It’s the reason for the fake marriage, so I could get close enough to plant cameras where I needed them and snoop around without anyone getting suspicious. Henrik’s also inadvertently dug himself a neat little hole with that speech he gave at the wedding reception.
I hated to see him hurt Granny like that. The loss of the Harrington diamonds was such a huge deal at the time. She married my grandfather with everyone thinking he’d lost them, saying that she’d marry him even if he had ten dollars to his name. But Henrik made sure it was picked up by the press and our family name has been associated with the loss ever since.
It also played a part in Henrik’s successful campaign to become the president of Crested Peak Country Club, a position he’s clung onto for nearly forty years. His resistance to change means he’s running this beautiful place into the ground. My brother Asher has performed a forensic examination of the club’s accounts, which turned up some very interesting discrepancies.
The one room I’ve been unable to gain access to is Henrik’s study. Not for lack of trying, but he’s locked it up and hasn’t been back there since I arrived. So I keep coming out here, grabbing my long-lens camera from the trunk of my car and shimmying up the tree to see if I can get some photographic evidence.
But here, up the tree, I have a lot of time on my hands. And all I can think about is Minna. Kissing her felt so perfect, so unbelievably right, that it’s clouding my brain. This was meant to be a business arrangement. And instead it’s ended up with me meeting the woman I’d like to marry for real.
Minna must think I’m crazy. I keep excusing myself to come out here and stake out Henrik’s study. She’s kept herself busy writing the start of a new story on the club’s notepaper or taking Palladio for walks with Granny, but I can tell she’s confused about my erratic appearances.
Trying to sleep on the sofa, listening to her soft breathing last night nearly killed me. This morning in the shower, I fisted my cock until I came with a groan, picturing ripping off that red sundress she was wearing yesterday and sucking those magnificent tits, then working my way down to lap her sweet juices. I want to make her moan, to hear her come over and over again.
A flash of movement in Henrik’s window has me suddenly alert. He’s opened a window and it looks like he’s alone. I squint through the camera. He’s looking at a bookcase and I have a clear view as he opens a panel, revealing a small safe.
When I’ve taken all the photos I need, I climb down the tree, my arms aching. I have less than half an hour to get changed for the formal dinner and dance this evening. My last night here with Minna. I clench my jaw. I need to tell her the real reason for the wedding. And show her that, despite appearances, all I want is for this to be real. That as soon as I saw her face under that veil, that was it. I knew she had to be mine.
When I get back to our room, there’s a note from Minna.
Kade,
Daniel’s made an appointment for me to get my hair done for the dance tonight. Taken my dress and shoes down there, will see you at seven.
Minna x
That little ‘x’ gives me a flash of hope. Does she feel the same way? But what if she’s only doing this for the money? I shower and get dressed, taking extra care with my appearance. This is not only my chance to expose Henrik, it’s also my opportunity to tell Minna how I feel. How I want to take care of her. To make damn sure she has everything she wants. To make her smile, to take away her worries. To love her.
If she’ll let me.
When I walk into the room hosting tonight’s dinner, most of the guests are already seated. I make my way to the top table, where Granny, Henrik and some other guests are making polite conversation. The light from the chandeliers casts a warm golden glow that reflects from the polished glasses on every table. Waiters circulate, topping up drinks and there’s a buzz of animated conversation in the room.
As I take my seat, Minna enters the room. She’s wearing the pale blue dress we chose together yesterday, her hair piled on top of her head. I clasp my hand tighter around the stem of my glass and it snaps into two pieces.
Granny laughs. “Minna’s having quite an effect on you tonight.”
A waiter rushes in and removes my glass, pulling out a chair for Minna to sit down next to me. I lean over and kiss her cheek, breathing in her unforgettable scent.
“You are beyond beautiful, goddess. I’d say blue is your color but I haven’t seen a color you couldn’t wear yet.”
She smiles. “Very smooth. You look very handsome in that suit, husband.”
I can’t resist taking her hand in mine as the waiter pours us both wine. “You might want to prepare yourself.”
She glances over, her eyes bright. “For what?”
“A surprise.”
“Another surprise?” She leans in. “Surely accidentally ending up as your fake bride was enough of a surprise? Don’t tell me…it was in the contract.”
I shake my head. “No. You can sit back and relax. Just something I’ve been working on today.”
“I was wondering where you went. I got a lot of writing done.”
“Is this the new story?”
“It is. This gorgeous location is inspiring me. And I had some good news. The vet says Horace is recovering really well. I can’t wait to see him.”
My jaw clenches and I rub my hand over it. I don’t like to think of her leaving. I’m not sure if I can bear to be apart from her, when I’ve only just met her.
