Page 42 of Desperate Actions

For him.

For this.

The insanity of what we’re doing makes my heart swell and my stomach twist.

And then—we exchange the rings he brought with him and we say it.

“I do.”

Two words.

And before the cheers of the tiny crowd even register—his lips are on mine.

The room disappears.

The noise fades to nothing.

All I know is Sammy. And it’s perfect.

His mouth devours mine. His hands grip my waist like he’ll never let go. And that’s the scariest part.

Because I know it’s fiction.

This isn’t permanent.

I know this is just Sammy being honorable.

He is only marrying me before we sleep together, before he takes what I’ve been saving for him all these years.

He thinks he has to do this.

That this is about duty, misplaced loyalty, some ancient code of honor that only exists in his head.

And me?

I don’t care why he’s doing it.

I just care that he is.

Because I have wanted this man my whole damn life.

And no matter how temporary this is, I am going to go through with it.

Because this is Sammy and desperate as I am, I will take him any way I can get him.

I only hope I will survive what comes after.

I’ll just have to.

Chapter 11-Sammy

The walk back to the hotel is quiet, but Vegas is not.

Around us, the city pulses, neon lights reflecting off sleek black pavement, a riot of color and movement.

Music spills from clubs and casinos, blending into the constant murmur of people—tourists, gamblers, dreamers—all caught in the endless glow of excess and possibility.

The scent of cigarette smoke, spilled liquor, and night-blooming jasmine clings to the air, an intoxicating mix that might seduce many.

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