“What the hell is going on in here?” Marcus stepped into the hall and stared at the tall, dark-haired stranger.
Sharisse turned to her father and said in the same furious voice, “He thinks that because I married him he can tell me what to do. But he tricked me, Father. He’s not Lucas. He’s Slade!Youtell him he can’t get away with this, becauseIdon’t ever want to see him again.”
With that she ran up the stairs, leaving the two men staring at each other across the long hall. Marcus was stunned. Was this his son-in-law then, this formidable looking young man whose unflinching gaze meant cold determination?
“I was hoping we might meet under easier circumstances, Mr. Hammond, but now I must warn you not to interfere.” Marcus drew himself up to speak, but his son-in-law said, “She might be your daughter, but a husband has undeniable rights. You know that. I’m not leaving here without her.”
“Then you really are her husband?”
“You heard her admit it.”
“But she was married to your brother. You’re not Lucas Holt.”
“Mr. Hammond, it’s a long story. In all fairness, Sharisse should hear the story first. All you need to know now is that I love her, and I believe she loves me.”
Marcus smiled. He couldn’t help himself. “Oh, I have no doubt that she’s in love, though she’s never owned up to it. I knew she was in love when she came back from Arizona. But it’s Lucas she loves. She doesn’t like you at all, believe me.”
“She might have given you that impression, but I can assure you her feelings will change before the day is through. Now, I am going to collect my wife—with or without your permission. It would be easier for both of us if you gave it. Getting off to a bad start is a bad idea for both of us. But nothing is going to stop me from taking her out of here, not the fuss she makes, not any objections from you. Do you see?”
“By God, she was right,” Marcus blustered. “You’re not an easy man to deal with. Am I supposed to just take your word that Sharisse won’t be unhappy being married to you?”
“Yes, that you are.”
Marcus shook his head. What an outrageous situation. But Sharisse hadn’t been able to disclaim this man as her husband. So what choice did Marcus have?
“Go on then,” Marcus sighed. “Her room is the second door to the left. But I damned well better not regret this decision, Holt. Remember that. Treat her well, you hear?”
A black brow rose. “Is that a threat, Mr. Hammond?”
“No. Yes, by God, itis.”
“Fair enough.” The younger man chuckled, and he started up the stairs.
Forty-two
Sharisse had locked her door, of course, but it opened as he forced his shoulder against it.
She stood in the middle of her room, refusing to be intimidated. “What did you do to my father?” she accused. “Why didn’t he stop you from coming up here where you’re not wanted?”
“He was smart enough to realize that you belong to me. You might as well accept that fact, too.” In two long strides he took hold of her shoulders. “Now, do you walk out of here with dignity, or do I carry you?”
“You wouldn’t!” He tossed her over his shoulder. “Put me down, Slade! I won’t stand for this!” That didn’t stop him. “You might be able to force me to live with you, but I will never let you touch me. I love Lucas! Do you hear?” He kept right on moving. “I hate you!”
He deposited her in his carriage, and she scrambled to the farthest corner of it.
“What about my things?” she demanded.
“We’ll send for them.”
“I hope you know how despicable you are.”
“I believe I do, yes.” He had the audacity to grin at her. “We will be at my hotel in a few minutes, so I suggest you calm down and think about how you’re going to enter it. I don’t mind carrying you inside.”
She walked into the hotel, his fingers clamped firmly on her elbow. They made no scene as they passed the luxurious public rooms on their way to the elevators.
Slade’s room was on the fifth floor. She noticed the rich appointments as she jerked away from him and took a seat. She intended to remain glued to the chair. He stood in front of her, though, his legs spread out and his arms folded.
She regarded him resentfully. “Don’t think you can intimidate me, Slade Holt, because you can’t.”
