Page 15 of Hacker Identified

"We don't know each other. But for some reason, I feel safe when I'm around you. I shouldn't though, since you had people break into my home."

I sure as hell liked her near me. "I figured you would feel more comfortable with a few of your things. I asked Sophie to make sure your place was okay before I sent someone to collect clothes and your electronics."

"Where are you taking my things?"

I nipped the side of her neck. "I'm getting there, but you should really eat more."

"Stop stalling."

"You want answers about your father's land in Haven Ridge. I plan to fly us there tomorrow. My home has a top-of-the-line security system, bulletproof windows, and a fireproof panic room. Zane has a home near mine connected by underground tunnels, and so do my sister and brother-in-law. Many of my friends are going to meet us in Virginia in the next few days."

"My dad spends a lot of time in Haven Ridge lately."

Neal had dug a little into Watson Creed's life, along with his current whereabouts. "He's not there now. Let me worry about him. What other questions do you have for me?"

"So, this person who went into my apartment, did they pack my underwear?"

My cock stirred at her simple question. "I told him no panties. The thought of you naked under your single layer of clothes is sexy as hell. No pajamas either. I'd prefer you in my t-shirts at night."

"I thought the engagement was only for show."

"We will take our sexual relationship at your speed. The contract was six months, and we would sleep in the same bed. We have one more item to discuss."

Hannah's brows furrowed. "Are we going to brush over the fact you don't want me to have underwear or that we are going to sleep in the same bed?"

"We can work out the sleeping arrangements when we arrive in Virginia. Now, onto the next topic." I pulled the blue box from my pocket. "Hannah, your safety is one of the most important things. This might sound crazy, but Hannah Waters, will you marry me?"

She pointed her finger at the diamond. "Did you forget you announced our fake engagement to the world? One, I think we should take back."

Every second I spent with her, I wanted her even more. Women threw themselves at me, and in many cases, promised me anything if they could be my wife.

"Yes, we have the contract. For the next six months, we can spend time together and learn what each of us likes and dislikes, and at the end, you can decide if you want an annulment."

"Annulment?" She jumped off my lap. "When did the wedding happen?"

Shit, I didn't explain. "I think we should go to the Little White Chapel, today, and have Elvis marry us."

Hannah shook her head. "Nobody will believe this. You're an eight-point-five, and I'm a four."

Damn, she kept knocking me down a peg. "You're a ten in my book, especially before you dyed your hair and straightened your curls. Also, for the record, I won sexiest man alive. You are sure I'm not a little higher than you scored me?"

The corner of her lips twitched for a moment. "You could be—but you’re cocky and think people should do as you say."

"Does make life easier when everyone agrees with me…" I paused. "You still haven't given me a good reason for us not to become legally married."

She stomped her foot. "Okay, how about this? I make fifty-five thousand dollars a year and live in a studio apartment. My go-to meal is ramen noodles, because all my extra income goes to protesting big companies who destroy wildlife. I highly doubt you will chain yourself to a tree to help me save a plant."

My life was mapped out by my father. He’d groomed me to run for office and hired staff to make sure I never stepped outside or over any lines. When I ran, nobody could find one thing I had done that was at all suspect. I’d waited until my twenty-first birthday to have a drop of alcohol, even though my friends partied all the time.

"I'm retired, and if you want us to spend a weekend tied to a tree, I guess we will. I'm sure we can even talk Texan and Art into helping. Do you find me so despicable you can't see yourself marrying me? But before you answer my question, I'm implementing a new rule. Every time you make a rude comment about yourself, I get to spank your ass."

"Honestly, I feel like I'm in a dream. Who wouldn't want to spend every waking day with you?"

"From our conversation so far, I would say you."

"Right…Wait, did you just say a moment ago you’re planning to paddle my ass?"

I set the ring box on the table and stood. We were only a foot away from each other as I ran my finger down the side of her jaw. "Those weren't my exact words. But yes, that is what will happen, and who knows you might enjoy it. We can discuss how spankings could be sexual later. Right now, our best option is marriage. You have on a white dress, so that checks a box off. We are in the marriage capital of the world after all.” I dropped down to one knee and opened the ring box. “So, what do you say, Hannah? Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

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