Page 71 of When He Defends

“Names and towns.” Hannah nodded. “I’m actually in charge of the registry.” More than a hint of pride entered her voice.

Well, crap. That was definitely like a menu for the killer. He would know which city his prey would be returning to—all the better to make the hunt easier.

“You’ll sign before you leave the island. And maybe love will bring you back one day,” Hannah concluded brightly.

“Maybe so,” Gray replied.

“You’re in one of our best suites. Come, I’ll take you to your room and give you a quick tour on your way.”

Perfect. Emerson was sure that she and Gray could use that time to grill the helpful concierge manager.

“Justin?” Hannah waved toward a young man with black hair who waited nearby. “Bring their luggage up, will you?”

Justin hurried from behind the luggage desk. He wore a dark blue uniform, and his gold name tag was placed above his heart.

“They are our new honeymooners,” Hannah said. “Mr. and Mrs. Anderson.”

Gray had chosen Anderson as a fake last name. Way better than Smith, in Emerson’s opinion, and there were still nearly eight hundred thousand people in the US with that last name.

“They are in the Crystal Harmony Suite.” She pointed to the luggage.

The Crystal Harmony Suite had been a deliberate choice. It had been the same suite that Cass’s friends, Anzo and Kim, had used on their anniversary trip.

“May their love be eternal,” Hannah added as she beamed at them.

Justin grabbed their luggage. “Right this way.”

Gray liftedEmerson into his arms. Her sweet, sensual scent filled his nose even as she curled one arm around the back of his neck. Emerson laughed and smiled at him, and he tightened his grip on her because for one wild, crazy moment…

I want this to be real.

Hannah clapped. “Oh, how wonderful! I’ve got a fabulous feeling about you two! I know couples. I can always tell which ones have staying power, and you certainly have it. It’s in the eyes, you know. You canseewhen two people are meant to be. After taking over the honeymoon registry, I’ve become quite an expert about this thing. You two are meant to be.”

He carried Emerson over the threshold. Didn’t let her go. Instead, with the door to their suite wide open and both Hannah and Justin watching, he lowered his head and kissed Emerson.

Not a light, soft kiss. Screw that. Gray figured that he and Emerson wouldn’t have a light, soft kind of marriage. They would have the kind of marriage where he had to fight not to constantly rip off her clothes and fuck her everywhere. So he kissed her passionately. Mouths open. Tongue tasting.

“Oh, ahem. Yes, well, I bet you two would like to be alone. There is some champagne chilling and strawberries waiting, and I’ll just close the door, shall I? Come along, Justin, let’s give this couple their privacy. Ring if you need anything at all!” Justin and Hannah retreated. The door closed.

Click.

He kissed Emerson a bit longer. Mostly just because he enjoyed tasting her.

She kissed him back.

It could be real…It could be.

Then she pulled away.

But, fuck it, it’s not real.Just an undercover mission that gave him a glimpse at a life he might be tempted to kill in order to possess. His head lifted. He did go right on holding Emerson.

“Did she just say there was champagne in here?” Emerson inquired, ever-so-politely.

“Um.”

“Did youorderthe champagne?”

“Yeah. Kinda something I do.”