Page 106 of Theirs to Corrupt

I glance over my shoulder. With his normal stealth, Pax heads my direction, wearing slacks and his dress shirt, though it’s unbuttoned. His gun is nearby. Always prepared.

The soft glow of the lamps casts long shadows across the room. Outside, the faint hum of Las Vegas nightlife seeps through the windows. The air is thick with the lingering scents of champagne, Tessa’s sweetness, and the unmistakable musk of us claiming our virgin bride.

I’d known she was going to be amazing. But I’d had no idea…

“Tessa asleep?” I ask quietly.

“Yeah. Told her I’d run her a bath after rubbing her shoulders.” He grins. “She was out within less than a minute.”

I’m not surprised. Her life has been turned upside down, not just by her brother, but by us.

He crosses to the small bar area and pours two whiskeys. Then he carries one to me. “Great ceremony, boss.”

Served the higher good, making it effective.Ends justify the means. “Lorenzo’s staff made it easy.”

“No details left to chance.”

Never.The way I like it.

“She’s fucking spectacular.”

Nodding agreement, I accept the glass.

I recall every moment of our day.

Though I’d seen her in the form-fitting gown before we were married, watching her walk down the aisle had almost been my undoing. She was dressed so perfectly, carrying her flowers, her gaze fastened on me, as if drawing strength and determination from me.

I’d never thought much about getting married, even though the best of the best around me had fallen into matrimonial bliss. Lorenzo Carrington. Rafe Sterling. Nico Moretti. I always figured it would happen when the time was right.

Then I saw Tessa, and I’d immediately been obsessed by her sweet innocence and beauty.

I had to have her.

After Pax discovered who she was, there was no way I could let her go.

And now that we’re married, my life seems more complete, which surprises me. I never knew something was missing. But now…

Knowing she’s close and will be that way for the rest of her life soothes the savage beast inside me.

“She did great tonight. The reception.”

Pax’s words interrupt my musings. “She’ll be a great hostess.” Smiling at the sharks, unrattled by anyone. Including me and Pax. Though she heard me tell the tale of Pax shooting someone, she’d promised to spend the rest of her life with us.

She’s more fearless than I could have imagined.

Back here, in our suite, she’d responded to us so completely, with utter trust.

Fucking hell.

Over the years, Pax and I have shared dozens of women.Dozens?Maybe fifty or more.

None of them were as honest or perfect as our new wife.

“We’re lucky men,” Pax says.

Tessa is more than I deserve. “Indeed we are.”

He lifts his glass in a silent acknowledgement, and I do the same.

---