CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“I ’m not going.” My arms cross to adopt a defensive stance against this bridal abduction.
This entire day has already spiraled out of my control. The ink is still drying on our marriage license but now I’m expected to hop into an Escalade limousine without hesitation. We’re about to be whisked away to an undisclosed location. I’ve read too many dark romances to willingly fall for this script. The urge to stomp my heels into the concrete is strong.
Dennis frowns. “You don’t want to go on a honeymoon?”
“That’s not what this is,” I state.
“Call it whatever you want,” my darling groom interjects. He bends until his lips brush my ear. “Afraid to be alone with me?”
“Very much so.” My jaw juts forward at a stubborn angle. “Especially when I’m kept in the dark about where you’re taking me.”
I take a moment to glare at my husband. He isn’t wearing a hat for a change. That accessory seems permanently attached to him, except for this special occasion. His hair is longer than I thought—on the right side of unruly. The dark chocolate shade looks warm and inviting, but that’s not true.Dressed like this, he’s a ruthless businessman in a custom suit. A downward glance reveals he doesn’t belong in a stuffy boardroom. His cowboy boots tie him to his country roots.
Brody’s flat stare finds mine. “I had nothing to do with this.”
“But you know our destination.”
His expression remains impassive. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
I blink at him. “And you’re okay with that?”
“Contractual obligations,” he grumbles.
“What type of clothes should I bring?” I’m hunting for clues like any sane person about to be snatched.
“Already taken care of.” Brody gestures to the trunk.
“You packed my things?”
His nod is a single dip. “And the rest will be delivered to the farmstead while we’re gone.”
“That’s invasive.”
“Or proactive,” he retorts.
“You just assume I’ll move into your mansion.” The desire to stomp my feet resurfaces.
He snorts. “Would you prefer we wedge ourselves into your studio apartment? Your horses are already at my place. Might as well join them.”
“That’s just temporary.”
He swoops down until his breath tickles my ear. “Much like our arrangement, hmm? ”
“You can discuss living arrangements in the limo.” Mom approaches and wraps an arm around my shoulders. “Dennis planned this trip to be a surprise, dear. I’m sure it’s somewhere very romantic.”
“Spared no expense.” The man I previously thought was on my side suddenly resembles an instigator. “You’ll have the time of your life.”
Or I’ll never be heard from again. Not that I can voice my concern out loud without unraveling this entire debacle. It’s a bit late for that.
I’m outnumbered, which rouses my flight response. A quick stop at the bathroom might be in order. Then I can scurry down the fire escape before they notice I’m gone. That’s when I notice all eyes are on me. My swift exit strategy must show on my face.
Mom tugs me closer. “Are you worried about the expectations of your wedding night? Don’t worry, dear. I’m sure your husband will be a perfect gentleman.”
“Good grief,” I mumble as my face bursts into flames. “No, that’s not the issue.”
She exhales loudly, fluttering a palm to her chest. “That’s a relief. For a second there, I thought we’d have to review sex education.”
“Please stop.”
Her giggle has me bracing for more humiliation. “Don’t be shy. You’re a married woman now. Make me a grandma and I’ll be tickled pink.”
I’m about ready to demand entry into the stretch SUV just to escape this conversation. “This has been fun and all, but I have to use the ladies’ room. ”
Brody grips onto my waist before I can attempt to flee. “We’ll stop on the way.”
“To this mysterious place that could be anywhere?”
“It’s close enough to drive.” He tips his head to our chauffeur.
The wind whips at my braid, pulling more tendrils loose. “That’s something at least.” I can hitchhike back to town as a last resort.
“Better get going to beat the rain.” My groom points to the sky that looks angrier than me.
“We’ll miss you!” Mom almost suffocates me in a tight hug.
“Be sure to call once you arrive,” Dad says while tucking me into a farewell embrace.
My smile feels forced. “Fingers crossed there’s reception.”
Dennis grins, giving me a fatherly shoulder squeeze. “No need. Your husband will keep you occupied.”
“Make me a grandbaby,” my mother croons.
“Not gonna happen. Love ya!” I blow Mom a noisy kiss and haul ass to the Escalade.
Leather and luxury swaddle me as I climb inside. The scent of wealth drips off the mirrored ceiling onto the plush carpet. Windows provide a panoramic view. If I’m forced to travel, this fancy ride isn’t too shabby.
Brody follows me in, but sits at the far end of the opposite couch seat. The distance eases the tension radiating between my shoulders. A low groan has me sliding a peek at him. He’s tugging at the knot of his tie and tosses the black silk onto the bench beside him. The top two buttons on his dress shirt are next. I try not to watch the fluid motions but something about him loosening up is very attractive. It also makes him appear more… real. He needs to unwind just like everyone else. That doesn’t mean he’s approachable.
The limo pulls away from the curb, leaving Cloverleaf Meadows and my freedom behind. Familiar landscape fades into an unknown blur out the window. Brody doom scrolls on his phone while I stew in silence for a solid hour.
The steady motion and thump from the tires lull me into forced relaxation. My eyelids grow heavy and I rest my head against the cool glass. Maybe I’ll doze for a bit.
“Champagne?”
I jerk upright when Brody’s voice shatters the quiet. He’s holding up a bottle of Dom Pérignon for my inspection. My mouth practically waters at the sight. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine getting the chance to try the expensive label.
It’s difficult to contain my enthusiasm when a giddy squeal is crawling up my throat. “Sure, why not.”
Brody grunts and shakes his head while ripping off the foil. His motions are smooth and efficient as he pops the cork. Not a drop is spilled. I almost want to applaud his talent, but he doesn’t need the stroke to his ego.
After filling a crystal flute to the top, he lifts the glass for me to take. The only problem is that I’m far out of reach. I quirk a brow, not making any indication to change that. Brody doesn’t move either. We stare at each other from opposite sides of the vehicle. Static crackles in the tense pause. This is a power struggle, one of many I picture in our near future.
His stubbled jaw clenches, a muscle leaping under the pressure. He slides along the supple leather to deliver my beverage. I accept it with a victorious smile .
“Don’t say I never did nothin’ for you,” he mutters. It doesn’t escape my notice that he stays in the spot beside me.
“My darling husband is such a sweet man,” I croon in response.
But then my sole focus turns to the Dom now in my clutches. Bubbles tickle my nose and I giggle. I force myself to only take a small sip. This type of delicacy is meant to be savored, and I immediately understand why. Crisp sweetness bathes my tongue in a cool caress that leaves me wanting more. A moan slips free and I don’t even care. It’s just too delicious.
“Good?” Brody’s voice is a deep rasp.
“Heavenly,” I sigh before treating myself to another taste. “Best thing I’ve put in my mouth.”
Brody chokes on his champagne. Green flames heat me to my core when he looks at me. “Challenge accepted, wife.”
I snort into my drink. “Good luck with that.”
“You should know that once my mind is set on something, I don’t give up until it’s mine.”
“Is that what you think I am?” I give him a slow once-over. “Yours?”
“Yes,” he clips. “I have the certificate to prove it.”
“In name only,” I taunt. “That’s all you wanted from me.”
“We’ll see.” He downs his entire glass and pours himself another. “Things change.”
Warmth pools in my belly, but I blame it on the liquor. My gaze wanders from the fizzy bubbles to the bling adorning my ring finger before scanning the Escalade’s posh interior. “Sometimes I forget how rich you are.”
“ We are,” he corrects .
A shrill laugh escapes me. “Um, no. What’s yours is definitely not mine.”
Brody’s stare smolders into mine. “Did I make you sign a prenup?”
My eyes bulge. “Holy shit, you’re crazy.”
“Figured it was the least I could do.”
The reminder of our situation sits like a rock in my stomach. “I’m going to donate every penny to charity.”
His broad shoulders lift carelessly. “Go ahead. It’s your money.”
“I don’t want it.” My hand waves absently at the pristine interior that symbolizes his lifestyle. “I don’t want any of this.”
“A little late for that, wife.”
I’m about to sulk back into silence when a thought occurs to me. My pulse takes off into a gallop. “The horses!”
“What about them?”
My posture goes straighter than a fence post. “Who’s taking care of them while we’re gone?”
“Bianca.”
I freeze. “Bianca?”
“Your best friend,” he drawls.
“Don’t be an ass.”
“Might as well ask me to quit breathing.” His full lips slant into a smirk.
My next exhale is a sputter. “Was that a joke?”
“Must be the champagne.” He glares at the gold liquid as if it’s tainted.
I swat at our digression. “When is Bianca coming home?”
A spark dances in his gaze. “Her flight lands tonight. ”
“And you’re just telling me this now?”
“You didn’t ask.”
The urge to throw my drink in his face twitches my fingers. But I couldn’t do that to the Dom. “I very specifically said I didn’t want to get married without my best friend present. We could’ve waited a day.”
“Didn’t know she was headed home until an hour ago.” His nonchalant tone grates at my fraying nerves.
“How is that possible?”
“Colton sucks at using the phone.”
“Why hasn’t Bianca called?” It’s the same question I’ve been asking for almost two weeks.
“You can ask her when we get back.”
“We should turn around.” I make a spinning gesture with my index finger.
“Not happening.” His legs splay wider, almost covering the entire length of the couch. The extreme man-spread makes it clear we aren’t going anywhere.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“I have to see this through.” He adjusts on the seat again. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume he’s uncomfortable.
I narrow my eyes at this expert in deception. “Where are you taking me?”
“Not sure, Twinkles.” Brody glances out the window. “But we’re about to find out.”