Page 20 of Holiday Hijinks

The last thing he needed to worry about on his wedding day were men looking for him. His fist clenched. Ace had been texting him as well, notifying him about new information posted on the dark web.

But to what end?

His phone buzzed, and he saw a new text from his fiancée.

Ashleigh:Are we doing something special tonight? Pretty please tell me! Anna and I look gorgeous enough to kill a man.

He smirked, recalling how Anna had declared they’d both be ‘drop dead gorgeous’ after their morning at the spa. He had no doubt his fiancée would look amazing. He only hoped everything would go off according to plan.

Slate:It’s a surprise, Ash. But yes. I would certainly call tonight a special occasion. Something you’ll remember for the rest of our lives. ;)

Ashleigh:Slate. Give me a hint or I’ll write you as the villain in my next book. The suspense is killing me!

Slate:How can I be the villain when I’m the hero of the story? I loved the book you wrote, sweetheart.

Slate:Are you wearing the necklace I gave you?

Ashleigh:Of course. Just that and my big, fluffy robe here at the spa. Plus, my engagement ring. ;)

He muttered a curse. He should’ve arranged for a couple’s massage. Not that he wanted a stranger’s hands on him. He was Ashleigh’s alone. But his dick twitched as he imagined her, skin luminous from the massage oil, blonde hair pulled back, a smile on her face.

Slate:Just do what Anna says today. As much as it pains me to say that…

Ashleigh:You want me to toss extra Christmas condoms at strangers?

He was calling her before he thought twice. “She did not tell you to do that,” Slate growled.

“Oh, but she did. Remember the gifts in our stockings? It turns out she has extra condoms with saucy sayings like ‘Eat Me’ and ‘I have a huge package for you.’”

He muttered a curse. “Just follow her lead on any sane suggestions—the hair and outfit. Shoes. I’ll meet you tonight.”

“You’ll meet me there? Why can’t we go together?”

She sounded worried, and his chest clenched. This whole surprise wedding was more stressful than he’d anticipated. Some couples surprised their guests. He was surprising the actual bride. “I promise it’s okay, Ash. You have a driver. I’ll be ready and waiting when you arrive.”

“The driver seems a bit much, no? What kind of massage day requires a chauffeur?”

Slate clenched his jaw. “You know Anna,” he ground out. “She likes to go all out.”

“And what outfit might I be wearing tonight?” Ashleigh asked. “Anna wouldn’t give me any details, which isn’t like her. You know how into clothes and fashion she is. I figured she’d be gushing over whatever we’re supposed to wear this evening.”

“You’ll find out soon. Anna promised me you’d love it. And without giving anything away, I can’t wait to see you in it.”

“More sexy lingerie?” she teased.

Slate nearly choked. He assumed she’d have on some sexy lingerie under the wedding gown, but what did he know? Anna could very well insist Ashleigh go commando or something.

“You never know with Anna,” he hedged. “But let’s assume a dress is involved.”

“What are you doing right now anyway?” she asked. “Surely you can’t be taking as long to get ready for whatever the big surprise is.”

“No, but I’ll get ready at the hotel soon. I’m also dealing with a little issue Jett has men here in Seattle for.”

“What?” she asked, sounding alarmed.

“It’s nothing you need to worry about.” Slate cleared his throat, crossing to look at the laptop Jett had brought with him. The camera feed from the lobby of the hotel he’d planned to stay at was on the screen. Not one but two suspicious men had been lurking there in the morning. One of Jett’s men, Sam Jackson, had approached them. Although they’d fled, he’d been standing watch ever since. It wasn’t a coincidence that men were at the exact location he was supposed to be.

Slate didn’t like any of it.

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