Page 52 of 2 Books in One Bundle

Her heartbeat thumped loudly in her head as Orion bent and brushed his mouth over hers. It was the world’s most fleeting kiss and even though she’d been expecting it, she hadn’t been expecting the static electricity that prickled over her skin the moment their lips met.

It was the same electricity she felt whenever he was around, the one that made her restless and unsettled, that made the fire inside her flicker and leap. Now it was as if that electricity had found its way beneath her skin, shocking her in ways she didn’t expect.

You should have just walked out of the church and damn the consequences.

She should have. But it was too late now.

Orion lifted his head, tucking her hand into his elbow, and then they were walking back up the aisle, now husband and wife.

She felt icy yet her lips burned from that brief kiss. Ignoring both sensations, she kept her chin lifted and her spine straight, ignoring the shocked expressions on the faces of the wedding guests.

It was completely her choice to marry the man who’d been going to acquire Kendricks’. A shock move, yes, but as Orion had said, it was an opportunity.

An opportunity to keep Kendricks’ safe and stay in control as CEO. Perhaps also an opportunity to learn more about the enemy.

Talk it up all you want. The truth is that all of this is your fault. If you’d been able to realise the potential your father saw in you, then Orion wouldn’t have targeted Kendricks’ in the first place.

Isla shoved the thought away. She’d fix this. She would.

As they stepped out of the church, it was snowing. David had thought a December wedding would be perfect since the marriage of the Kendricks’ heir really should take place at Christmas time, and Isla had agreed.

Except it was cold, the icy breeze whispering over her exposed skin and making her shiver.

Somehow Orion had the thick white shawl she’d bought for this moment and for the photos, and he placed it around her shoulders. ‘I will be coming shortly,’ he murmured and then someone else in a dark uniform was at her side, ushering her along to the icy path to the church gate.

The tight knot in her chest that had gathered in anticipation of the confrontation that would no doubt occur with her father loosened a little. Clearly there was to be no confrontation with either her guests or her father, or at least, not one that she’d have to deal with.

Still, she felt like a coward as she went through the church gate without a protest and then into the long black car that stood idling at the kerb.

It was warm inside the car, the butter-soft leather of the seats enveloping her as she was bundled inside, the train of her gown folded in neatly with her.

Then there was silence.

Had it really happened? Had she really married Orion North?

A shudder worked its way down her spine, but Isla pushed the weakness viciously away. It was done now. She’d have to deal with David at some point, not to mention the media fallout, but the main thing was that Kendricks’ was safe. That was assuming Orion was a man of his word.

You should have got an assurance of that in writingbeforeyou married him.

Isla sat back in her seat, still feeling cold, trying to ignore the voice in her head. She hadn’t thought of getting an agreement from him in the narthex. She’d been in shock and he’d taken advantage of that mercilessly. And she’d been the one to stamp angrily to the church doors, telling him to ‘get this over with’.

She’d been stupid, allowed her anger at his threat to get to her, and had handled this thing badly. But there was no use beating herself up about it. She’d done it now and the only way forward was to protect Kendricks’ from Orion any way she could.

‘Mrs North?’ The driver was holding a phone out to her from the front seat. ‘Mr North would like a word.’

Isla blinked. Yes, that’s right. She was Mrs North now, wasn’t she? She leaned forward and took the phone, raising it to her ear. ‘Yes?’

‘I’m staying to clear up matters here.’ Orion’s deep voice was as cool as the snow falling outside. ‘Also to have a word with your father. I’ll meet you at the airport.’

The airport. They were going to airport. Andhewas going to talk to her father.

‘I see,’ she said, ignoring the anger that had resumed boiling at the calm way he’d taken charge of everything. ‘I’d appreciate it if you informed my father to be clear to the media and the board that this wasmydecision, not some shady backroom deal you two did between yourselves behind my back.’

‘Of course,’ Orion said smoothly and without a trace of shame. ‘After all, itwasyour decision.’

Isla gritted her teeth. ‘And the reception? The guests?’ There, she could sound as cool and as calm as he did.

‘Leave that to me. I’m sure you’d prefer to avoid any awkwardness.’

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