Page 23 of Possession

“You’ve been informed about Mr. Marino?” Boz asks.

“Yes, sir.”

Nod.

“Very sorry, sir.”

Chin lift.

“Our condolences.”

Boz nods. “Thank you. It was shocking, to say the least. My job now is to carry on for Señor Marino. I’ll be in charge until we hear otherwise.”

More nods.

“This is Mrs. Torres.” Boz lets go of my hand and wraps an arm around my back, pulling me to his side. My breath catches when his hand slides down to the small of my back and settles on the swell of my ass. “My bride.”

Silence.

Shit.

My hands instantly go clammy.

“You’ll make sure she’s comfortable and welcomed while she settles in. We will be taking over Mr. Marino’s wing. Mrs. Torres’ things are already there.” Boz pauses to glance down at me before turning back to the staff. “I want my things moved in with hers.”

“Yes, Mr. Torres,” the older man says.

“A light snack and bottle of champagne to celebrate would be nice,” Boz adds.

My stomach almost growls at the mention of a snack. A snack right now is the only thing worth celebrating.

The older and rounder woman nods. “Right away, Mr. Torres.”

“We’ll meet tomorrow to discuss the future.” Boz looks down at me as he gives my ass a squeeze. “Come. I’ll show you to our room.”

Our room?

Holy shit.

He doesn’t glance at the staff again and keeps his arm wrapped around me as he leads me through an enormous great room to a set of stairs. I have to double time it to keep up with him and not trip on my dress as I vaguely wonder if they had my things moved from my parents’ home.

When we get to the top of the stairs, he drops his arm and catches my hand once again. We walk silently down a long hallway, passing so many doors, I wonder what in the world can be behind all of them.

At the end of the hall, open double doors await us.

All I can think about is this is the same spot I was fated to end my wedding day, only with another man.

I pull him to a stop. My feet refuse to take another step.

Boz stops and turns to me. “What?”

“I…” I swallow over the lump in my throat. “Maybe I can take another room. You know, until we get to know each other better.”

Boz hesitates before looking up and down the hall. Then he lets go of my hand to claim my face like he did right after we both saidI do.

But he doesn’t kiss me.

At least not on the lips.

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