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“Is that the same place-” Bruce cuts me off with his loud sigh and I look up to see him shaking his head.

  “For a bright man you are as thick as oatmeal sometimes.” He jerks the paper out of my hands and goes back to his position on the couch. “The night of the party when you ran out with her.” He tilts his head and I nod for him to go on. “She told me she was watching her sister. That’s why we were on the dance floor.”

  “That, and you were trying to cop a feel,” I accuse, and he doesn't deny it.

  “What can I say? I’m a man of many talents.” He shrugs and tosses the paper on the coffee table. “Her sister is getting married and the wedding is being held at the castle. I know you’re a smart guy so I’ll let you figure out the rest.”

  “She’ll be there,” I say, more to myself than to Bruce.

  “Look at him, ladies and gentlemen. He’s not just a mogul with a strong jawline.”

  “Fuck off.” I snatch up the paper again and look at the date. “It’s tomorrow.”

  “It’s also invitation only with security tighter than a nun’s asshole.”

  My mind is at work and I know that I can’t let this opportunity pass me by. I’ve searched high and low and there hasn’t been a scrap of evidence to lead me to her. This is my one chance and I have to get on that property. I’ve got plenty of connections and I can call in some favors. Someone somewhere has got to know someone dirty enough to do what it takes.

  There’s another thud and I look down on the coffee table to see a cream envelope. Before I can make out the foil lettering on it, Bruce puts the heel of his shoe down over it and looks up at me.

  “That’s your golden ticket, Willy Wonka. But there are strings attached.”

  I clench my fists at my side as he raises his chin in challenge. We’re pretty evenly matched in size but I have anger and need on my side. Although Bruce would fight dirty, so I’m not one hundred percent on the outcome.

  “Of course there is.” I try and stay calm but meanwhile my insides are on fire. “Just tell me what you want and it’s yours.”

  He gives me a cocky smile as he leans back and puts his arms out on the sofa. “I want Myra.”

  “No.” I take a step toward him but the asshole doesn’t even flinch. “Why the fuck are you saying that? You don’t want her. You brought this here because you know she’s mine.”

  He sits forward and steeples his fingers in front of him. “But is she yours, Kace? I look around and I don’t see her. And the last time I checked, she quit to get away from you.”

  That’s enough to snap my temper and I lunge for him. The motherfucker laughs as he pushes me just as I fall on him and I end up on the couch beside him.

  “Take it or leave it, cousin. But those are my terms.”

  “You told me where the wedding is. I can find my own way,” I say, but even as I try to think of how, Bruce would be the one person on earth that could somehow make it happen. Fuck. “Why? Why the fuck are you after her? Is it because you know I want her?”

  He shrugs as he grabs the invitation and puts it in his jacket. “There are so many other ways to get under your skin, but I’d like to present this to you as a challenge.”

  I sit up on the couch and he stands and walks over to my desk to put some distance between us. “Talk,” I say through gritted teeth and I wonder if I’ve got a weapon in here I could use on him.

  “Be my plus one to the wedding. Let Myra decide who she’s happy to see and who she’s willing to—shall we say—entertain.”

  “I’ll end you,” I say, standing up from the couch.

  “I’ll take that as a yes? Good,” he answers before I have a chance to. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at six.”

  He goes to walk out and I take a step toward him. He turns around and smiles at me like he hasn’t come in and dropped a grenade.

  “Oh, and it’s black tie.” He winks before he walks out the door and closes it behind him.

  “FUCK!” I roar, shoving the contents of my desk to the floor in one swipe.

  I can hear his laughter down the hall as he walks away.

  Chapter 2

  Myra

  I fight to keep from wiggling around like my sister, but I think I’m more anxious than her right now. These last six weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. I’ve done well at hiding it but I’ve always been good at that.

  “You got ants in your pants?” I tease Pippa.

  She’s so freaking happy right now I think she might burst if she finds out she’s knocked up. I have a feeling she is because she and her soon-to-be husband can’t keep their hands off each other. It’s adorable and I’d be a liar if I didn't admit that I was jealous of their love. They have something everyone longs for.

  “No pants.” She points to the robe she has on. She wants to wait to take the pregnancy test before she puts on her wedding dress, and I don't blame her. The thing is a handful but it fits. If you’re going to get married in a castle, you have to do it in a dress fit for a princess. At least that’s what I told her when she was trying on dress after dress.

  “She’s almost here.” I barely get the words out and there’s a knock at the door.

  I rush over toward it, trying to keep my composure the best I can. I pull open the door and grab the bag from one of the housekeepers and give her a quick thanks before shutting the door. I turn to see my sister giving me a funny look and I hold the bag out, wanting her attention off me and back on to her own pregnancy. She rushes over to me and grabs the bag, then dumps it out onto the bed.

  “How many did you get?” she giggles. “I only need one.”

  I stare down at the test as I stand next to her. This is not how I thought my life was going to turn out when I decided to quit my job. Honestly, I didn't know how it would go, but this was not one of the ways I would have guessed. I reach down and pick one up and I have to fight to keep my hands from shaking.

  “I’m going to take one too,” I tell her.

  I’m pretty sure I’m pregnant after getting sick again this morning. That’s three mornings in a row, along with other small signs. I’ve been ignoring them and trying to stay focused on Pippa’s wedding, but when she brought up that she might be pregnant and wanted a test, I found that I needed to know myself.

  “You little sneak. Who have you been giving it up to?” She playfully smacks my arm with her pregnancy test. “Wait.” I watch her try and think of who it might be because I’m sure she’s shocked. I never date, and how would I have had the time working as much as I do? If I wasn't working, I was with my sister. It’s how life has always been for me. I fell into a maternal role with her, but as we’ve grown older it’s shifted back to being sisters. She doesn’t need me to take care of her anymore and I find I can lean on her from time to time.

  “Stop trying to guess.” I give her a playful smack on the arm, this time with my pregnancy test. “I should’ve kept my mouth shut. Besides, you've kept enough from me.” I point to the test, reminding her how in one day I learned she hadn't just moved out of our place, but she was getting married and madly in love.

  “I wasn’t really keeping Timber a secret,” she defends.

  She kind of was, but I’m going to let it slide because it’s partially my fault. I hadn't realized what was going on since Cox had me so busy at work and away in our New York offices that I missed it.

  “Let’s just take the test,” I push, not wanting to get into this right now. It’s her wedding day.

  “You’re right. Let's take the test,” she agrees. She locks her arm with mine and goes into the bathroom. “I’m here for you.”

  “I know.” I push her toward the toilet area. “You go first.” I flip the box to glance over the instructions to make sure I know what I’m doing. When Pippa is done, I go next, and then we both stand at the sink together.

  “You going to tell me who?” she asks as soon as mine shows pregnant almost instantly.

  The air in my lungs freezes. I’m going to have to see him. I’m going to have to tell him. There’s no avoiding him anymore. At least I think I’m avoiding him. If he isn't looking for me is it really avoiding? I wouldn't know either way. I didn’t give him or myself the chance to know and I didn't want to. Which way would it hurt more? Him coming back or him not coming back?

  “Not today,” I mumble. I’m freaking scared as hell but happy, too. It’s all so overwhelming. My eyes start to water when Pippa’s test shows up as positive, too.

  “We’re pregnant,” she says, turning to face me. She grabs my hands as my eyes meet hers. “You’ll make a wonderful mom. I know that because you’ve been one for me.” I pull her into a hug and close my eyes. I was having a mild freak out inside but she knew just what to say.

  “We’re having babies together.” I squeeze her tighter, knowing no matter what she’ll be here for me. Pippa and I can get through anything as long as we have each other.

  “It’s crazy but this was meant to be.” She pulls back to look at me. “You sent me right to my happily ever after. You’re going to get yours too.”

  “Not everyone gets a happily ever after, Pippa.” I reach out and play with the ends of her hair.

  Mr. Cox is not the kind of man that gives you a happily ever after. I don’t know what kind of man he is when it comes to this kind of thing, but he isn't like his cousin. Bruce had women coming and going, but I don’t know anything about Cox’s personal life. I’m not sure he has one with as much as he works.

  “You will,” she pushes, as if she can make it so.

  I want her to focus on her happily ever after right now. It’s why I’ve kept myself so busy these last six weeks, so that I didn't freak out over what happened with me and Mr. Cox. Kace, I mentally correct. He’s been inside me and I quit, so I don't have to call
him Mr. Cox anymore. Oh god, I’m having his baby. Don’t go there right now. I try to stop the spiraling thoughts.

  “Let’s get you married.” I motion towards her robe, knowing it’s time to get her in her dress. Our hair and makeup is done and I’m already in my dress.

  “I get to tell Timber.” Pippa buzzes with excitement. “Help me put on this thing.” She pulls me from the bathroom and her excitement takes over as we get her into her dress.

  “You look beautiful.” I smile at her, trying to fight the tears. She’s not a little girl anymore. I should have known she’d end up tucked away in a castle somewhere with children under her feet as she knits.

  “You don’t look so bad yourself.” She nudges me. I give her a smile before getting my phone and making sure things are good to go.

  “They’re ready,” I confirm when I get a text back.

  “They must be tired from holding Timber back.” She beams, looking oh so happy about that.

  “He’s been a handful today,” I laugh.

  He kept asking if we could move the time of the wedding up so it was over sooner. It’s sweet he can't wait to marry Pippa. I hold my arm out for her to take and she locks it with mine.

  I can smell all the frangipani flowers before we reach the top of the stairs since the place is covered in them. I think I ordered every single one that was in the city since Timber wanted as many as he could get for the wedding.

  We stop when we reach the top of the steps. I look down to make sure everything is how I instructed. My eyes roam over the flowers and toward the front where Timber is standing, and then they keep drifting. I pause when I see Kace and all the air leaves my lungs. What the hell is he doing here?

  “Is that—” my sister whispers, but I cut her off.

  “Let’s do this.” I move to step down the stairs and force myself to look away from Kace.

  I have no idea what he’s doing here, but this wedding is happening. I’ll have him kicked out after the ceremony is over so he doesn’t cause a scene. Is he friends with Timber? I would’ve seen his name on the invites.

  When we reach the bottom of the stairs I’m almost certain he’s stared a hole right through me. I want to snap at him and ask him what the hell he’s looking at. Instead I kiss both my sister’s cheeks before passing her over to Timber.

  My eyes water all over again as my emotions get the best of me. This is all so much. I flick my gaze over to Kace, who is still staring at me, looking pissed. No, scratch that. He looks livid.

  Good.

  That makes two of us.

  Chapter 3

  Kace

  When the ceremony is over I make a direct path for Myra, but she’s swept up in the crowd. I have to stand back and watch her smile and hug people as they come up and tell her what an incredible job she did on planning the party.

  Of course she did an amazing job. Everything she touches turns to gold. Except me.

  The thought enters my mind like a doubtful little worm at the exact moment I see Bruce go over and give her a hug. Red angry stars cloud my vision as I see her beam at him and then hug him again. Again. Why is she so fucking happy to see him? All he did was walk around the office with nothing to do and eat the good snacks she liked in the breakroom.

  I can’t sit back and let him make a move, so I push my way forward and come up right behind them.

  “Yeah, I got the invite from Timber,” Bruce says, and I watch Myra’s eyes widen. “I did some work for him a couple of weeks ago and he invited me. He even let it slip that you were living out here. Small world, isn’t it?”

  She narrows her eyes at him but keeps smiling. “So very small.”

  “Well, anyway, I’ll let you speak to your guests. Save me a dance for later?”

  “You bet,” she answers, and he leans in and kisses her on the cheek.

  I want to pull him away from her and then rip his lips off his face. But I have to show some kind of decorum. This is her sister's wedding and I don’t want to embarrass her.

  Just as Bruce steps out of the way I walk forward and take her by the arm. I don't say a word as I lead her out of the line and away from the crowd.

  “I have to go back there and greet the guests,” she says with a tight smile as we pass a few caterers.

  “I’m a guest.” When we get to the end of a long hall there’s a door to the right and I walk in.

  “No you’re not.” Her words are sharp and they should hurt me, but damn do I miss the sound of her voice.

  As soon as I walk into the room I slam the door and push her up against it. I cage her there with my hands on either side of her as I lean in close. “Six. Weeks.”

  She won’t look at me as she shrugs. “You’re not my boss anymore.”

  “Enough.” I push away from her and take a step back. “Enough, Myra.”

  “Enough what? I’m busy.” She crosses her arms and still won’t meet my eyes and it’s driving me fucking crazy.

  “You’re going to go around this wedding and play nice and make sure everyone is having a good time. But when it’s over, you’re coming with me.”

  That gets her attention. When she turns her dark blue eyes on me, I swear to god she could bring me to my knees with one command. She’s been driving me crazy for years and she has no idea the power she holds over me.

  “I’m not going anywhere. I don’t work for you anymore, Mr. Cox. I quit, remember?” Her cheeks are flushed and I hate how she says my name.

  I stomp back over and press my body up against hers so she’s pinned to the door. “I came inside you, remember?” Her mouth opens and I lean in so my lips are only a breath from hers. “That’s the day you became mine, and you won’t ever be rid of me.”

  Without a warning I take her mouth and kiss her like a man that’s been in the desert and she’s my first drink of water. She opens her mouth, no doubt to yell at me, but I take the advantage and slide my tongue over hers. Her hands come to my chest and at first I think she’s going to push me away, but instead she fists my jacket, and damn if she doesn’t pull me closer.

  I grab her hips and her legs come around me. But her dress is too fucking tight and it keeps me from getting closer to her center, to her warmth.

  The kiss is bruising and rough, like I’ve been locked up and now I’m free to claim my woman. I’m so fucking angry at her for running away and then hiding from me. How could she fucking do this to me? Can’t she see I can’t breathe without her? Live without her?

  There’s a knock on the door I have her pinned against and it’s a bucket of ice water over her. I lean back and see the fire in her eyes flash just before her hand strikes my cheek. The sting of her palm on my skin there shocks me, but not enough to let her go.

  “Myra, are you in there?” the female voice on the other side of the door says. “It’s Celia. We’ve got a problem with some of the seating arrangements.”

  “Let me go,” Myra says through clenched teeth, and I shake my head.

  “Not until you agree that this bullshit is up and you’re coming home with me tonight.” She shakes her head and I become an immovable wall. “Then I’ll just have to push you in my limo and fuck you like last time.”

  This time when her hand comes up to slap me, I grab her wrist to keep her palm from making contact.

  “Don’t tell me you don’t slide your hand between your legs every night and think about it.” I bring her wrist to my mouth and brush my lips down the tender skin there. “Tell me you don’t cum on your fingers while you yearn for them to be my cock.”

  Now she’s the one to lean in, and for a second I think she’s going to kiss me. “The second I got out of that limo I forgot your name.”

  I drop her hand like it’s on fire and I can’t read the look in her eyes. She takes the opportunity to slip out and open the door. The petite, dark-haired woman on the other side of the door has worried eyes as she looks between us.

  “Is everything okay, Ms. Myra?” she asks, and I watch as Myra straightens her shoulders.

  “Don’t worry, he’s no one.”

  When she goes to walk away from me I call out her name. “Myra.” She pauses, and although she doesn’t turn around she does peek over her shoulder. “That’s strike two.”