Page 60 of Massacre Monday

RYAN YOU ARE NOT HIS SON-IN-LAW STOP IT

Me

Not yet…

See you at six.

Laughing allthe way to Gnarled Pine Hollow, I cover my bases and call Max. “Hey, I got a problem.”

“What’s up?” he asks.

“Your daughter is refusing to go out with me, I think.”

The laugh that rumbles over the speaker broadens my smile. “Oh, son. She’s just like her mother. Just gotta throw her over your shoulder and take her. That’s what I had to do. But I’ll do you a solid. I’ll see that she’s dressed and at the door when you come by. Can’t promise she’ll get in the car with you, though. Also, can’t promise she won’t break your wrist or nose if you try anything.”

“Well, she can carry her Glock if that makes you feel better. But I’ll protect her with my life.”

There’s a pause long enough I glance at the phone to see if it’s still connected, when he finally says, “I know you will.”

When we hang up, the new smile that never seems to leave my face flashes in the divider’s reflection between the back of the limo and the driver. To celebrate, I crack open a bottle of champagne and leave it on the ice, ready for her. But I wonder if she’s going to force me to wrestle her into the car.

My dick gets a semi just thinking about it.

When we pull up to the manor’s three-tiered fountain, my eyes are dazzled, seeing my girl in a strapless purple and black gown that adorns her tight figure. Crafted intricate onyx roses in the skirt meld into a midnight-toned corset that cups her breasts, while a set of sapphires sparkles against her neck. I think part of my heart arrests just taking in how fucking beautiful she is. That’s when I know…

There stands my appointed, my future wife.

The leather creaks as I jump out and hold the door for her before the chauffeur can. My open palm shakes slightly, making me feel like a little boy again, hoping she won’t reject my offer. Her hazel eyes glance at my face for a moment, then at my hand. As she leans in, the soft scent of vanilla and caramel wraps around me—warm, sweet, too comforting for how much it hurts to not have her completely. With a deep breath, she takes hold of me and climbs inside the limousine as I help her by lifting her dress and tucking the bottom half around her.

Am I nervous about her kicking me in the balls? A little.

Or about what will happen tonight? Not really.

About what may happenaftertonight? Yeah…

I toss an arm over the back of our seat as she settles into my side and asks, “Where are we going? These are pretty fancy clothes you sent me. And the jewelry. I could have purchased my own.”

My eyes dance with amusement. The merger between Freidenberg’s ancient family money and Cardell’s newfound wealth is going to be more than Warrick Jewels and Burberry Company could even imagine. She and I are about to become multi-billionaires.

“I know you could. But I like to spoil my girl.”

“I’m not yours, Cardell.”

Whipping my face to her, I narrow my eyes. “Never say those words again, or you’ll be in for aworldof punishment.” Stickingtwo fingers in my tuxedo breast pocket, I dig out what I need, then turn in the seat toward her. She shrinks back against the door with nowhere to go. “Hold still.”

Under the delicate organza folded over her breasts, I carefully attach the metal, securing it with a clasp before fixing the fabric to hide it.

She looks down and fusses with it, then gasps when she realizes what it is. “Are you serious?”

“Deadly.”

“Ryan…this is aThetapin. Your fraternity pin.”

“Consider yourself pinned.”

“What about Elina?”

“I told you. She’s with Chase Warrick now. Things change. Businesses get bought, money exchanges hands, and here we are. You’re pinned now. Except, I would be careful about showing that off tonight. Just…keep it quiet until later.”