Page 39

39

ALLISON

I ’m not getting married today.

Not happening. Not a chance in hell.

I don’t care what I signed.

I don’t care how smug Connor is.

Or that I’m technically, legally bound to him for ninety days.

I can still run from here and escape this madness. I don’t know where I’ll go, but?—

"Don’t even think about it, baby.”

I freeze.

How the hell does he always know what I’m thinking?

I slowly turn to find Connor leaning against the door, arms crossed, expression unreadable. Blocking my only exit.

I swallow hard as I approach him like I’m heading toward a firing squad. “Move.”

He doesn’t. “Not happening, sweetheart.”

Okay. On to plan B….

I fake left.

He doesn’t budge.

I fake right.

Still nothing.

“Fine,” I seethe. “Have it your way.”

I stomp into the bathroom and slam the door.

My breathing is ragged as I stare at myself in the mirror.

You can do this.

The door opens behind me. “Allie?”

I whirl and glare at him. “Get out!”

“Let’s talk about this. Stop trying to run.”

“Talk?” I echo, incredulous. “ Talk ?”

“Let’s not do this here.”

I cross my arms. “Oh, no. I know you, Connor. You’re gonna try to lure me into bed, and when that doesn’t work, you’ll toss me on it.”

He chuckles. “I actually wasn’t thinking that. But now that you suggested it?—”

I hold up a hand. “You’re infuriating.”

He grins. “I know. I’m told that a lot.”

He flashes me his charming smile. The one I’m sure has ruined women across the country.

I swallow hard, trying not to let him disarm my defenses.

“Come on.” He nods toward the room. “Let’s talk.”

I blow out a breath. “Fine.” I march toward him. “But this is under duress.”

He laughs. “Oka?—”

My elbow slams into his ribs, and I bolt .

Sweat beads on my forehead as I sprint down the hallway, panic buzzing through my veins. If I can just get to the elevator?—

Strong hands wrap around my waist. I yelp as I’m lifted off the ground.

Goddamn it. I didn’t even hear him come up behind me.

Connor throws me over his shoulder like I’m a bag of flour and marches back to the room.

I don’t even get a full scream out before I’m pinned on the bed, his body over mine.

I fight. I squirm. I push at his chest?—

And then I see the look on his face.

There’s no smirk. No teasing gleam in his eyes.

His jaw is tight. His gray eyes burn.

“Do you really think I’d let you go?” His voice is low. Raw. Honest.

I freeze.

The fight drains out of me.

His hand cups my face so gently, it makes me shake. His thumb brushes my cheek.

“You’re fucking perfect, Allie.”

A sharp breath stabs through my lungs.

I’ve seen this look once before. Raw. Unfiltered. Vulnerable.

It was the first time I kissed him.

It shattered me then, and it has the same effect now.

“Mark was a goddamn fool for cheating. For letting you go.” He swallows. “I would never .”

The sincerity in his voice leaves me speechless.

“You let some asshole’s opinion define you. You let him —and your father—make you feel like you weren’t enough.”

His grip tightens, voice lowering. “You’re more than enough, baby. You. Are. Everything. ”

I can’t move.

Can’t think.

I can barely breathe.

The burn starts behind my eyes. My chest aches. I grit my teeth, trying to stop the tears.

Connor tilts my chin up. His lips brush my forehead.

Then he whispers, “You’re mine, Allie. And I take care of what’s mine.”

The tears spill down my cheeks. I can’t stop them.

He catches them with his thumb. “Please don’t cry, baby.” His voice is thick. “It kills me to see your tears.”

I blink up at him, speechless.

His gaze softens. “No one ever fought for you, huh?”

He leans in, forehead resting against mine. “Well, I will. Every damn time.”

Then he kisses me, so soft and slow that it disarms me. My defenses crumble.

This is the kiss of death, but instead of killing me, it breathes life into me.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kiss him back.

I’m in awe. Stunned beyond belief.

This man single-handedly dismantled every defense I had left. Exposed the weakest parts of me and held them with reverence.

He deepens this kiss, sealing his promise with his mouth. One I feel deep inside my bones.

I’m falling apart.

Or maybe…

Maybe I’m finally admitting I’ve already fallen for him.