Page 24 of Twisted Contract

“Yes, but it’s only temporary.”

“He’s right. It’s only temporary,” Claudia says, still in the same outfit.

“What are you doing walking around like that?” I bark at her, both angry and horny at the same time.

“You didn’t say anything about it earlier.” I close the distance between us and grab her ass.

“That’s because I wanted you to be agreeable. Now, go get your half-naked ass dressed before any of my staff or men see you like this. You’re about to be my wife.”

“Temporary.”

“Temporary or otherwise, I’ll have to kill them.” She gasps, then shakes her head but doesn’t argue and goes up to get ready like she’s told to.

“You sound like Jack.” Nora taps me on the shoulder and rushes up the stairs like a bat out of hell, following Claudia. I chuckle and remember that the front door is open.

As I go to close it, Jack shouts, “What the hell? Hold up.” He’s holding John’s hand.

“Whoa, I didn’t know you two were coming so soon.”

“I didn’t want Nora to know, but we followed her out. Right, John?” Jack looks over at John, who doesn’t say anything because he’s staring at Cain who is now at my side.

“Dog. Dog. Dog.” He rushes to Cain, but he’s trained to react only when I tell him to, so he remains calm.

“We pet nice.” I drop down on my haunches and so does Jack, and we try to show John how to touch Cain. He giggles when Cain dips his head and brushes John’s hand, bumping him a bit back.

“Excuse me. I need to check on some of the arrangements.” I leave the foyer and head into my office. Pressing the button in my top drawer, the wall of cameras opens and I check the feed. I want to be able to monitor any trouble while I conduct the last bit of preparations for the wedding. Before sleeping beauty woke up, I’d been on a mission to get the ball rolling. She isn’t returning to her previous life no matter what she thinks. I have plans for her, and they don’t involve Mirren and that bastard father of hers, unless both of those fuckers were six feet under.

My phone rings, and it’s the gate. “The judge is here for the ceremony.” I watch him pull up in his dark blue BMW and smirk. It’s beautiful, and I’m sure after I’m done paying him for this swift wedding, he’ll be able to buy another brand new one if he wants.

“Send him in.” It’s going to be a few minutes before he makes it to the house, but even so, I need to finalize everything. My men are moving around the house setting up the dozen seats needed, and I had a florist do a rush delivery. My plan has been in motion since before she even woke up this morning. My sweet Claudia had no idea that I had considered the plan when she was pinned to my desk in the office while she was still wearing that prick’s ring yesterday.

I guess they say great minds think alike, although I’m growing more and more anxious by the minute. The longer this carries on, the greater the likelihood that Mirren or Saunders could interfere. Those fuckers don’t know when to quit. I won’t let them on my property, and I was able to swipe Claudia’s phone when she came downstairs to see me.

I read through her texts and see that she hasn’t answered his messages in a good while, but the previous ones give me a feel of her tone.

Her last message came through from her asshole father ten minutes ago.

Where are you?

None of your business, but let’s just say Connor’s not going to let you take me from him.

I’m calling the FBI and reporting that he kidnapped you.

And I’ll tell them that you are the one who had me shot and that you’re the reason I had to go back to the hospital to get my wound restitched. Bye, Daddy.

I power it off and then tuck her phone in my suit jacket.

“Where the fuck is Ian?” I snap, forgetting that John’s there as I stroll back into the foyer where they’re hanging out with Cain. Jack smacks my bicep with the back of his hand.

“Sorry.” Luckily, John’s so engrossed with the dog that he doesn’t notice my outburst.

“He’s on his way. He has matters that require his attention and not your impromptu wedding that you rushed, considering you stole my damn wedding cake maker.”

“Are you upset that I’m getting married first?” I tease my older brother.

“No, I want Nora to have the cake she desired.”

“Maybe we can still work something out.”

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