Page 235 of Damsel in Disguise

He lets out a short laugh this time. “See? Assault. Exactly what I predicted.”

Alistair watches the exchange with unsettling calm before his eyes shift toward my hand.

“You should be careful with that,” he tells Asher. “She has a documented tendency to escalate.”

His fingers lift just enough to indicate the wound hidden beneath the collar of his hospital gown.

A blush from embarrassment immediately creeps up. I don’t want to meet his eyes.

Asher stares at the two of us. “You say that like it’s a perfectly normal courtship ritual.”

“Unfortunately, I happen to have very limited experience,” Alistair admits.

Adrian pinches the bridge of his nose. “I can’t fucking believe this is my life.”

Asher’s expression softens, only slightly. “And because any man insane enough to do that belongs with this family.”

Alistair’s expression barely changes.

Someone else would miss it. I don’t. I’ve known him for long enough to notice every minor thing about him.

Adrian reaches into his jacket and produces a pen. He offers it to Alistair with all the solemnity of a peace treaty.

His fingers tighten around the pen. Then he signs and hands Adrian the papers.

Adrian takes the contract. “Excellent.”

Asher nods once. “Welcome to CynoTech.”

Alistair looks at him. “I suspect I should be offended.”

I clear my throat. Three pairs of eyes turn toward me.

Finally, I reach into my bag to take out the folded papers resting inside.

I place the folded document on top of his lap.

Alistair lowers his eyes to it. One eyebrow rises almost imperceptibly as he sees what I got for him to sign now, with mine already there.

65. SURPRISE

ariella

“A marriage certificate?”

“Surprise,” I chirp.

“I see,” he says, looking up at me. “I’m currently bedridden. Been shot twice, as you’re aware.”

“For me, I know,” I place my palms over my chest, blinking my eyelashes dramatically.

“Can this discussion wait until I am capable of walking?”

I puff out my lower lip in an innocent pout.

He studies my face. “Why not?”

I fold my arms and say with feigned anger. “I’m pregnant.”