by Maggie Mundy
“So, where do you want to go?”
She didn’t answer for a while and just stared out the side window.
“Vegas.”
He didn’t expect that. He thought she would want him to drop her off at Declan and Cassi’s house, or at Julia’s.
“You want me to drive? It’ll take about four to five hours.”
“Yes. If you don’t mind. I need time to think and a road trip will give me that. It’s six and we will be there before midnight. I don’t need to be back until Monday, and if people need to talk to me, they can call.”
He laughed and shook his head, but he wouldn’t refuse her anything. Also, by the time they traveled for an hour, the hangers-on would give up. The paps and reporters would guess they were heading for Las Vegas and would fly.
“Las Vegas it is then.”
“Thanks, Mitch.”
Gemma got her tablet out and started to look at hotels. She booked a suite and he realized how they were from different worlds. Her agent called and then Julia again. Mitch kept his mind on the road and let her deal with necessities of the situation. His own cell phone went off, but he ignored it. He could check it out later. He was pretty sure it would be one of the other paparazzi trying to get the inside story. Gemma eventually put down her tablet.
“Do you want me to drive for a bit?” Gemma asked.
“I’m good for now. We can stop for fuel halfway and you can take over. So, what are you going to do about this?”
Gemma glanced across and had a wicked grin on her face. It was good she didn’t look so stressed anymore. Then again, he was worried what the cheeky expression meant.
“I want to suggest something you might find a bit shocking.”
Mitch laughed. “With the life I’ve led, I think there is very little that would shock me, but go ahead.”
“I think we should get married.”
Mitch swerved and barely missed a car in the outside lane. He kept driving and glanced across at Gemma. She was still smiling.
“You’re serious, right?”
She nodded.
“Is that why you suggested going to Vegas?” He was shocked all right.
“I won’t lie and say it had not entered my mind. I’ve been thinking about it, and it makes perfect sense.”
“I thought you were actually sane, and now I’m thinking I slept with a crazy lady.”
“Hear me out. I don’t want to be on my own and we get along well.”
“Getting along is for friends. You just suggested that we get hitched. We hardly know each other.”
“I want to offer you a contract. We get married and you keep Brandon or anyone else away. You can spend time investigating him for me. I can give you the money to pay for your sister’s medical training so you don’t need to do the paparazzi thing anymore.”
“That sounds like I’m prostituting myself. I told you before you couldn’t afford me as a sex slave.” He shook his head and laughed. “Aren’t you afraid that I’ll take you for everything?”
“I just saw a pre-nuptial agreement form online. We can reassess the whole thing after three months. When we get to the hotel, I’ll print it off and we can both sign it.”
Mitch pulled up outside a café and considered they were about half way. The more he thought about it, she was right. It did make sense. He could get rid of Lili’s bills. Living with Gemma wouldn’t be hard, and he’d like to hunt Brandon down and catch him for what he was doing to her. He could actually concentrate on his photography and not have to make ends meet.
“It’s too much money. I can’t take it.”
“Mitch, the show is doing well and I’ve made a lot of money. I want to help you and your sister. It’s just a marriage of convenience. We can get it annulled when all this blows over and you will be free to do whatever you want.”
“I’m going to get some food and a coffee. You can drive for a bit.” Mitch got out and looked around to see if any other cars had come pulled in beside them, but it all appeared okay. He pulled out his cell phone as he waited for the order. Sure enough, he had about ten calls from other paparazzi or magazines wanting to pay him for his story. He wondered if two people like him and Gemma could make this work, even on a temporary basis. By the time he got back to the car, he had made a decision. He shut the car door and handed her the pastry and coffee. She was biting her bottom lip again.
“Okay. I think you are insane, but I’ll do it.”
Chapter Seventeen
Gemma shook as she lifted her hand for Mitch to put the ring on it. Hell. She was actually getting married and she couldn’t keep the smile off her face. The other thing she found amazing was Mitch was smiling, too.
Gemma gazed down at his hand and pushed the white gold band onto his finger. She had found a jewelry shop open as he drove into Vegas and stopped to buy two wedding bands. She didn’t have an engagement ring, but that didn’t matter. She hadn’t been engaged that long anyway. Mitch insisted on paying for the rings, but she would cover the hotel bill. The celebrant said they were man and wife and that Mitch could kiss his bride.
The small chapel was run by a mature woman who organized her family to do everything necessary. No one seemed to recognize her yet, which was good.
If she had any doubts, they went when Mitch pulled her into his arms and kissed her. His lips pressed down on hers and she opened to him so he could possess her mouth in the way she wanted him to possess her body again. When he moved away, she found herself moving forward and wanting more. She was going to find it difficult to remember this was a business transaction.
Mitch signed the paperwork, and her hand shook as she held the pen. Then she was ready to go with her new husband. Gemma was sure the two of them had gotten away with it until they walked out of the chapel. Lights flashed as Mitch grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the car. Luckily, there only seemed to be about five photographers, but the cat was out of the bag.
Mitch drove off. Gemma looked back to see the other photographers rushing to their cars. The chase was on. Mitch surprised her by not putting his foot down on the accelerator and trying to get away. Instead, he slowly drove into Las Vegas.
“I’m not going to get a ticket and the hotel will provide security.”
“You seem so calm considering you’ve just married someone you haven’t known for long.”
“I know how those people out there think. I was one of them. And I have business arrangements with lots of people I have not known that long.”
Touché. She could not blame him for stating the obvious. “Do you usually have sex with most of your business partners?”
“Not nearly enough, I might say. I’m glad this contract is going to turn out better.”
Gemma laughed as he parked in at the front of the hotel. The cars following them pulled in as well.
“Well, here we go again,” Gemma said as the doorman came over and opened her car door. She waited until Mitch got around her side of the car. The cameras went off again.
“We saw you both come out of the wedding chapel. Are you married?” one of the guys yelled.
Gemma considered there was no point in lying and held her hand up and smiled.
“Are you pregnant?” another pap called out.
“What connection is there from your wedding and the break-in at your house?”
Gemma took a deep breath as she got through the door of the hotel. Silence. She held onto Mitch’s hand as they made their way over to the reception.
“I was wondering if we could get some champagne and a platter sent up to our suite?” Mitch asked.
“Do you have something to celebrate?” the concierge asked as he glanced over to the front door where photographers and reporters still pressed against the glass.
“We just got married,” Gemma blurted out.
“We have a honeymoon suite if you would like to change your booking.”
“No, that will be fine,” Mitch said.
When they arrived at the suite,
Mitch opened the door and grinned at her.
“Do you want me to carry you over the threshold?”
Gemma nodded and giggled as he swept her up in his arms and took her inside. When he slammed the door shut and let her legs down, she put her arms around his neck and kissed him. She was going to suggest they go straight to the bedroom when her phone rang. Mitch’s phone went a second later.
“I think we need to talk to a couple of people before we celebrate. It’s Lili.”
Gemma looked at her phone. Julia.
“I just heard you got married to Mitch. What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Julia was her friend and would be coming from a good place.
“We are in love and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. He agreed to sign a pre-nup and everything will be fine.”
“I’m going to assume you’re not drugged and are telling the truth. Enjoy tonight and I’ll be in Vegas tomorrow to deal with the press.”
“That sounds good to me as we have no intention of leaving our bedroom for the next twenty-four hours.”
Julia chuckled. “I don’t want to know. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Someone knocked on the door and Mitch let in room service. He was still talking to his sister, so Gemma opened the champagne, poured two glasses, and popped strawberries in them. Her phone pinged again and this time her stomach turned. It was her mother. Dad had obviously given her the news. For a moment, she considered not answering it, but that would make things worse.
“Hello, Mother.” There was silence. This was an old ploy her mom always used to make Gemma suffer. Tonight, it wasn’t going to work. She was married to a gorgeous, sexy man and was planning on a night of wanton sex, and her mother was not going to spoil it. After all, it might not last that long. The marriage, not the sex, she hoped.
“I believe congratulations are in order if what your father says is true. You’re married.”
“Yes, Mom. I’ve married Mitch Lopez, whom I met out here. We can come and visit you in New York and have a small celebration.”
“There no need for that, dear. I’ve heard these Hollywood marriages don’t last long. At least you didn’t marry in a church. Make sure your money is safe.” Her mother’s voice dripped with contempt.
“Thanks, Mom, for those kind words, and I’ll tell Mitch you can’t wait to meet him. I’ll call you again soon.”
Gemma pressed “end call”, put down the phone, and laughed.
“To think that almost everything I’m doing is to help her, and she hopes our marriage doesn’t last long. I need a drink.” Gemma picked up the nearest glass, drained it, and held it out for a refill. “I don’t want to talk about her. How was Lili? Is she still talking to you?” Gemma filled her plate with food.
Mitch filled her glass and sat down and helped himself to some cheese. “She said she knew we would end up together and is happy for us. I didn’t tell her it is a temporary situation.”
“Well, if it is temporary, we should make the most of the sex side of this relationship. I want to get my money’s worth.” Gemma blew him a coy kiss, putting on her innocent face.
“I think you’re going to get more than you bargained for. I’ll be sending you my bill when we get divorced. Drink up and turn your phone off.”
Gemma downed her glass of champagne.
Mitch bent down, scooped her up, and threw her over his shoulder. Gemma screamed but loved every minute of it. His arm was around her legs, holding her in place while his other hand tapped her butt. Her core was heating up at what he might do.
“I promise to do what I’m told, and if I don’t, you can spank me.”
Mitch made a low sound in his throat and she knew she had pushed a button. He didn’t carry her to the bed, though, but kicked open the door to the bathroom instead.
“It’s been a long day. We both need a bath and I need you naked.”
Chapter Eighteen
After the discussion with her mother, Gemma reckoned she was bat-shit crazy to have agreed to marry Mitch. She hardly knew him and so many people were going to give her crap about it. If it was true, then why did it feel so fantastic? She was riding on a high and knew she would come down. For now, she would enjoy it, and his body.
He let her down and she noticed the grin on his face. He was up to something and she couldn’t wait to find out.
“Don’t move.”
Gemma did what she was told as he turned the water on in the tub and threw in some bubble bath.
“I’m going to strip you.” He turned off the water.
Mitch hadn’t even touched her and yet her body was aroused. Her breasts ached with need for him, but she had a feeling he would make her wait. The torture would be exquisite.
Mitch flicked her top button of her blouse. Gemma jumped. She wasn’t scared, but her reactions were heightened. He kept staring at her straight in the eyes as he undid all the other buttons. His gaze was one of pure lust and domination, and she wanted both. By the time the last button was undone, her breathing had become rapid. He ran his thumb along her lower lip. She wanted him to kiss her, but he didn’t. He moved away and wagged his finger.
“Turn around and lean against the bath.”
She obeyed and could smell the fragrance of mango and peach coming from the bubble bath. His left hand was on her hip as he moved up behind her. His erection pressed against her crack as he pushed her legs apart. His other hand cupped her core and she reckoned he would be able to feel the heat through her jeans.
He ran his hand back and forth along her crotch as he rubbed his cock up and down her crack.
“You are so fucking hot, Gemma. I could come in my pants right now.”
Gemma’s breath was coming so fast she could come as well. Then he stopped and moved away.
“Turn around and move back against the wall.”
When Gemma turned, she saw Mitch had pulled off his t-shirt. She wanted to run her hands over his body but wouldn’t touch until he told her to. He ran his forefingers along the lacy edge of her bra and her skin came up in goosebumps. He circled her nipples with his thumbs and they strained against the flimsy material.
“Please, take it off.”
Mitch raised an eyebrow at her plea but reached behind her and undid her bra so her breasts were free. He kneeled before her, undid her jeans, and pulled them down. Gemma raised each foot so he could take them off. He stood and pulled her face toward him so he could claim her lips. She opened her mouth so his tongue could possess her. His other hand slid down her abdomen and into her panties. He stopped kissing her.
“Who is all hot and wet for me?”
“I am.”
“Damn right you are.”
Gemma moved her feet apart so his hand could get better access. His finger made little circles around her clit as he watched her. Her breath caught as the sensations made her legs tremble. His fingers moved down her cleft and into her core. She clenched onto his shoulders as he stuck another finger in and stretched her. She let out a groan before she could stop it.
Mitch watched her expression as he pumped her with his fingers. He was calm and steely faced, and she couldn’t keep anything inside any longer. She jerked against him as he moved in and out and his thumb circled her clit. She gripped his shoulder and tilted her hips to give him more access. The sensations were reaching out to every part of her body as wave after wave of her orgasm washed over her.
When her breathing calmed, Mitch leaned forward and kissed her deeply. His fingers were still inside her as she throbbed around them. When he pulled away, she couldn’t stop the smile coming to her lips.
“You did well. I think marrying you was a good idea after all. Now get in the bath and I’ll massage you,” he said as he patted her butt.
Gemma took off her panties, got in the bath, and topped it up with more hot water. Mitch stripped and got in behind her. Gemma noticed his erection and looked forward to her next orgasm.
Mitch started on her shoulders, gently kneading at her aching
muscles. She wasn’t surprised she was tied up in knots.
His hands were like magic on her muscles like they had been on her core.
“I should have married you before just for your massages.”
“I have other talents that I keep secret. I need to keep the surprise in our relationship.”
Mitch used his thumbs to press along either side of her spine, finding the knots hiding there. By the time he finished, she felt like her body was turning to jelly. It was a wonderful feeling. When he stopped, she leaned back against his chest. His cock was still hard and pressed against her back, giving her thoughts of what was to come. He didn’t say any more and she was happy for the silence. Talking would mean accepting all things outside of this hotel room that would make a difference. The two of them lay in each other’s arms until the water cooled. They washed and got into the thick white robes provided. Gemma brushed her teeth and was about to leave the room when Mitch caught her around the waist and scooped her up in his arms.
“It would be my honor to carry you to your bridal bed. Then you will do what you are told while the ravishing begins.”
“I am quite prepared to be ravished. In fact, you can ravish me all night long.”
“Your wish is my command, and my command is your order in the bedroom.”
“Always.” Gemma had never let anyone boss her around like Mitch did, but it turned her on like hell not knowing what he would want from her next. She thought he would take her across to the bed. Instead, he moved her so her back was against the wall. He pulled on the cord of her robe and it fell apart.
He gazed down her body and his eyes devoured her nakedness. She could feel her pussy getting hot just from his stare, and he hadn’t touched her. He kneeled on the floor in front of her and lifted her leg so it rested on his shoulder. At first he didn’t move closer but blew gently on her most sensitive area. It made her yearn with need for his touch.
He kissed her belly button, dipping his tongue in and making her giggle. It was a strange feeling that made her tummy turn over in a weird way. She watched him lick a trail with the tip of his tongue across to her right groin. He pecked and made her body jerk as he tickled her.
