Opening the door, I’m surprised to find Connor sitting up against the headboard with only boxer briefs on and perusing a room service menu.
Great, he wants to have the marriage talk shirtless, just freaking awesome.
“Hey there, Wifey.” He smirks as he pats the spot next to him on the bed, inviting me to join him.
I cross my arms, determined not to move an inch. “I am not your wife.”
He hums a sound. “Our marriage certificate and rings say otherwise, so…” It drags, and his chipper tone has me concerned.
“We’ll get it annulled.”
“Can we, though, considering we might have consumed our blessed union?” He’s taunting me.
Why is he sitting there cool as a cucumber?
“We didn’t.” I would have felt it. He isn’t easily forgettable, even when alcohol is involved. “Besides, we can file for a divorce,” I counter.
He slides off the mattress, making a skeptical noise. I gulp when I watch him slowly take a few strides in my direction, and my sanity checks out for a second as I drink in the view of his muscles and chest. “We shall do no such thing, Sprinkles,” he states.
Reality hits me again when he calls me a name I haven’t heard in years, and it throws me off. “W-what?” I stammer.
Connor brings his fingers to my hair and gently tucks a few strands behind my ear, as if he is a sensitive creature, but before I can enjoy any cozy feelings from his touch, I blow away his finger.
“The thing is, I need to keep it positive in the media for a while, and I know you don’t want to break dear old mom and dad’s hearts by informing them that you became a Vegas cliché. Not to mention, the parents of those little gremlins you teach have a lot of opinions. Since we know what this is, then I think it’s best that we…” I’m already shaking my head, and my hands form fists from aggravation. I can’t muster any words. “Stay married for a while,” he confirms my suspicion.
“Why would I want that misery?” I snicker, with our eyes in a standoff.
“We won’t even manage to end this marriage fast enough before our parents find out. Let’s not break their hearts until we mentally prepare them that our marriage was doomed from the start,” he explains.
I growl because he may have a point. Plus, I’m in no clear mind right now to find a divorce lawyer. Or see the look on my father’s face, probably filled with disappointment that I went away and came back in need of a divorce.
“It’s the off-season, I’m sure you can fake it for the summer.”
I laugh to myself that this is my life, but then I remember what this guy did to me. “You’re right.” I fake a sweet smile. “Being your wife sounds like a real delight. I can make your life dismal all in the name of marriage.” I pat his hard chest with satisfaction at the new plan forming in my head, all because the idea of destroying him feels like a relief, and the opportunity is here.
He sneers. “I can’t wait to see you try. How about you save it for after our news hits Lake Spark that you’re the new Mrs. Connor Spears, okay?”
“Whatever you say, dear husband.” A contrite smile hits my lips because he will not get the upper hand.
He’ll see.
5
CONNOR
Sliding into the backseat of the limo that’s taking us to the private airport, I notice instantly that Isla and Hadley are deep in discussion that abruptly stops when I arrive. My inkling is that I was the main topic, but married or not, I’m confident Hadley talks about me and how to use a pitchfork on a regular basis. Since they are facing me, I get a prime view of my wife. It’s the first time I’m seeing my dear wife since she left my room to go change and grab her bag.
“There you are, it’s been unbearable the last hour without you. Forgot how much you love backseats.” A cheeky look is planted on my face, and I offer it to Hadley while Briggs slides in next to me.
“Save it,” she mutters to me with a shade of disdain for my reference.
Isla looks back and forth between us. “She wasn’t joking, was she?” Isla asks me, deeply concerned.
Briggs slides a glance at me. “About what?”
Isla chortles. “Haven’t you heard the news? These two got hitched.” She points between us.
“Funny.” He doesn’t believe her.
