Page 45 of For the Promise

“We’ll be back in time for the rehearsal dinner.”

I usher her back into the chalet and toward the door. She doesn’t fight me. Does she trust me after how I treated her after our kiss? My body warms – I want her to trust me – but I push those thoughts away. This isn’t about me.

“Where are we going?” Blossom asks once we’re settled in my car and driving toward Smuggler’s Rest.

“It’s a surprise.”

“If you’re trying to cheer me up after hearing my sad story, there’s no need. It’s sweet. But not necessary.”

I reach across the console to squeeze her thigh. Her dress is thin, allowing me to feel the heat of her skin through the material. My cock wakes up. It wants to feel her thighs wrapped around my hips as I bury myself in her.

I realize I’m caressing her skin and snatch my hand back.

“It’s completely necessary.”

She rubs her hands together. “What are we going to do? I’m up for an adventure. The last time I went on one, Dakota ended up giving some stranger a bloody nose and it ruined our fun.”

I chuckle. “She has a habit of giving people bloody noses.”

She places her hand over her face. “I hope she doesn’t give me one. My nose is one of my favorite features on my face.”

I pull her hand away. “You should like all your features. You’re beautiful.”

She rolls her eyes. “There’s no need to play husband now. We’re alone. No one can hear you.”

I squeeze her hand before releasing it. “No playing. You are beautiful.”

“And here I thought Miles Raider was the smooth talker in the family.”

“Trust me. He is. But Zane and Kai aren’t far behind.”

“Speaking of Zane, Kai, and Miles.” She points to my brothers standing on the sidewalk outside of City Hall.

“We’re here,” I say and park in front of them.

“Here? Does this adventure involve all of the Raider brothers? I’m not into multiple sex partners. I admit I enjoy reading reverse harem novels, but I have no desire to try and have a harem of men. Especially not brothers.”

My mouth gapes open. “What are you talking about?”

Her cheeks darken. “No reverse harem. Check.”

Miles opens her door before I can get there. I shove him out of the way.

“Sorry. I should have let you open the door for your bride yourself.”

“Bride?” Blossom asks. “We’re only pretending to be married.”

Miles holds up his hands as he retreats. “Oops.”

Eli waves from the entrance to City Hall. “You’ve got five minutes.”

Five minutes to explain to Blossom why we’re getting married at City Hall? This is going to be interesting.

I shackle her wrist and drag her to the alley next to the building.

“Are you kidnapping me?” she asks as she studies the alley. “Is there a speakeasy I don’t know about?” Her nose wrinkles. “I don’t know if it’s a good idea to get drunk before dealing with Alan. I might end up punching him.”

I cradle her face between my hands and kiss her nose. “I’m not kidnapping you. We’re getting married.”

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