Merger (Triple Threat Book 3) by Kit Tunstall, R.E. Saxton Read Free Book Online Page A

appearing unconcerned by that fact. “We’ll learn all the little nuances and details later, but we know we’re good together, and neither one of us wants to be apart. What’s the problem? We get married and settle down, and then we don’t have to be apart. We already know we both live in the same city, so that’s not an obstacle. What do you think of the idea?”
    She shook her head. “I think it’s crazy.”
    His lips tightened. “Okay, what does your heart think of the idea, since your head is being so damn stubborn?”
    She opened her mouth to reiterate her statement, but hesitated as she took a moment to consider what he was suggesting. She really focused on it, able to sharply envision a future spent with the man beside her. It should have been way too soon, and she wasn’t given to crazy, impulsive decisions, so she was slightly shocked when she heard herself say, “Yes.”
    “Yes, what?”
    “Yes, I want to marry you, and I will.”
    He let out a small whoop before lifting her and plastering her across his chest. His hands cupped her face, fingers digging into her hair, and he dragged her down for a long, drugging kiss before releasing her with clear reluctance. “You won’t regret this.”
    She hesitated, waiting for uncertainty or doubts to hit her, but finding none. It was with a sense of wonder that she nodded her head. “I think you’re right. I can’t imagine I’ll ever regret choosing you, Dominic.”

Chapter Four
    Dominic focused all of his attention and considerable amount of charisma on Lily, ensuring she didn’t change her mind or back out of the decision. Now that she’d agreed to marry him, he was going to ensure she went through with it. It was the key to his entire plan, and he tried to dismiss any other emotions associated with her agreement, like pleasure or warmth. She meant nothing to him, and that was the way it should be. As soon as she learned why he’d married her, if she ever did, it would destroy their relationship anyway. The past week had been nothing but a gossamer illusion he had built one strand at a time, weaving it into a fanciful fairytale for her.
    He certainly didn’t need to fall in his own trap and get ensnared. Yes, his young bride was attractive and compelling, and no matter how many times he was inside her, he couldn’t seem to get enough, but that was just a physical reaction. He had to maintain a façade of feeling something else, but he didn’t have to try to fool himself about it. It was better to be coldblooded and admit he was manipulating her, at least with himself.
    All those pep talks did nothing to ease the sudden racing of his heart when she appeared at the head of the aisle in the small chapel where they were eloping. She had tried to convince him to wait on the wedding, at least giving her time to involve her family, and meet his, but he’d steamrolled her objections. He wanted his ring on her finger, and his name added to hers, as quickly as possible. It was simply a protective measure, and had nothing to do with how it would make him feel.
    It was all right to want his bride, and it was an unexpected bonus to feel attracted to her, so he should view it as a good thing. It would make it that much easier to stomach having a wife if he actually wanted to bed her. And he did, multiple times per day. Even when he wasn’t with her—which admittedly the times had been few and far between since she had moved into his suite at the hotel—she dominated his thoughts. He was certain that would change as soon as he had what he needed from her, and they were back home. He tried to dismiss any concerns or other thoughts as he focused on her floating down the aisle.
    It had been a thrown-together elopement, and they had planned all the details upon arriving in Las Vegas that morning. Considering how quickly it had all come together, it was a surprisingly beautiful ceremony, and she made a stunning bride in a traditional flowing white gown. When he