Forbidden Kiss (Carson Cove Scandals 1)

“No, of course not. We’re getting married here—I want to see how it looks in the light. That’s why I wanted the paintings changed—they’re depressing.” She gave me a bewildered shake of her head.

“The paintings stay…” I growled at her. “Fuck, whatever—try on your damn wedding dress.” I turned and walked towards the library—I definitely needed a drink.

Victoria had been trying to get dirt on Alexis, but she was running into a wall—just like I had when I tried to figure her out. The only thing I had managed to accomplish was meeting with Addison Regan—a high powered attorney that lived in the city. She helped me set up a trust in Victoria’s name, and I used it to transfer ownership of the purchase agreement for Alcott Inc. The trust would buy the company when the deal was finalized, and it would be outside of Alexis’ grasp. I couldn’t do that with Benson Enterprises—a transfer of ownership would ruin the company—if there was anything left of it after I married Alexis.

I won’t stop fighting until I’m forced to say my fucking vows—there has to be a way to put that venomous bitch in her place.

Several of my employee had already quit, others were threatening to do the same, and a number of clients pulled their investments. I couldn’t blame them. In their eyes, I was either an idiot for marrying Alexis Devereaux or an asshole that supported her business tactics. Either option made them terrified to be associated with me. I hated going to work every day and looking the same people in the eyes that believed me when I said I would never be involved with someone like Alexis. I guess liar could be added to the list of awful things people were saying about me—I certainly felt like one.

“Yes, she needs to try on her dress too, but do it in the other room.” Alexis’ infuriating voice made me want to claw my eardrums out—I couldn’t even escape it when I was in the library.

“Right this way, ma’am. I believe we’ve picked out the perfect dress for you to stand by her side…” Another voice—but what they said piqued my interest.

Stand by her side? Is Taylor here?

I walked down the hallway—carefully. I didn’t want Alexis to hear me. I caught a glimpse of the tailor that she hired to do alterations on her wedding dress, so I ducked out of sight—then I saw Taylor. She looked like a damn angel—a sight for sore eyes that had been aching to see her beautiful face. The tailor didn’t seem very concerned with Taylor or the dress she needed to try on—he led her to one of the other rooms and returned to Alexis. I darted down the hallway, made sure I wasn’t spotted, and slipped into the room where Taylor was. I immediately closed the door and locked it.

“Huh?” Taylor spun around. “Bryant! Alexis said you weren’t going to be here…”

“She lied.” I walked towards Taylor and tried to hug her, but she pushed me away.

“We—we shouldn’t do that.” She shook her head rapidly.

“I don’t give a damn about what we should or shouldn’t do.” I pulled her close and stared into her eyes. “I’m going to kiss you—and if you don’t want me to, you damn sure better scream…”

“I…” There was no scream—just the hint of a smile.

I kissed Taylor and there was only a second of hesitation before she started kissing me back. Our lips seared together as I started to ravage her mouth. My hands moved along her curves and she dug her nails into my back. I kissed her until my head was spinning and my cock was throbbing my pants, but I finally forced myself to pull away.

“I’m going to find a way for us to be together. I don’t know how—not yet—but just trust me,” I exhaled sharply as my lips separated from hers. “Victoria told me what Alexis did to you and why you ended our relationship…”

“I was already torn up about it. I didn’t like the fact that we were hiding it from Victoria—or anyone else.” Taylor looked down and sighed.

“Once this is over, we’re not going to hide a damn thing.” I pressed my lips to her forehead.

“She has the video…” Taylor grimaced. “You have to marry her—you can’t let that get out and ruin Shaina’s life.”

“I know…” I sighed.

“Is everything okay in there?” The tailor

knocked on the door.

“Yes—just—trying on the dress,” Taylor answered him, and I tried not to make a sound.

“Alright, I’ll be back to check on you soon. Mrs. Devereaux is having some problems with hers…” His voice trailed off, and he walked away.

“You should do what you said.” I raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Try on the dress… I don’t think it’s bad luck for the groom to see the Maid of Honor in her dress before the wedding.”

“You just want to see me try to squirm into it.” She narrowed her eyes—but a hint of a smile formed on the edge of her lips. “Alexis bought one that is one size too small—and told me to go on a diet so I can fit into it.”

“That fucking bitch…” I shook my head.

“It doesn’t matter…” Taylor walked over to the dress. “If I pop out of the dress at the wedding, I guess nobody will be staring at the bride.”

“I’m not going to be looking at the bride anyway.” I walked up behind Taylor and pressed my lips to her neck. “My eyes will be on the prettiest girl in the room.”

“This isn’t fair…” She shook her head back and forth.