Marks that would take days to fade.
We collapse against the railing, sweat cooling on our skin despite the warm night air. I wrap my arms around her waist, keeping her steady.
"You trying to kill me?" she asks, voice breathless.
I press a kiss to her shoulder. "Just marking my territory. You know how possessive I can be, baby."
I wakeup earlier than Mad and spend the better part of an hour just watching her sleep. For the first time since waking, I haven't checked my phone for messages or media coverage of our wedding. Don't care what anyone's saying. I just married the woman I've been obsessing over,andthe woman I just fucked senseless.
Nothing else is more important.
This woman, who showed up to save my career with a contract and conditions. This woman, who thought we'd just get divorced when the year was up.
I trace a finger along her arm, watching goosebumps rise in its wake. Her breathing changes, but her eyes stay closed, feigning sleep. The corner of her mouth twitches with a suppressed smile.
Twenty-four hours ago, I thought this marriage was just a power play to save my endorsements. Now I'm looking at the championship trophy I didn't know I was competing for.
Fuck the contract. Fuck the divorce clause. Fuck the one-year timeline.
I've spent my career reading the ice, anticipating where the puck will be. And I know with absolute certainty that this isn't temporary. This isn't going away when the scandal does.
She's mine now. Forever.
And something tells me she's starting to realize it too.
4
MADDISON
Iwake to the sensation of fingers tracing patterns on my bare shoulder. The touch is feather-light, and I keep my eyes closed, savoring it. Sebastian thinks I'm still asleep. I can feel his gaze on me.
It's both thrilling and terrifying.
Last night replays in my mind: the ceremony, the reception, the elevator, the balcony...
Christ, the balcony. My cheeks burn. I've never done anything so reckless in my life. So public. So uninhibited.
I finally open my eyes to find Sebastian watching me with a softness I've never seen before.
"Morning, Mrs. Clay."
Right. We're married. Actually married. Not just a PR stunt anymore, not after what we did last night. Three times. No fake couple would ever do those things.
"Morning," I rasp, voice still rough from sleep. And screaming his name. God, I don't know who that woman was from last night. "What time is it?"
"Just after nine." He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "No rush."
His thumb grazes my lower lip and my body instantly responds, a pulse of heat between my thighs. One touch. That's all it takes.
I force myself to sit up, clutching the sheet to my chest. "We should probably get going. Check-out's at eleven."
Sebastian stretches beside me, all rippling muscle and tattoos. "Already handled it. Called the front desk while you were sleeping. We can stay until two if we want."
Of course he did. A man used to having everything arranged exactly as he wants it.
"Still, we should get started. My apartment isn't going to pack itself." I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, suddenly self-conscious about my nakedness in the harsh morning light.
Sebastian's hand circles my wrist. "You don't have to be shy. Not with me." The intensity in his eyes almost makes me look away. Almost.
