Page 46 of Desperate Vows

Thea pulled her shoulders back and smiled. “My sister isn’t sitting in a plain chair for this.”

I thought the blush on Claire’s cheeks before was sexy, but this one—deep red and covering her entire face and down her chest was even better. While Claire was looking at Thea, I took the moment to catch her off guard, dipped her, and kissed her again. “She’s right. Anything else wouldn’t have been good enough.”

I stood her back up and led her to the chair.

As she took her seat, I got to one knee, set my hands on her ankles, and slid them up her leg. The gasp was soft, but I heard it. I lifted her gown, and her eyes grew wide. She swallowed hard. I was thinking I’d take it off with my teeth, but her breath turned shallow. I didn’t know what was going on, but I quickly changed plans.

When she realized that I had shifted gears, she gave me a shy smile and chewed her lip. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“My job is to protect you, Claire.” I slipped my finger between her thigh and the garter and pulled it off slowly. “I just pledged to do that for the rest of my life. I make good on my promises.”

She leaned forward, took me by the chin, and pulled me to her, kissing me. There was nothing chaste or inhibited about it. Without looking, I flung the garter over my shoulder and continued kissing her. I didn’t know what this was supposed to mean, but whatever it was, it was enjoyable.

I wasn’t sure what a marriage to her was going to look like, but the kissing was going to be stellar.

We came up for air and stood. It was cute how she seemed to lose herself when she was kissing me and then blushed when she realized that she’d forgotten people were watching. Together, we walked to the edge of the dance floor, and the music started to play. The throne was removed, and before I knew it, the floor was full of guests enjoying themselves.

“I wanted to stop by and congratulate you on your marriage.”

I knew that voice. When I turned around, I was face to face with Marco Moretti. I guess he picked up on the fact that I wasn't happy he was here.

He held up his hands. “I’m not here to cause problems tonight. I’m here to tell you it’s coming. More trouble than you’ve ever known.”

Dimitris must have seen him approach because he was next to me in two seconds flat.

“Get him out of here.” I was nothing but rage. This child molester needed to be put down. “Get him out of here!”

The music stopped, and everyone stared.

“No need to stop the fun. I’m going.” His gaze moved to Dimitris. “I’ll be seeing you around.”

Franklin barked orders to his men to escort Marco out. He acted furious. Playing a good part, but I kept my eyes on him. I was glad I did, too. He made a mistake. He exchanged a glance with Marco, and it was almost imperceptible—the smile. Both of these scumbags needed to be put down.

In seconds, four men were escorting Marco out.

“I’m going to make sure he leaves.” Franklin threw the words over his shoulder.

“That’s a good idea.” I turned to Claire, and she was white as a sheet. Her irises were nearly non-existent her pupils were so dilated. “Claire?”

Her gaze was frozen in the direction Marco went.

“Claire.”

I didn’t know what was going on or what had happened, but I knew I needed to get her out of there. I swept her up in my arms, and as I passed my sister, I told her I was taking Claire home.

Thea took one look at her and nodded. “Go. I’ll let everyone know.”

I made long, fast strides until I reached the car and got us inside the limo. Claire was in my lap, cradled against my chest, still frozen in terror. Her color hadn’t returned at all. Palming the side of her face, I stroked her cheek with my thumb. “Claire, you’re scaring me.”

After several long minutes, she looked at me. Tears filled her eyes and dripped down into her hair. We maintained eye contact until the car stopped at my condo. “Would you let me shower before we have sex?”

It took me a second to even come up with a response. She’d been nearly catatonic since we left the reception, and now she wanted to know about us consummating our marriage? I shook my head. “I’m not having sex with you tonight. I told you that requires trust, and I haven’t earned that yet. Until I have that, it won’t happen.”

“I’m sorry.”

I took a deep breath and kissed her forehead. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. It’s been a long day, and we’re both exhausted. How about we head up, get dressed for bed, and you let me hold you for a while?”

She nodded and gave me a small smile. “I would love it if you held me all night long.”

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