Hacker Bride

still bound behind me, ankles cinched tight beneath the hem of my jeans. Somewhere beyond the thick velvet curtains, the s

ry

apped in razors, dipped in honey, laced with a calm that terrifies

Not for legacy

pa

gets to carve pieces off me until I scream. If I say yes... I'm just delayin

queen he does

again, snapping me

hair, a predator's grin, and eyes that glitter

ke a trophy he hasn't decided

tty, dangerous, stupid. My favorite kind." I don't flinch.

lets you off your lea

to break." Before he can reach for m

uc

tone ice. Luca straightens immed

g the decor," Luca sa

"Touch her again and I

because I see something useful: they don't trust each o

muttering somet

e me, then produces a small blade and kneels. One by one, he cuts the ropes binding my wri

joying thi

find well-played neg

negotiation. I

oice. That's mor

the f

on heavy paper, signed already in b

ge agr

ems approved at Don Valenti's discretion. Completion of objectives results in

black pen

a clause

You're not really in a

ophie Emerson. If anything happens to m

e takes the pen, scribbles the clause at the bottom in s

lie," he says softly, "this will

hand hesitates. T

property of the man who ma

I've spent years trying to burn down. If I'

n my

ke me back to

past armed guards in tailored suits and women who pretend not to stare. The estate is less

a heavy w

epared. You'll find your devices locked in the sa

ppens if I t

th. "There are cameras

man

e is com

rns t

king-sized bed, canopy of sheer silk, carved fireplace, privat

h my favorite brand of co

thought. I close the door and lean a

plan. A

r, scrubbing until my skin is pink and my brain is q

om the walk-in closet-both exactly my size. Creepy.

ipboard and a pair of heels. She's tall, pinched, an

r wardrobe, your appearances, and your eti

need tr

a crime syndicate," she says

yes. "Do I

and Damien met in Monte Carlo. Sparks flew. You've been

day

lies. Invitations are out. Damien believ

mine? I nod slowly. "Fine. Bu

doesn't change. "As

rge I'm sure it's illegal in some countries. The food is excellent. The si

into his meal. I watch him in the candlelight. Every move he makes is d

ing this bett

you mean?" He chuckle

ou know how well

to stab me yet." I sip my w

t y

own. "Tell me why y

"Why do y

ow who I married." I laugh softly. "You don't trust me

hat doesn't answ

he wine i

. He tried to expose someone-got blackballed, humiliated, left bro

n is

d to exp

t I think it was

each other

it's good you married me, Zara

. Not because of fear. Be

will open. If I can just get behind his defenses,

him from th

fall into

't think

vengeance because I may have married a devi