Page 58 of Desperate Measures

“Um, I saw this on the table in the hallway,” I said, reaching into my bag and holding up the packet with a license, passport, and other materials with my name written asMichaela Rosa Volkov O’Doyle.

“Yeah. I meant to give that to you last night, but I, uh, got distracted,” he murmured.

Liam did that thing where he dragged his thumb over his bottom lip while looking me over from head to toe.

Like he covets me.

Like he was staking his claim with just a glance.

Fuck. Me. That is so hot.

My pulse sped up, and I dropped the packet.

“So, I guess you want me to have your name?”

“You’re my wife. My name is yours now, Sweetheart,” he replied.

Every time he called me that, it was like I needed to change my panties.

I mean, really.

The way he said it with a hint of Boston in his tone.

“I kept your father’s name there for you, too. No hyphen though.”

Thoughtful.

I nodded my thanks. He dipped his chin, accepting it. At least, I thought that was what the gesture meant.

And why is that so hot?

He hummed deep in his throat. Like he could see what I was thinking. Like he knew how badly I wanted to press myself to him. I was caught in his glittering emerald gaze, swaying dangerously close to him.

The elevator pinged, and the doors opened. But Liam blocked the exit and grabbed my hand.

“Forgot this too. Sorry it took so long.”

I felt him slide something cold onto my ring finger, and I nodded, thinking it was the diamond his sister bought me.

Maybe I would replace it with something else.

I hated that she was the one who orchestrated this thing between us. Especially because, well, I was catching feelings against my better judgement.

“Come on. I’ll walk you to your office.”

I nodded and allowed him to lead the way. We passed several open door offices where Liam’s employees called out a greeting or nodded their hellos.

“We’re pretty casual about formalities,” he explained.

“Good morning,” an older woman with a lilting Irish accent greeted us and held out two mugs of coffee.

I smiled and accepted mine, thankful to see a drop of cream had been added. Just the way I liked it.

“Thank you,” I said and smiled.

“Morning, Mrs. Finely,” Liam said and his smile for her was genuine. “Allow me to introduce my wife.”

My cheeks heated as the woman congratulated us, and I smiled as she gave Liam his messages.