“Carina, we’ve talked about this. There’s not going to be a wedding night.”
“You could change your mind.” Her words almost sounded like baby-talk, probably because her lower lip was protruding.
“I’m not changing my mind.” Remaining calm was becoming more of a challenge.
“Shhh… Don’t raise your voice. The others might hear.”
What would the old Branson Knight do? Maybe goad her a little?
“I’m thinking of adding a clause to the prenuptial agreement.” Bran lowered his voice, but tilted his head closer to Carina. “I might throw in a cheating clause. If either of us engages in sex with someone other than our spouse while we’re legally married, the stocks revert back to the original owner.”
A small gasp. Then silence. Branson enjoyed imagining her expression. Was her mouth hanging open?
“You can’t do that,” she rasped. “If you want to be celibate, that’s your business, but you can’t expect me to go along with it.”
“I can. I’m thinking about it.” He was proud of how even he kept his tone, without a hint of the laughter he was hiding.
“Too late. I’ve already signed the other one.” Her voice was cold and hard. The real Carina.
“It’s not valid until we’re married. And your reaction tells me I need that clause added.”
“Remember, it goes both ways.” She hissed her warning like a snake. “So you can’t sleep with Stephanie anymore.”
The hair bristled on the back of his neck. “I’ve never slept with my personal assistant. Stephanie’s not that kind of woman.”
“That explains a lot.” Carina sounded as if she could barely condescend to speak about her. “Pretending to be some innocent virgin, as if she hadn’t been married and popped out a kid. How did she manage to pull the wool over your eyes? She’s even fooled Finn, conning him into getting a marriage license. Maybe she puts out some hormone designed to make billionaires’ brains quit functioning. Or maybe your brains are in your pants.”
“Stop it—”
“You know, she’s not what you think. My people have been digging and found something that might give you a whole new perspective on your PA, Miss Polly Perfect. Bet she told you her husband was a villain who deserted his blameless wife and sick kid.”
“Shut. Up.”
Though he’d never hit a woman in his life, Branson’s muscles trembled with the desire to slap Carina for the insult.
She must not have sensed the danger, because she continued, undaunted. “The truth is, her ex is a really nice guy whose wife cheated on him. Did you know she refused to do a paternity test on the girl?”
“That’s enough.” He raised his volume enough that the other conversations halted for few seconds.
“I’m sorry, Bran. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Her voice went sugary-sweet, like an overripe melon. “I shouldn’t have mentioned it. What’s in the past is in the past. I promise I’ll never bring it up again.”
The limo pulled to a stop and someone opened the door.
“We’re here.” Finn followed his announcement with an off-tune hummed version of Here Comes the Bride.
“Believe me, you’ve made the wise choice,” Carina whispered in his ear. “I’m not perfect. But then again, I don’t pretend to be.” She brushed a kiss on his cheek before scooting out of the limo.
Though Carina’s accusations didn’t sound like the Stephanie he knew, her words lingered in his mind like stale cigarette smoke.
CHAPTER 13
Stephanie was having second thoughts. In fact, she was having third and fourth thoughts. What had she been thinking when she’d blurted out an acceptance to Finn’s outrageous marriage proposal? She looked like a hapless idiot. Or worse, a gold-digger. What must Branson think of her?
Even when Finn had informed her of his planned prank, to switch the names on the marriage licenses, she still felt miserable. And Branson, though he’d been laughing and joking when he returned from his tête-à-tête with Finn, appeared distraught as well. She was tempted to turn on her microphone and speak a few calming words, but he’d brushed past her when he came into the building with Finn, giving off a hostile aura.
Better get used to the cold shoulder. I’ll probably get a lot of them once he and Carina are married… if I’m still around.
Stephanie needed to face the facts. Even if Finn spoiled Carina’s plans for a Las Vegas wedding, the two would get married eventually. Steph had thought to warn Branson against Carina, but should she? Branson wasn’t stupid. He knew exactly what he was getting from Carina. The witch might be spoiled and selfish and hateful, but she was also poised, beautiful, and born into high society. Branson had made his choice with his eyes open, so to speak.
Though Steph’s job was guaranteed in writing for the next twelve months, she realized she couldn’t stay. She could hardly bear seeing the two of them together now—it would be ten times worse after the marriage.
Too bad she couldn’t convince herself to fall in love with Finn. Not that she believed for a minute his proposal was serious, but it would help her get over Branson. Finn was a fun guy, and he’d certainly understand Ellie’s struggles with cystic fibrosis. As charming and handsome as he was, though, her heart was fastened to Branson like a wet tongue on a frozen metal pole.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Why do I do this to myself? She’d only been in love twice in her life, and both were impossible relationships.
Her first love had been Jeff. When they were dating, she’d thought his possessiveness was cute. Immediately after marriage, however, that possessiveness morphed to insane jealousy, as he cut her off from all her friends and family. Convinced she was cheating on him, he refused to believe Ellie was his child until she proved it with a blood test. And when Ellie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, he presented that as infallible evidence of her unfaithfulness. He left her and immediately hooked up with an old girlfriend, with whom he’d been having an affair the entire time. Too preoccupied with saving Ellie’s life to argue with him, Steph had been almost relieved to see him go. Except for the financial strain, life was easier without him.
She was fine with being single and gave all her attention to Ellie, swearing off men forever. That worked for a few years, until she met Branson. Yet another impossible relationship. She was drawn to him like a magnet to steel, a gentle soul hidden behind a gruff exterior. Steph was convinced she alone saw his true inner beauty, not to lessen the impact of his amazing muscles and drop-dead gorgeous face.
Why can’t I control my feelings?
“Can’t believe they stay open this late,” Jarrett remarked as they exited the elevator and made their way into the clerk’s office.
“That’s Vegas, baby,” said Cole.
Steph limped along, with Finn’s help, carrying her shoes instead of wearing them.
