“It was her ex,” Hunter said.
“Yes, but any opportunists would see that if they kidnapped any member of our family, there’d be money it.”
“If I get married for this dumb plan, a kidnapping would solve my problem,” Kade helped himself to a drink at my bar.
“You really are an asshole,” Ash said.
“You’re okay with someone taking what’s yours?” I asked.
“You’re telling me this marriage is for real? Love ever after? Tell it to us straight, Chase. How long is this marriage supposed to last before she rides off into the sunset with whatever millions of dollars you offered her? Don’t give me that ‘what’s yours’ bullshit.” Kade downed his drink.
“There is no end date,” I said.
All three of my brothers looked at me. I felt the scrutiny but held strong. “She won’t abandon the child. So, we’ll live together like a family.”
“That’s fucked,” Ash said, his voice disappointed.
“Like mom and dad,” Kade said, his voice low. I was pretty sure Kade had been the child my mother had to try to get my dad back and involved in the family, but the opposite happened. I think he had less time with Dad than the rest of us growing up. Maybe that’s why he was such an asshole so often.
I nodded. “Except we like each other more.”
Ash studied me. “So you’re just going to be friends with benefits or does that end when she has a child?”
“I’m having a hard time believing you agreed to that,” Kade said before I could respond to Ash.
“Why?” I asked.
“You’re not the type to get saddled with a woman,” he said pouring himself a second drink.
“I can see it,” Ash said. “He doesn’t see himself saddled. She’s a means to an end. As long as she doesn’t make too many demands or expect an emotional attachment, he can put up with her. I bet you have separate rooms.”
My jaw tensed that he’d be so spot on.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Hunter said. “He was pretty emotional when he heard she’d been grabbed. And he calls her his wife.”
“Technically she is,” I ground out.
“Well, this is going to be interesting. I wonder what Dad will say. Legit or not, if he learns it’s all for the inheritance, he might disqualify you,” Kade said.
“So, he won’t find out.”
“Chase, you married within a week of him announcing his crazy deal and to a woman you hadn’t even known then,” Ash pointed out.
“Love at first sight. Or maybe I knocked her up. He’ll buy it.” At least I hoped he would.
Hunter laughed, making us all look at him and gape. “Mom would be horrified by all this. But to me, this is the most fun I’ve had since I can remember.”
“I’m pleased you find my personal life so humorous.” I looked at each one of my brothers. “You can continue to poke fun at me, but I will insist that you treat Sara with respect. She’s not from our world.”
Kade waved a hand. “She’ll get used to it. Money has a way of doing that.”
“Not, Sara. She’s struggling to adapt. I mean it, Kade. Treat my wife with respect.”
Hunter snorted. “Sorry… that ‘my wife’ thing gets me every time.”
20
Sara
I was glad to have a moment to get my wits together. Seeing Glen totally threw me. I’d been right to be afraid of him before, but until now I didn’t know just how far he’d go. The rage I saw in his eyes and the menace radiating off of him suggested he was more dangerous than I’d initially given him credit for. I shivered at what he might have done had he been successful in grabbing me off the street. Thank goodness Hunter was there.
I took my time in the ladies’ room. I splashed water on my face, then fixed my makeup, and combed my hair. Then I gave myself a pep talk. I’d need to do a good job as Chase’s wife because it was quite possible, he’d think I was more trouble that I was worth. He could divorce me, and leave me back where he found me. I’d have no recourse, unless he was successful at impregnating me, but even that would be problematic. I didn’t want to use a child as a pawn between us.
Finally, feeling like my nerves were back to normal, I made my way back to his office. I stepped in to find not two, but four Raven brothers. Immediately, my adrenaline shot up again.
Chase’s gaze zeroed in on me from where he leaned against his desk like he was the king of the world.
“Are you okay?” He straightened and came toward me.
I nodded, taking a quick glance around the room. Hunter sat on the couch, while Ash was standing along the side of the room with his arms crossed. The other brother, Kade, stood by the bar.