Page 43 of Pure Vengeance

All bullshit. There was no way Steve Ashland’s daughter would accept a discount-store wedding ring. She’d learn soon enough that whatever she thought she’d gain by aping manners and gratitude would get her exactly nowhere.

My lips curved into a smile, and I resisted the urge to rub my hands together. Natasha would have plenty of diamond-encrusted platinum jewelry. Sadly for her, none of it would be on her slim fingers.

At least her dress looked better with the bottom half missing. Natasha had great legs, but I hated that I noticed how truly beautiful she was. Then again, I wouldn’t have to put a bag over her head so my dick would stay hard while I fucked her.

“I’m sorry,” she said, interrupting my plotting. “I don’t know where your house is. There wasn’t time… I mean…” She sighedand looked out the window. “I’m sorry I’m so awkward. I’ll try to do better.”

Better at trying to make me think you’re not a conniving little cunt.

“It’s okay. Our wedding must have taken you by surprise.”

“That’s putting it mildly,” she muttered under her breath. In a louder voice, she added, “I really like Saoirse. She’s so nice. Do you have other siblings? I’m an only child, and my mom is gone. I’m also sorry you had to meet my father.”

I’d say one thing for her… the girl was good. If I didn’t know better, I’d have almost believed she was exactly as she appeared—naïve and too stupid to live.

Not surprising, since according to the dossier I’d compiled, she hadn’t bothered with college. A lack of education didn’t make her stupid, but given her father’s assets, there hadn’t been anything aside from entitled laziness stopping her from getting a degree.

“It’s just me and Saoirse,” I replied.

“Oh, okay. Sorry, I?—”

“Stop apologizing,” I snapped.

Her shoulders went up around her ears and I kicked myself for deviating from the plan. I was supposed to get her to like me before I yanked everything away and treated her like she deserved. It was no wonder Saoirse was having second thoughts. Thankfully, I knew better than to think Natasha was genuine.

“I’m the one who’s sorry,” I said, softening my tone. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you. Our parents died in a plane crash several years ago.”

To my shock, she reached over to squeeze my hand. “It’s hard to lose a loved one. It won’t make anything better, but I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks.” Deciding to get my head out of my ass, I added, “Anyway, our house is an hour south on the coast.”

She grinned and her eyes sparkled as she turned to face me. “Can you see the beach from it?”

“Yes. There’s a great view from the second floor.”

“I can’t wait to see it.” Natasha let go of my hand and sighed happily. “I know I’m being completely socially inept again, but I’m so happy you picked me to marry. I just… never mind.”

She trailed off, and for some inexplicable reason, I wanted to know what she’d say in that soft, husky voice that seemed designed to make my dick hard.

“Just what?” I asked.

“I don’t have any right to ask, but…” She turned in her seat and took my hand again. “Please be patient while I learn to be a good wife.”

“Don’t worry.” I brought her hand to my lips and kissed her knuckles. “I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”

“Thank you.” She glanced at our entwined hands, then leaned close to kiss my cheek. “I promise I’ll do my best to make you proud of me.” She yawned, belatedly covering her mouth with her hand. “Sorry for being rude. It’s been a busy day.”

Pulling her close, I let her put her head on my shoulder. “Rest for a while. I’ll wake you when we get there.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

To my surprise, she did indeed fall asleep almost as soon as the words were out of her mouth. I almost applauded her performance, but let her rest. I told myself I welcomed the silence, but part of me missed the sound of her voice.

As we drove through the gate and on toward the house, I tapped her shoulder, and she jerked awake with a cry of surprise.

“Sorry to startle you, but we’re almost home.”

Her brilliant smile nearly stopped my heart as she leaned over me to look out the window.

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