“Branson Knight,” Finn said his name with a chuckle. “Glad to have you back again.”
With a text on the way to Fordham, Branson joined the rowdy group on the trek to the clerk’s office. Carina pulled him to the back of the limo and plastered herself to his side. He wanted to push her away, but he needed to soothe her suspicions if he was going to uncover the truth.
As her fingertips slid up his thigh, he clamped his hand on top of hers to stop its progress.
“What’s the matter, Branson?” Her silvery voice, meant to entice, set his teeth on edge like fingernails scraping on a chalkboard. “Are you mad at me?”
“Of course not. I’m just tense.” He listened to the other conversations inside the limousine, relieved to hear everyone laughing and chatting. No one seemed to be paying any attention to them. He lifted her hand and placed it on her knee, covering it with his own to hold it in place.
“I’m sure I could help you with that tension.”
Her suggestion made him shudder. “Not now, Carina. But I’d like to know how your father found out about the buyer. If the Astons told him, he must know who it is.”
“Dad didn’t have time to explain the details. Only said they expect a hostile takeover attempt any day.”
“It could affect the company’s stock prices, too.”
“I’m sure it won’t,” she answered a little too quickly. “Dad said Aston-Parker is extremely stable right now. Shouldn’t affect us at all.”
Why would she deny the obvious possibility?
“But a takeover—especially a hostile one—would probably send prices plummeting.”
“We won’t let that happen. That’s why we should get married tomorrow, while we’re here, and sign the contract for my shares. Monday could be too late.”
“Right now, I want to get this license thing over with and get back to the tournament.”
“You’re not being very romantic,” she whined. “Aren’t you even a little bit excited? We’re on our way to get our marriage license.”
“For a marriage that will last a few months,” Branson added. “I have to say, I’m surprised you’d consider getting married in a Las Vegas wedding chapel. Figured you’d want a big to-do with a long white dress and a fancy dinner.”
“I’m planning on it. We’ll have a proper wedding when we get home.”
“I’m not interested in an elaborate wedding.” Not interested in any wedding. Maybe a bachelor’s party, though.
“What are you smiling about?” She leaned into him, nuzzling at the base of his neck. “Thinking about the wedding night?”
“Carina, we’ve talked about this. There’s not going to be a wedding night.”
“You could change your mind.” Her words almost sounded like baby-talk, probably because her lower lip was protruding.
“I’m not changing my mind.” Remaining calm was becoming more of a challenge.
“Shhh… Don’t raise your voice. The others might hear.”
What would the old Branson Knight do? Maybe goad her a little?
“I’m thinking of adding a clause to the pre-nuptial agreement.” Bran lowered his voice, but tilted his head closer to Carina. “I might throw in a cheating clause. If either of us engages in sex with someone other than our spouse while we’re legally married, the stocks revert back to the original owner.”
A small gasp. Then silence. Branson enjoyed imagining her expression. Was her mouth hanging open?
“You can’t do that,” she rasped. “If you want to be celibate, that’s your business, but you can’t expect me to go along with it.”
“I can. I’m thinking about it.” He was proud of how even he kept his tone, without a hint of the laughter he was hiding.
“Too late. I’ve already signed the other one.” Her voice was cold and hard. The real Carina.
“It’s not valid until we’re married. And your reaction tells me I need that clause added.”