Page 81 of Devious Secrets

“I can say no. You know that’s an option, right?” I point out.

“I know you can try, yes.” He nods and walks to the closet.

“The judge won’t marry us if I say no,” I call after him when the inner light flicks on and he’s stepped inside.

“You can believe that if it makes it easier for you.” He walks back in wearing a pair of jeans and pulling on a black t-shirt. His dark hair is mussed once the shirt’s on and he combs it back with his fingers.

“There are a dozen dresses for you to choose from. Pick whichever one you want. Elana will be up with them and she can help you.” He opens the top drawer of the dresser and pulls out a pair of socks.

“There’s no need for all that.”

He stops at the door, the socks and a pair of shoes in one hand.

“Be dressed and ready by four o’clock. The judge will be here, and we’ll have it all done and settled by five.”

“All done and settled? But I haven’t even agreed yet!”

“I’m not worried.” He flashes an arrogant grin. “Four o’clock, Megan.” He winks and leaves me to seethe all alone in his beautiful, gigantic bedroom.

She wears black to our wedding.

Kaz laughs behind me as I watch my bride and my sister walk down the winding staircase together. Elana has a worried smile on her lips while my bride stares me down as she steps onto the landing in the foyer.

“I guess we know how the bride feels about the wedding.” Kaz smacks my back, then walks over to Elana to get her out of the line of fire.

If she thinks a little wardrobe tantrum will alter the plans, she’s about to be disappointed.

Megan makes her way to me with a smug smile firmly on her lips.

“Do you like it?” She runs her hands over the black beading of the bodice that gives way to a large skirt. None of her curves are noticeable in this black tent she’s wearing. The neckline is basically up to her chin.

“Where did you find it?” The dresses I had brought over from Vira Wang Bridal for her to choose from did not have this monstrosity among them.

“You don’t like it?” She feigns a frown and looks down at the dress. “The beads are so pretty, though.” One of them pops off as she plays with it, and it rolls across the floor. “Oops.”

“If this is the dress you want to get married in, who am I to say anything about it?” Another ping sounds as a bead falls to the floor at my feet.

“She still has time to change,” Elana says. “Maybe we should look at the rack again.”

“No.” Megan keeps her eyes trained on me as she shakes her head. “I like this one.”

“If this is what she wants to wear, I’ll allow it.” I’m gifted with the fire only her eyes can burn at my words. She couldn’t have thought I would stop the wedding because of a repulsive dress. The woman beneath the mountain of fabric is anything but, and once the vows are spoken, I’ll get her out of it.

“You’ll allow it?” The fake excitement is a bit much, even for her. “Oh, gee, thanks, daddy.”

Leaning down so only she can hear me, I say, “Keep it up, and I’ll put you over daddy’s knee and spank you right here. Then you can spend the rest of the day in the corner like a naughty little girl should.”

Fuck. What had started out as a way to deter her from letting her attitude get any more out of hand, has turned into a raging hard-on.

I think she’s going to have to spend some time in the corner when I get rid of my siblings. Just for good measure.

“What a beautiful bride,” Judge Slovene pipes up from his position near the fireplace after our glaring match continues. “If you’re both ready?”

“We are.” I step to her side and cup her elbow, trying not to step on the puddle of fabric at her feet.

“I’m not sure. I might need more time.” She tugs slightly, but I firm my grip. If I have to chase this woman anymore, I’m going to tie her to me.

“She doesn’t,” I assure him, half dragging her across the living room. His eyebrows rise slightly, but one shake of my head and he settles his features. His consent to this marriage isn’t needed, and I can only fight one battle at a time.

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