Page 40 of Scandalous Kingpin

I made my way along the forest edge, my only companion the eerie shadow following right behind me over the soft grass. As I approached the imposing fortress, the image of a mischievous red-haired girl flashed through my mind.

I entered the castle through a small cellar at the base of the east-facing tower, the door probably long forgotten if its rusty hinges and fixtures were any indication. Keeping my feet light against the stone floor, I crept up the steps, using my phone’s flashlight to guide my way.

I finally found my way into Ivy’s bedroom after encountering a few dead ends. Considering the modern wings I’d been forced to navigate around, I imagined parts of the castle had been restored over the years. A trail of silvery moonlight leaked through the open blinds and the corners of my mouth curved up as I soaked in her space. The decor seemed to be stuck in teenage fashion—pink lace pillows and a plush white duvet covering the canopy bed, posters of Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber decorating the walls. I chuckled imagining a young Ivy twirling around her room, blasting pop music and pissing off her brothers.

I’d just made my way into the walk-in closet when the bedroom door flew open with a thud and three men with the same shade of red hair as Ivy’s appeared, furious as hell.

Somehow I knew they wouldn’t bother with questions, and when the first punch came, my suspicions were confirmed.

“May the best man win,” I muttered, charging into them.

Chapter Nineteen

IVY

I’m getting married today.

That was my first thought as I opened my eyes. But it was when I saw the white gown hanging against the door that my breath caught in my lungs. I blinked several times, my brows knitted in confusion, convinced I was seeing things.

And still, the sophisticated, romantic dress of my dreams stayed put as I stared in utter shock at the replica of my mother’s gown. The same semi-sheer bodice making up the A-line shape, the delicate Chantilly lace appliqué, and glittery misty tulle train that pooled onto the floor of my room from where it hung.

I sat up in the bed, my heart pounding, and spotted a figure sitting on the upholstered chaise lounge to my right: my soon-to-be husband, a shadow of stubble on his beautiful face, watching me with an unreadable expression. I gasped as I took in the bags under his eyes, his split lip, and the purple bruise running the length of his jaw.

“Good morning,” I murmured. When he said nothing, my eyes darted back to the dress. My dream dress. “What happened to you?”

He shrugged. “Wild bachelor party.”

“Oh.”

He nodded to the door. “You like it?”

“I—yes, I do. Very much.” I adjusted the blanket, pulling it around my body. “It looks just like my mother’s.”

The corner of his mouth quirked. “That’s because it is.”

My hand flew to my mouth, where it tried and failed to muffle a squeal. My head whipped to Christian.

“How? When?” He didn’t answer. “But my mother’s dress is stored away on our family’s estate. InIreland.” His stare crept under my skin, flustering me. “Was your bachelor party in Ireland?”

He stood up, his tall frame dominating the room and his bruised jaw hinting at an answer. “Maybe.”

“Please tell me you didn’t.”

If my brothers found him anywhere near our home, they wouldn’t have hesitated to shoot at him.

His non-answer had my stomach fluttering with butterflies. That he would go to such lengths… Oh my God. I just couldn’t believe it. My heart was one more kindness away from melting into a puddle at his feet. Aemon told me one time years ago that if someone did something for you without expecting anything in return, they were a keeper.

“And what do you want from me?” I breathed.

“Nothing.” My gaze coasted down his body and his eyes darkened. “Today, I want you to have the wedding you dreamed about.”Fuck.

“How did you know?”

He smirked, and the confident, borderline cocky man I knew was back. I relished it. “Your Pinterest page.”

Three words, and I was speechless.

This man was hot for me and the proof was piling up.