Page 21 of If You Claim Me

“What’s the story we’re telling your parents?”

“That I fell for you at Callie’s hockey games,” he says smoothly, fingers brushing the line of bracelets on my wrist. “Don’t worry, I won’t let them eat you alive.”

“That’s your job, then?” I press.

“Again, not part of the contract, but I’m happy to make amendments to suit your needs, darling.”

With that, he guides me up the steps and into the lion’s den.

CHAPTER 8

CONNOR

Iblame the idiot shit that’s coming out of my mouth on the fact that Mildred looks incredible in the dress I picked for her, she smells like vanilla and strawberries, and it’s discombobulating. Beautiful, smart, sassy, and slightly broken—she’s all my favorite things.

Despite her signing on the dotted line, I still feel bad for what she’s about to endure. But she agreed to the terms, and that means tolerating events with my family for the foreseeable future. Once the engagement party and the wedding are behind us, we can avoid my parents for the most part. Although, it will be nice to have someone to attend these gatherings with, even if she’s only here because she has to be.

“Wow. This house is…” The crease in her brow and the pucker in her lips gives away her distaste. It’s the opposite of her awestruck expression when she dropped off the books last week at Meems’s.

“Monochromatic?” I supply.

“Sterileis the word that popped into my head, but yes, that’s accurate,” Mildred murmurs.

I cough to cover a laugh.

She glances up at me with a small smile.

I bend until my lips are at her ear. “My mother thinks her decorator is a revolutionary.” I hate everything about this house. Although that has more to do with childhood memories than the lack of personality or color.

Her grip on my arm tightens. “I’m nervous.”

I turn to face her, my hand sliding up the inside of her arm to cup her elbow. “You have every right to be. Just pretend you like me enough to be my wife, and if that’s a challenge, remember that every month you endure with me has a fat paycheck at the end, and this afternoon will only last a few hours.”

She narrows her beautiful eyes. “That was an exceptionally shitty pep talk, Connor.”

“It wasn’t meant to be a pep talk.” Money aside, I’m the clear winner in this unfortunate arrangement. I smile tightly. “It was a reminder and a reality check. Just stay by my side, and you’ll be fine.”

She shakes her head. “You don’t have to fight me like you do everyone else, Connor. We’re on the same team here.”

“Remember you said that after you meet my parents.” I guide Mildred to the living room, which is a white box with white furniture, leading to a white deck with more white furniture.

“It’s like walking into a blizzard. Why are your parents so opposed to color?” Mildred asks.

“It’s a reflection of their personalities,” I deadpan.

“By that logic, your house will be an homage to dark horses?”

I gaze down at her. “You’ll find out when you move in with me.”

“Can’t wait,” she mutters.

I chuckle. “You’re cute when you lie.”

She turns her head, bringing our lips mere inches apart. Her eyes spark with mirth. “And you’re pretty even when you’re being an asshole.”

I laugh. She’s so full of fire, something my family can’t andwon’t appreciate. She’s perfect. “I think I’ll enjoy having you as my wife.”

Her expression remains placid. “Currently that makes one of us, but you have lots of time to change my mind.”