Page 35 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

“Look, I didn’t mean to scare you. Maybe they’re not into that.”

Then Lucian’s statement returns to haunt me, and my hand trembles as I take a sip of my overly warm wine.

Brats get punished.

“I really didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You didn’t,” I lie. I’m terrified.

Brats get punished.

She pops another olive into her mouth as she updates me on her last couple of dates.

As I toy with a cracker, the conversation circles back to the wedding.

“They haven’t given you enough time to process this, let alone plan anything.”

I manage a small, tired smile, the wine softening the edges of my headache just a fraction. “Want to be my maid of honor?” I need her to be there.

Her entire face transforms. “Hell to the yes.”

My heart feels a little lighter. “Thank you.”

After the server drops off the bill, I send Derek a text, letting him know I’m ready.

Piper walks with me to the curb and hugs me tight again.

“So…” She drags the word out. “Are you going to wear the dress?”

For a moment, the question hangs in the air. “I have no idea.”

“Call me if you need a friend.”

I nod, and she waves as Derek closes me in the vehicle.

“Home, ma’am?”

“Is it okay if you call me Sophie?”

He meets my gaze in the rearview mirror. “Yes, ma’am.”

We both grin. Maybe this driver thing won’t be all bad. “And I need to grab something from the office first, if you don’t mind.”

Half an hour later, I hang the bag on the back of my bedroom door.

With a steadying breath, I pull down the zipper and gasp.

The dress is a midnight blue that nearly matches Lucian’s eyes, and the silk shimmers under the overhead light. It’s designed to skim my body.

And he included matching heels.

My pulse jumps as practicality wars with stubborn defiance.

If I wear it, I step further into their world.

And if I don’t…?

Will I find out if he was serious about consequences?