Page 25 of Vexatious Queen

She sounded like a fucking siren in my ear.

“Princess, I thought it was obvious…I already am,” I said, kissing her hard.

Ren moaned into my mouth, and I hated that we had to stop when the car door opened. I savored the heated look in her eyes a second more before getting out and offering her my hand. She stepped out into the cool night and took the time to stop and wave to all her father’s guards.

“Goodnight, Mo, thank you.”

“Have a good evening, Mrs. Collier,” Mo said before getting back into the limo.

I stood frozen as they drove away.

“That’s the first time anyone has called you that.”

Her lip started to curve up, but I wasn’t happy.

“I don’t like it.”

Ren’s smile fell instantly, and she looked hurt.

“No…I don’t mean that I don’t like that we’re married, or that someone referred to you as my wife. I don’t like that last name. It has brought nothing but pain and misery to everyone. You shouldn’t be tainted by my family.”

Ren grabbed my hands and squeezed. I could only stare at the ring on her finger as my thumb traveled over her knuckles.

“I’m going to talk to your father about me taking his name, and you keeping yours.”

I lifted my gaze to meet her shocked expression.

“Really?”

“My father is dead. He can’t hurt anyone anymore, but I refuse to let his line continue. He doesn’t deserve it. You will never take the name Collier. We’ll get it changed as soon as possible if your father agrees.”

“Nash…I don’t know what to say.”

She held my hands tighter and gave me a soft kiss.

“Thank you.” She kissed me again and then smiled. “I still hate you.”

Giving her a little tug so she fell into me, my lips dropped to hers. I fed off the softness and emotion that she so easily emitted.

“I hate you just as much.” I inclined my head toward the school. “Ready to head in?”

“Are you saying that to get out of the cold, or because you want to sneak me into your new bedroom again?”

Her eyebrow arched seductively.

“Why can’t it be both? You have to admit that the new room Dean Henry gave me is pretty great. Hello, private suite with a big old bed where we can keep one another nice and warm.”

“I don’t know, I kind of loved the squishy bed,” she said.

“I’m sure I can replace the big one if you want, although this one allows for a lot more interesting positions,” I teased.

With a roll of her eyes, she pulled away.

“You’re impossible.”

“What? I can’t help it if you make me want you all the time,” I countered.

Ren stopped with her hand on the door and looked back at me.