Page 160 of Safe and Sound

“Good. I’ll go grab you a tray, Mrs. Kavanaugh.”

As she started to open the door, I called, “Wait. I’m not Dare’s wife. We’re just dating.”

Slowly, she turned back to me. “Perhaps I need to get your husband.”

Rubbing my aching head, I argued, “He’s not my husband.”

“I’ll go get him.”

Knowing Dare like I did, he wouldn’t be too keen on being called my husband. We’d just rekindled our romance. While we might’ve been considering cohabitation, that was only because of Piper.

As I brought my hand away from my head, something shiny flickered. Staring down at my hand, I let out a shriek. An enormous diamond ring glittered back at me. Underneath it was a platinum wedding band.

“Holy shit!”

The door opened then, and Dare appeared. At the sight of me, his expression of concern turned to happiness. “Damn, it’s good to see you awake.”

I threw the back of my hand up at him. “What the fuck is this?” I demanded.

His smile faded. “It’s a wedding ring.”

“I’m aware of that. My question would be what is it doing on my finger.”

“I can explain.”

“Are we married?”

“Yes.”

I recoiled back in horror. “Excuse me?”

“It was to protect you and Piper.”

“How the hell could I have married you when I’ve been unconscious for two days?”

“The marriage license was forged, but no one knows that but my brothers and you.”

“You didn’t think you should wait until I was conscious to bind us legally?”

“We didn’t have time, Ava. The clock was already ticking when Christos’s men arrived on your doorstep.”

“How could you do this to me?”

He jerked back like I’d slapped him. “I did it because I love you.”

“Love isn’t forcing a marriage on me when I was sedated, Dare!” I spat.

“Don’t you see that this is about more than just you and me? We have a daughter to consider.” When I opened my mouth to argue, he shook his head. “She’s an heir to the Trakos family just the same as you are. Anyone who wants to hurt you wants to hurt her as well. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to ensure my girls are safe, and that includes marrying you.”

“They want the necklace, not me.”

“Don’t be stupid, Ava.”

“How dare you!” I blared.

As Dare’s jaw clenched, it appeared he was trying to control his temper. “Look, I know the mafia life is new, and you don’t understand all the ins and outs. Let me assure you of this. As long as you and Piper draw breath, you’re a threat to your uncle Christos. By becoming my wife, you have protection that you wouldn’t have if we were just dating.”

“You married me without my consent!”

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