Page 231 of Snap Shot

Landon pats my hand. “It's gonna be fine.”

My best glower meets his softened, carefree gaze.

“Yes, what can I assist you with today?” The poor front desk attendant has no idea what she's in for. I yelp and cower behind him, the white beading of my Indo-Western gown scratching at his navy suit jacket.

“Hi! We're the newlyweds celebrating our wedding here today.” He beams, that sunshiney smile tinging her pale cheeks with a pink blush.

I wiggle my glittery engagement ring from where my hand sits on his stomach.Mine.

“There's been an incident in our suite.” His tongue darts out to wet his bottom lip. “You see, the bed's broken.”

“Sir?”

Landon leans over the counter, tutting and hissing through his explanation. “I'm really sorry. We broke the bed. Went a little hard, you know.”

Aghast, she asks for her supervisor's help. My shameless husband fishes his wallet out in the meantime, prepared to take on any charges. The hotel manager is more than displeased, red in the face after going upstairs to review the damage. “It's a priceless Victorian-era poster bed frame. How do you plan on paying for its replacement?”

“You know what? Forget about replacing it.” The platinum credit card returns to its wallet slot.

“I beg your pardon?”

“I think I'll buy the place.” His arm draws an invisible arc in the air, narrowed eyes studying every corner of the ceiling. “What do you think, Indi? Real estate is always a good investment, eh?”

—————

Globe lights strung across the tent's clear top sparkle in the background as Landon's forehead rests on mine, my hands at his nape. He hums along with my private rendition of “Jag Ghoomeya” as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan croons over the sound system. We sway in the middle of the dance floor, our wedding reception well underway.

Emotional rollercoaster-like speeches and family skit-like dance performances complete, the night is ours to cherish. My head tilts to one side, offering my temple for Landon to kiss.

From the corner of my eye, Gabe's figure storms down the hilly lawn from the manor. Two beats later, Wade Boehner stumbles down the same path. An entirely different world of trouble.

“Landon, my love.” I bat my lashes four or five times, tone changing from sweet to serious. My mouth tightens to a stiff line. “What's happening over there?”

“Where?” He responds, dazed and lost in the moment, a crooked smile dimpling one cheek.

My eyes slide to the left, to Gabe finger-combing her curls.

“Don't'where'me, Radek! Gabe has sex hair.” I tip my chin to Boehner. “And Wade's shirt is undone.”

“Baby, his shirt's always open.” The caressing hands on my exposed lower back do nothing to douse the anger.

“It isnot! He had a tie on earlier.”

Landon finally looks over to them, a squint morphing into surprise and realization. “No! They didn't!”

“Theytotallydid.”

“B-but Gabe's so sensible, and Wade's so…”

“Juvenile?”

“What the hell?”

I drag Landon from the wooden flooring and poke a finger into his solid chest. “This is all your fault!”

“Me? I don't have any control over what Wade's dick does or where it goes! I already told him to stay away from Esha.”

A loud scoff follows. “He hit on my baby sister?!” I growl and ball my skirt in my fists to pick up the pace in my march across the tent. Landon trails behind me.

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