Page 52 of Thorns of Blood

“It’s a valuable scripture.”

“Fine,” I gritted.

The door from the back of the cabin opened as we finished shaking on it and not a moment too soon because knowing Liana, she would have exploited the situation and bribed the priest ten times that amount to get out of this.

I turned to look at her and my breath caught. She was the most beautiful bride I had ever seen. She stole my fucking breath eight years ago, but today… Today she was a woman who moved with grace and confidence.

I took in her long blonde hair, smooth skin, and ruby-red lips that refused to smile. Her palms smoothed down the soft fabric, and it was only then I noticed the tremor in her hand.

The dress was simple, Italian silk cascading from her bodice down to the skirts that drifted with each step she took.

“It’s not Chanel,” she said, but there was no bite to her tone.

My lips curved. “I’ve never met a woman so obsessed with Chanel.”

She shrugged. “It’s timeless.”

“And expensive.”

She rolled her eyes. “If you can’t afford me, then don’t marry me.”

I let out a chuckle. “I’ll make sure to maintain a fat bank account to ensure your needs are met.” I turned to the priest. “Let’s begin.”

“Are you sure about this?” She quirked a brow at me. “My last husband didn’t fare too well.”

Damn, she was cute. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”

“That makes one of us,” she argued. “However, let’s not forget one thing. Actually, several things.”

I scratched at the stubble on my cheek, waiting.

“I don’t want you in my business. It’s mine, and I’m the boss when it comes to it.” Ah, so she realized we never concluded these items last time.

“Deal.” For all I cared, she could run the Tijuana Cartel too.

“Amara…” I watched her struggle to form the words. “I want her to have free access to me.”

I nodded and rolled my hand likeAnything else?

“José, my right-hand man, I want him.”

Red-hot jealousy shot through me. “Over my dead body. I agreed we’d take it slow, but damn if I’ll have another man touching what’s mine.”

She stilled, then let out a frustrated breath.

“For Christ’s sake, not in that way. I need his help to continue my…” Her eyes darted to the priest who was following our exchange with interest. “My business. Just that.”

“Okay,” I agreed. “That’s fair, considering I have my right hand with me.” Surprise flashed in her eyes, but before she could say anything else, I added, “Now, no more delays.”

She took a few more steps forward and stood next to me, my eyes on her. Even if I wanted to—and I didn’t—I couldn’t peel them away.

“Why are you looking at me that way?” she muttered.

“What way?”

“Like you’re planning our forever.”

I smiled at her perceptiveness, recognizing it was her most dangerous attribute. She saw too much.