Page 75 of Theirs to Corrupt
“Only a few hours until the world knows you’re mine.” Everything he says turns me inside out.
After he leaves, I leisurely sip my beverage, and I half doze until my phone chimes with the alarm I set.
I have just enough time to return to our suite to take a quick shower.
Pax insists on accompanying me to the bridal room.
There’s a table off to the side that has an entire platter of croissant sandwiches cut into halves, a cheese and meat tray, and a tower filled with chocolate desserts.
As if that wasn’t enough, there are bowls filled with wrapped, bite-size chocolates.
There’s water, tea, a coffee service, and the ingredients for mimosas.
This hotel goes over the top on everything. Or is it just for certain people? A billionaire like Link Merritt who personally knows the owner?
Along with a private bathroom, the space has a plush sofa and several chairs, probably for ladies with their own entourage. I wish I had someone. Anyone.
“What number do you press for me?” Pax asks me.
Resisting the impulse to sigh, I say, “Two. One for Link. Three for Hawkeye.”
“Or you can scream.” He shrugs. “You’ll get more attention than you know what to do with.”
I grin. Then it fades quickly as I realize he’s not kidding.
Like Link had, he drops a kiss on my lips.
They’re both so commanding, self-assured.
“If you need anything, we’re only moments away.”
“I’ll be fine.”
He leaves, and I’m alone with Ariella—a Hawkeye agent—and the hair stylist. The makeup artist will evidently be here a little while later.
“Please,” I tell them both, “eat and drink. Otherwise it will go to waste.” Well, except for the bowl of chocolates.
Because the hair stylist wants to cause as little damage to her creation as possible, she has me change into a pale pink satiny robe that has the word Bride blazed across the back. Then she asks for a picture of my gown.
I appreciate how thoughtful she is, not just about what I want, but also the entire design.
Right as she’s about to start, there’s a soft knock.
Because I am not expecting anyone, I glance back at the Hawkeye agent.
“It’s clear, ma’am,” the woman assures me.
Does that mean that no random person can even get close?
“Surprise!” The door bursts open.
“Oh my God! Nat!” With a quick apology to the stylist, I jump out of the chair and rush to my friend, hugging her, laughing, demanding to know what she’s doing here.
“Link made me keep this a secret.”
Her being here fills me with comfort and joy, and I’ve never been more grateful to see anyone.
“He flew me and David in. Can you believe it?”