I asked, a little surprised to hear her say it.
She shrugged a shoulder. “What you said you wanted.”
I was afraid to say it, in
case she was talking about something else. I didn’t want to pressure her right then. I was prepared to give her a few days to adjust to being married before I demanded she have my child. Could it be she was actually eager to have my baby? That was unexpected.
“I said I wanted a lot of things. Can you be more specific?”
She grinned. “You said this whole thing required you producing an heir—not just an heir, a legitimate heir, right?”
I nodded. “I did.”
“Well, we jumped into the marriage thing. I think I’m ready to jump in to phase two of your little scheme to win.”
The words struck me as odd and quickly extinguished the flame that had been burning since I first laid eyes on her earlier this evening. “My scheme?” I said through pursed lips.
She waved a hand. “You know what I mean. You want your company. I get it. Trust me I do, or I wouldn’t be sitting in the back of a limousine with my new husband,” she mumbled.
I relaxed a little. Her choice of words was lacking, but I knew what she meant. I was still on-guard with her, not sure I could trust her and Jack. I had watched the two of them all night. Jack had congratulated us both, but never made an attempt to talk with her in private. I was still suspicious.
“You want to have a baby?” I asked, clarifying her statement.
“I do. I want to have a baby with you,” she said it in a breathy tone.
I grinned in response. “That’s good, because I really need a baby and fast.”
“I’m so happy my company was on the verge of bankruptcy and I got to me you.”
My finger trailed down her arm that was satiny smooth. “I’m happy we met as well. I’ll be even happier when we can get started on the honeymoon part of this night. Hell, we can even start trying for a baby. Why wait?”
