Page 76 of Illicit Temptation

“This is perfect. I had a mom go into labor early so her shower is postponed. I’m free for a couple of days. I’ll be at the hangar tomorrow by ten a.m.” Ending the call, she sneaks a look at me under her lashes.

“No,” I say before she starts explaining why she thinks it’s a good idea to go to Las Vegas.

“No, what?” She sits back crossing her legs, flashing her cunt in a lace thong that I know is drenched. All the cum I pumped into her this morning is seeping out.

I’m no longer keeping her pinned to the damn bed like Quack Mike said. No point. She’s been given the worst heartbreaking news a woman can get. Stripped of the one unique gift every other woman is showered with. Motherhood.

And she’s taking it with grace. I’m proud of her for not letting this define her. Maybe she’ll never be someone’s mother, but she’s so much more.She’s her own person. Heck, she’s my wife and she doesn’t even want to admit that. She likes her independence and standing on her own two feet.

When she’s not on her back, taking my dick until we both pass out.

“No, you’re not going to Las Vegas.” I lean over her, my arms caging her at her desk.

That little notch above her nose wrinkles adorably. “Why not?”

Thinking quickly, I say, “I’ll talk to Eoghan. Remind him that Jillian may or may not be wanted dead there.That’snot enough of a reason?”

Shea waves her hand. “You of all people know these kingpins like waving their dicks around. There’s no threat. Nico Scava got on a plane and faced my brother.”

I shudder, hearing her say that man’s name. “People change their minds.”

“Eoghan is letting Jillian go. She’s closing on her condo. No offense to your ego, but my brother is psycho-stalker-jealous-possessive of his wife. If he thinks a few guards will—”

I pin her with a warning stare. “Exactly. Afewguards. If there was no threat, she could fly Southwest and Uber it to the closing all alone.” I grip Shea by the scruff of her neck, loving how she blushes when I get rough with her. “Why is she asking you to go?”

“She likes me.” Her shoulders come up in an adorable shrug. “Do you not see the benefit? You’re going, too. Then we can get the marriage canceled. We agreed it’s in both our best interest to wipe that thing off the map.”

She agreed. I didn’t agree to shit.

Like most unexpected events thrown at me, I think quickly. My immediate assessment is the only way to keep her off that trip is to tie her up. Or tell her the truth about Scava.

While Shea’s been in meetings, and hosting parties, I stalked Matt Delano. He did what he was told and shacked up at the Marina Inn. Did local touristy stuff to keep busy. Went to wine tastings, saw a couple of movies, and even got laid a few times. Then left New York and I haven’t heard from him or anyone else since.

That doesn’t mean Scava won’t send someone back. I can’t keep Shea locked up and hidden from the world. And I don’t want that.

Her power turns me the fuck on. Whatever Scava has to offer her, I know she doesn’t want to live in a gilded cage. I already know even if she wants out of our marriage, she won’t agree to this arranged one with Scava.

And...

She can’t have kids. Scava doesn’t know that. No one knows that. Just me. But it’s not something I can just blurt out. That’s sensitive information.

Exhaling, I say, “Fine.”

Fingers with perfectly manicured nails slide along her desk. “Okay good. While Jillian is doing her condo stuff, we’ll go to that chapel. We both need to be there to get this marriage taken care of.”

Like it’s a living, breathing thing that needs to be murdered. Not. Happening.

“Sure, princess.” I turn away and put a plan in motion to burn the place down.

ARRIVING IN LAS VEGASfloods me with memories of my last trip to Sin City. Boy, did I sin.

I never came back, even though my parents love it here. They make the long slog of a plane ride to enjoy the hot sun and warm desert air. And gamble away my inheritance. I could give a shit. I’ll have plenty of money soon. Let them live and have fun.

Had I come back, I might have, in a moment ofweakness and uncertainty, tracked down the chapel to confirm the marriage was real. For the same reason, Shea doesn’t like this reckless, whim of a marriage on our backs like stinking monkeys.

But the obsession of being married to the only woman I ever loved has dug its hooks into me.

In a rented luxury SUV riding to the Charter Hotel where Darragh keeps a penthouse villa on the strip, Jillian confirms the meeting with her real estate lawyer for tomorrow’s closing. Then calls a friend, and gets all squeaky and girly. She’s a lovely woman. But a pack of them, I can’t take.

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