Page 41 of Pure Vengeance

“Sorry. I don’t want to trip over this thing.” Carrying the mass of lacy fabric over one arm, she followed the minister into a small office.

The minister handed her a pen and laid the certificate on the desk in front of her. Watching her hand tremble as she signed her name soothed my irritation at having to marry her in thefirst place, but it flared anew when she smiled as she handed me the pen.

Once the marriage certificate was signed by both of us and witnessed by Finn and Saoirse, she gave me a tentative smile. “I… Sorry I’m so weird. Are we having a reception?”

This shy, awkward young woman wasn’t the bride I’d expected. According to rumors, she was arrogant and rude, with a streak of entitlement a mile wide. Considering the gossip came from her father’s guards, who had known her from birth, I was inclined to believe it, except it didn’t explain what I was seeing.

I hid a frown and nodded, then offered her my arm. “Of course. Only the best for my beautiful bride.”

Surprisingly, Natasha clenched my arm tighter as we approached her father, and moved out of reach when he lifted a hand to get her attention. I almost stumbled when she pressed herself against me as if she wanted my protection.

When she tried to increase her pace, I wrapped my arm around her, forcing her to slow down as we walked past her father to my town car waiting at the curb. He gave me an evil scowl before turning away.

As we left the church, her shoulders slumped. “We’re legally married now, right?”

I had no idea why she’d ask such an odd question. She had to know our marriage wouldn’t end well for her, given the animosity between her father and me.

“As soon as the minister files the marriage certificate, yes.”

To my shock, she said, “Thank god.”

CHAPTER TWO

Natasha

Held in the private dining room of a posh hotel I’d heard of but never visited, my wedding reception was small and intimate—exactly how I’d have wanted it if I’d been given the choice.

Thankfully, my father decided to skip it, and I didn’t think any of the few guests were acquainted with him, although I didn’t know for sure.

The thought of never seeing him again made me giddy, as did the delicious Malbec served with my meal of beef Wellington alongside tender grilled asparagus, and purée of celeriac topped with scads of butter.

“I think I forgot to do whatever thing is supposed to happen with your dress train to keep you from tripping on it,” Saoirse said.

I laughed, then slapped a hand over my mouth when everyone looked at me. My belly clenched and my supper roiled in my stomach. My father hated it when I laughed, and it took several seconds to remind myself that he was out of my life forever.

Hashtag nocontact.

“It’s okay,” I finally said. “I was actually thinking of asking for scissors to cut the darned thing off.”

“Don’t brides usually keep their dresses for their daughters?”

“Ew.” I grimaced and took a sip of wine. “Not this dress. It looks like something made out of kitchen curtains scavenged from a whole bunch of houses belonging to old women.”

“Well…” Her lips twitched into a smile. “At least the shoes are cute, and whoever did your hair and makeup is the bomb.”

“Right?” Unwilling to spoil the party, I didn’t tell her what the makeup was hiding. Lachlan would find out soon enough, and I still had no idea what I’d say when he saw the bruises.

“So, why did you pick it?” she asked.

My face heated under the thick coating of makeup. “It was the only one that didn’t need alterations. I’m guessing some other short and chubby woman decided to skip her wedding.”

“Hush, you. You’re gorgeous and you know it. Actually…” She stood and tugged me to my feet. “I have an idea. Let’s visit the little bride’s room.”

“Um… sure?”

Still holding my hand, she led me to a beautifully decorated washroom with a lounge. When the door shut behind us, she pulled her dagger free and walked toward me with dark intent in her eyes. I froze, wondering if my escape from my father would end in a hotel ladies’ room.

Instead of sinking the blade into my heart, she knelt before sawing at the skirt, cutting it off at my knees.

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