Page 73 of Theirs to Corrupt

“Feel free to make any changes, then send them to me before the ceremony starts.”

I nod.

Just then, Nora enters, carrying her pad, wearing a black dress and sensible pumps.

After greetings are exchanged, she issues half a dozen orders.

“Mr. Merritt, Mr. Gallagher, you’ll be in the room off to the side.” She points. “Over there.”

When they nod, she goes on, “At exactly seven, your song will begin playing. You’ll enter and stand in front of the minister, facing the door. Tessa, that’s when you and I will leave the bridal room. We’ll have about two minutes, give or take.

She has memorized every detail, down to the second, it seems.

“I’ve arranged for the bridal room to be available at three o’clock.”

Why so early? “Four hours before the ceremony?”

“Allowing time for hair and makeup.”

“I—”

“I took the liberty of seeing to that,” Link interrupts. “You’re okay with that, darling?”

Left to my own devices, I really might have looked like the Cinderella before her fairy godmother showed up.

Nora finishes by adding that my gown and a woman from the shop will arrive an hour in advance. “Any specific foods or beverages you’d like to have in the room?”

“Chocolate. Everything on the menu.”

She smiles. “Consider it done.”

“Along with an assortment of other snacks,” Link amends.

“Absolutely, Mr. Merritt. Any questions before we take our places?”

When no one speaks up, she nods. “Tessa, you can go out into the hallway.”

“Absolutely not,” Pax replies.

The woman blinks at his quick, ruthless response. Even I’m taken aback.

“Tessa can wait at the back of the room.”

“Of course.”

Cupping my elbow, Pax guides me to a spot near the door. “Don’t go outside.”

“Torin and Mira are here, though.”

“But they’re the only ones close.”

How many people are needed for him to feel secure?

“Tell me you understand.”

Even though he’s overreacting, I nod.

“Thank you.”