Page 2 of Wed Or Dead

Gage wasn’t usually the demanding sort. He was more easygoing, more?—

He tossed the daisies on a nearby chair and threaded his fingers through hers. “Want me to carry you?” His smile flashed again.

That smile of his was like her freaking kryptonite. No man should have a smile that melted panties. His did.

The organ began to play again.One foot in front of the other.Kayla took a deep breath and began to walk.One foot.

Gage was right by her side.

In front of the other.

Before she knew it, they were standing at the front of the chapel. The officiant smiled as the light reflected off the top of his bald head. He was talking. Nodding. Looking all pleased and happy.

Kayla couldn’t hear a word he said. Her heart raced too fast and too loud for that.

Gage kept a tight hold on her hand. Probably because he was afraid she’d make a break for it.

But Kayla wasn’t leaving. She’d never left a job before, and she wouldn’t start now. From the corner of her eye, she glanced at Gage. Poor guy. He had no idea what was coming for him. Did he think this was some kind of epic romance?

Think again.

She was the predator. He was the prey. And, soon enough, he’d grow to hate her.

Gage nudged her. When she glanced up and found the officiant staring at her, Kayla realized she was supposed to speak. “Uh, I do.” That was what folks always said, right?Promise to love, honor, and cherish.

But what she’d really do…Lie, betray, and hurt.

Her chest began to ache. This wasn’t what she wanted. Why couldn’t things have been simpler for her? For him?

The officiant beamed. Gage’s strong voice rumbled beside her as he made his vow.

And she hated her life. Just once, she wished she could be normal. A woman in love—a woman actually marrying the man of her dreams. Instead of just being a woman who was using herself as bait to set up her groom.

Gage turned her toward him. Even over the too-loud thud of her heartbeat, Kayla heard the officiant say that Gage could kiss his wife.

“Hello, wife,” Gage murmured, and finally—finally—the wild drumming of her heartbeat quieted, because it stopped for a few seconds. “You’re mine, now. Forever.” The words held a hard edge that she’d never heard before in his voice.

Then Gage kissed her. Not the light, teasing kisses that he’d given her in the past. An openmouthed, hot, I-want-you-naked kiss that sent a shudder through her whole body.

She kissed him back just as wildly. Because despite all the other madness that was happening, Kayla did want her husband. And, before he found out the truth about her and this little fantasy came to a crashing end, she’d have him.

The hotel roomwas one of those ridiculous pink explosions that you found in Vegas. A romance-ready room. Heart-shapedJacuzzi. Rose petals scattered on the floor and on the massive bed. Pink champagne chilling next to a box of chocolates on the bedside table.

But when Gage carried Kayla inside the decked out room, his bride didn’t so much as give the surroundings a glance. Her eyes—big, golden, fuck-me eyes—were on him. Her hands curled around his neck. “I want you.” Her soft confession.

Did she actually sound a little surprised by that fact?

Damn, sometimes, she was so adorable…he could just eat her. Actually, he would.

He couldn’t believe that he’d gotten her to marry him. The lady had sure surprised him on that one. He’d been expecting her to run as fast as she could.

But she’d straightened her slim shoulders. Lifted her slightly pointed chin. And let him drag her down the aisle.

A surprise, but he wouldn’t question fate. Not then.

Gage kicked the hotel room door closed and carried Kayla to the bed. He’d been wanting to get her naked and beneath him since the first night they met. Now that he had her in that room with him, nothing was going to stop him from claiming her.

Except…

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