Page 76 of Corrupted Union

The hope in her voice was too much. I brought our lips together in a passionate kiss that filled both my dick and my heart with warmth.

“Jesus, you’re so fucking wholesome,” I mused, my lips still brushing against hers.

She bit back a grin, gaze lowering coyly. “I’m not so sure about that. You did see what you packed in my suitcase, right?” Then she gasped, her eyes popping wide. “Oh God. That was you who packed my bags, wasn’t it?”

A booming laugh bubbled up from my chest and filled the air around us. It took a minute for me to compose myself, and when I did, Rowan stared back at me with an arched brow.

“I’m guessing you’re referring to the toys, and yes, I’m the one who packed them. I wanted to make sure you had all the essentials with you.” My deviant grin rivaled that of a Disney villain.

“I’m glad you think that’s funny because I nearly had a heart attack.”

I gently pinched her chin between my thumb and finger, then pulled the car back onto the road. “I’m surprised you care what anyone else would think.”

“It’s not that,” she corrected almost too assuredly. “I just didn’t want anyone else’s grimy hands on my dildos. That’s just gross.” She brushed at the invisible lint on her lap. “Speaking of your family. How do they feel about all this—you and me? I’m not AKC registered Irish stock or anything.”

“Are you kidding? You know my father is thrilled, and I think everyone else is just happy to focus on something other than Caitlin’s betrayal.”

AKC registered. I swear, the things that come out of my wife’s mouth.

“That’s good to know. I mean, that they’ll be accepting, not the part about Caitlin. That really sucks. What will happen to her?”

I sighed deeply. “It was Oran’s call to make. He’s decided to punish her in a way that would deeply wound her. She’s been arrested for her brother’s death. And while she wasn’t the one who technically ended his life, she helped make it happen, and now she’ll have to live the rest of her life with that fact.” I snuck a glance at Rowan. “As you know, something like that eats at a person’s soul.”

“That had to have been a tough call for Oran. I feel bad for him,” she said softly.

“He’s not in a great place, that’s for sure. But our family has united again and is stronger than ever. He’ll get past it eventually.”

“It’s great that you have each other. I used to wonder how things might have been different if I’d had cousins to fill that void.” Her tone was wistful, but when I peered over, a guilty grin flashed on her face, her eyes unfocused out the window. It was the same every time she had one of those silent conversations with her sister.

I had no clue if a shrink would say they were unhealthy, but I didn’t care. That had been Rowan’s way of coping with the loss, and the connection, even if imaginary, brought her peace. Sometimes a little crazy was a good thing.

“Tell Ivy hi for me.”

Rowan’s answering grin lit my entire fucking soul on fire.

* * *

Two days later,the governor’s office summoned me. I was curious how my presence would be received. The first time I’d gone to his office, I was brushed off with hardly a word. I knew this would be different, but I didn’t expect what unfolded.

Evan Alexander introduced me to his staff as his new son-in-law. I couldn’t have cared less about his opinion of me except for how it would affect Rowan. In that regard, I truly appreciated his willingness to have an open mind.

Once he’d made the introductions and I’d received an update on his wife’s condition, we retreated to his office for a private word. Rather than sit behind his large executive desk, Evan sat in a visitor’s chair next to me.

“I wanted to talk to you because I’ve been very worried these last couple of days with Stetson on the run.” His haunted gaze drifted to the window. “I hate that the police haven’t been able to bring him in.”

“Don’t be worried. He’s not coming back.” My softly spoken words were intentionally ominous.

I watched the rule-abiding governor intently, curious how he’d respond. The moral high ground didn’t always look so appealing when your family was on the line.

Sure enough, Evan Alexander nodded, his relief palpable.

“There’s not much I wouldn’t do for your daughter,” I informed him.

“I’m starting to understand that, and I’m glad. She deserves the best in life.”

I dipped my chin. “Agreed, and I plan to give it to her every damn day I walk this earth.”

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her, despite my failures in helping her achieve it.” His lips thinned. “I’ve severed all ties with Lawrence Wellington as best as I could. The newspapers will talk, but something else will catch their interest before long. I just hope he pays for his crimes.”

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