Page 102 of If You Claim Me

She pushes on my chest, but hooks a single finger into my belt loop to keep me close. “Horrible villain.”

I brush my lips over her cheek. “Perfect menace.”

The elevator doors open.

I step back, and her hot gaze darkens. She brushes by me with a huff and starts speed walking down the hall.

“Darling!” I call after her.

She keeps walking.

“You’re going the wrong way!” I shout, loving the way it feels to push her buttons like this.

She spins to face me, nostrils flared, expression reflecting her displeasure as she stalks back. I step in front of her before she can pass. We’ve gained the attention of several nosy staff and a few guests.

“You have every right to be annoyed with me. I’m being a problem. Your problem.”And I fucking love it. “But people are watching, and while there’s nothing my father would love more than to see us arguing in public the day after our wedding—because it will prove that I’m completely incapable of making anyone happy, especially not my own wife—I don’t want to feedthe media beast when there is a possibility of backlash for you.” I hold her face in my palms.

Her expression softens, and she exhales a slightly annoyed breath. “You want to make me happy?”

“I do, yes.”

“Then you better kiss me,” she demands.

I press my lips gently to hers. “Is that better?”

Her eyes flash. “Make a scene, Mr. Grace.”

I grin. “Of course, Mrs. Grace.” I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her tightly against me, and delve in.

Soft lips, warm tongue. Her vanilla-and-strawberry shampoo surrounds me. Mint and wet and want. Cameras click. Her nails dig into my biceps.

I pull back. “Can I feed you now, darling?”

She sighs dramatically. “I suppose.”

I lace our fingers and smile in satisfaction as she rolls her shoulders back, wearing the Grace name with the kind of arrogance I’d hoped for.

The dining room is full of easy laughter and chatter when we finally arrive.

“Look who made it!” Tristan stands, his smile wide as he claps, and everyone joins in.

“I’m so sorry we’re late. It’s my fault. I didn’t want to wake my wife this morning.” I kiss Mildred’s temple. “She’s adorable when she’s sleeping.”

Mildred snorts.

Flip barks out a laugh. “Not how I would describe a sleeping Dred.”

She fires the double bird at him.

“Mimosa?” Rix asks.

“No thank you. Just water and coffee. Lots of both.” Mildred slides into one of the two remaining chairs, and I push it in for her.

Before I can take the seat next to her, Quinn approaches withhis date, Lovey Butterson. Her dad is a former pro player, and a coach at the Hockey Academy.

“Kodiak and Lavender send their love. They had to fly out early this morning.” Quinn gives me a back-pat hug.

“New York has a game tomorrow.” I nod. “You two heading out, too?”