Claiming His Wedding Night

Finally the evening was over. As they left the casino photographers crowded onto the steps, calling out to Malachi, cameras flashing on every side as he replied with his usual sangfroid.

‘What do they want?’ she whispered.

‘They want to know who you are.’ His eyes were cool.

‘What did you tell them?’ She swallowed, trying to hide her longing.

‘I told them I wasn’t going to do their job for them.’

It was a good answer. Plausible and playful. And evasive. A perfect bluff, in fact.

Her heart was hammering so loudly it took her a moment to realise that the press were still shouting at them.

‘What are they saying now?’ she said dully as he slid his arm around her waist.

‘They want a photo.’ He smiled down at her.

‘Haven’t they got enough?’

‘They want a very particular kind of photo,’ he said softly and, pulling her firmly against him, he lowered his head and kissed her.

Light exploded around them, and despite herself Addie felt her stomach curl as he deepened the kiss to the roar of the photographers. It was over in a moment.

Lifting his head, he smiled at her lazily. ‘There. Now everyone’s happy!’

Except she wasn’t. Instead she felt restless, on edge—like a warrior getting ready for battle.

* * *

To Addie, the suite felt strangely still and quiet after the noise and drama of the casino.

Pulling loose his tie, Malachi walked slowly round her, studying her appraisingly, stopping behind her. Then, moving forward, he slowly began to stroke the back of her neck. ‘So. Did you enjoy yourself tonight?’

Addie nodded. She couldn’t run away from what had happened at the casino, but already her skin was tingling, her body leaning into his. ‘It was fun. I’m just sad it’s all over—’

Her pulse jerked as she felt his lips brush against her throat, and suddenly she was desperate for him to kiss her properly.

‘Don’t worry,’ he murmured, tipping her head back, his mouth teasing hers. ‘The fun’s only just beginning...’

* * *

Staring up at the moonlight, Malachi walked slowly across the rooftop terrace and sat down on a concrete bench. His face was impassive but his head was in turmoil. It had been a perfect evening. The casino had run like clockwork. All the VIPs had gone home happy. Everything had gone according to plan.

And Addie—she had played her part to perfection. She had been the most beautiful woman in the room. In that dark red dress she had been more intoxicating than a bottle of claret. All eyes had followed her around the room and having her beside him, her arm curled through his, had felt right. It had felt good.

His mouth twisted. Only that was the problem. He didn’t want it to feel good or right. Any more than he’d wanted to feel so out of control when he’d seen her with his father.

The truth was he didn’t want to feel anything at all.

A muscle tightenend in his jaw. He’d rather jump into a pool of sharks. It would certainly be less dangerous. Less painful. Although he knew he was probably alone in thinking that way.

His stomach tightened. But that was the point. He was alone. He always had been. And nothing and no one could change that fact. Especially not a woman who had traded sex for money.

‘Malachi—’

He turned.

Addie stepped forward, her face hesitant beneath the moonlight. ‘Is everything okay?’