‘Deadly serious, sweet Juliet.’
Her heart began to race. ‘I… I’d have to be crazy to marry you.’
Quinn cocked his head. ‘Or desperate,’ he said softly. ‘How far will you go to save your father from prison?’
‘You wouldn’t…’
He grinned. ‘Wouldn’t I? The guests are down there waiting. All I have to do is walk up to the altar and make a brief announcement. “Good afternoon, everyone,” I’ll say. “I’m afraid the wedding will be cancelled. You see, the bride’s father is an embezzler, and I’ve had to telephone for the police. The bride’s asked me to tell you the groom will marry her anyway, at which time the groom’s parents, not wanting to have a thief in the family, will disown him and announce his dismissal from the firm. I’m sorry if this has spoiled your day, but just think of what it’s done for the bride and her daddy.”’
‘You bastard,’ she said softly.
‘What a colourful vocabulary you have, Paige. Alan would be shocked to hear such words fall from that soft mouth.’
‘Don’t you care about hurting Alan?’
Quinn shrugged her words away. ‘Being married to you would hurt him more.’
‘He’d hate you. Your whole family would hate you. They…’
His lips drew back in a cold smile. ‘I’ve survived worse.’
She made a last, desperate try. ‘Alan will still want me, Quinn. He’ll try to win me back.’
‘Give it up,’ he said softly. ‘Once you belong to me, any man who wants to stay healthy won’t look at you twice, including my little brother.’ His eyes moved over her face, to the gentle curve of her breast barely visible above the lace neckline of her bridal gown, and then he looked into her eyes again. ‘You wanted a Fowler and you’ve got one.’ A smile twisted his lips. ‘Believe me, Paige, the one you got is the one you deserve.’
Her heart fluttered in panic. ‘You can’t do this,’ she whispered. ‘The wedding’s going to start soon. Everyone’s waiting. Quinn, please, you have to listen to me. Your parents… my parents…’
‘Don’t forget the compensations, Paige.’
When she saw what was in his eyes, she began to struggle against him, but his strength overwhelmed her. He drew her to him and his mouth captured hers in a kiss that was a brutal message of dominance. There was no softness, no seeking warmth. His kiss was meant to establish the boundaries of their relationship. She was his. He would own her, and there was nothing she could do about it.
‘Do you understand me?’
Paige put her hand to her mouth and wiped it clean. ‘How could I ever have wanted you to touch me?’ she whispered.
Tears filled her eyes and slid down her cheeks. Something flickered in the depths of his aquamarine eyes, but it was gone as swiftly as it had come.
‘I want to be out of the door in five minutes,’ he said curtly. ‘Change out of that gown while I write a note to Alan. I’ll dictate notes for you to write to him and your parents. I’ll make it sound as if we couldn’t help ourselves. They’ll think we can’t live without each other.’ His smile sent a chill through her blood. ‘It’s almost the truth, in a twisted sort of way, isn’t it, Juliet?’
‘Dear lord, how I hate you!’
‘Maybe the judge who marries us can work those words into the wedding vows. Believe me, the feeling is mutual.’
Their eyes met and locked, and then Quinn pushed her from him.
‘Change your clothing,’ he snapped. ‘Make it fast.’
She looked at him helplessly. ‘Turn your back.’
Quinn laughed. ‘A modest bride. Just what I’ve always wanted.’
But he did as she’d asked. And, when she was dressed in what was to have been her going-away outfit, Paige slid Alan’s diamond from her finger and placed it gently on the table.
Beneath her silk blouse, Quinn’s ruby still warmed her flesh.
CHAPTER FIVE
PAIGE watched as Quinn took a pen and paper from the desk. Dear Alan… He wrote the words in a strong, firm hand. A shudder ran through her and she turned away.