Merina stood in the living room in a blue cocktail dress. She felt overdressed. “I’m not sure why you think we’re going to exchange vows today? Doesn’t it take days or weeks to arrange a wedding license issued?” She stood there with her damp hair up in a messy bun. The lightest dusting of makeup, a blue crepe dress, and black heels. She’d avoided any jewelry for now. But she felt numb after she cried, and she prayed no one noticed she cried earlier. “Don’t you worry about that. Just answer the judge and sign when required. Ian said. He stood by the table with a document and a gold pen in hand. “What about my father? How will I bail him out?” Merina asked. Her voice sounded small and petulant even to her. She didn’t know what she expected to hear. But Ian didn’t ignore her question but made it clear to her it wasn’t important. “In due time, I’ll deal with that. But right now, someone in my head office pulled some strings. There’s a judge
Merina felt happy they left the hotel without encountering Gabriela or Joseph. They shouldn’t recognize her, anyway. If they’d ever been to the MacGregor estate, they’d most likely never seen a photo or painting of her as Lillian removed them all. Merina stayed out of the media because it didn’t get her anywhere. Merina wanted to thank Lillian for her excellent work. Conner didn’t let go of her arm the entire way from the suite to the car, and she didn’t speak to anyone before they ushered her into a rather nice residence rather than a courthouse or government building. It appeared they’d pulled a lot more than a few strings. “Conner, this looks like everything’s overdone. No need for all of this. She felt guilty at how much effort they’d gone and the inconvenience. “It could have waited.” “You’re not attempting to use logic to weasel your way into jail, are you? Merina, I expected something better from you. The O’Keefe family always get
Ian stayed behind after Conner and Merina left to return to the hotel. He and the judge worked out a deal that benefited both parties. Andre would owe him a lot after this. Merina was only the beginning. He knew he’d dodged a bullet with Lillian. Back then, she could defeat him. Now Ian watched Andre regret buying into Lillian’s lies. If all that Ian knew was believable. Lillian took over everything when dealing with Andre’s family life. She’d installed herself as the center of his world and no one like Merina was part of it. Merina became a distant memory in Andre’s mind because he struggled with his business and making enough money to keep Lillian in the lifestyle she demanded. Then there was Galen. He wasn’t a boy anymore. Yet he still lived with his mother and relied on Andre’s business for a job and money. Andre needed to get out of jail so he could save his company from, Ian assumed, Joseph Mandela. But Ian would not forgive and forget. Andre
Joseph sat across from his niece, Gabriella. He called her his daughter because he’d paid a weighty sum to take her from his sister after her husband died in a job that went wrong. She struggled to comprehend the job’s success and their continued dedication. He had goals and no one would stand in his way. Joseph determined long ago that he’d take over every company and family that he felt failed people like him. Oh, he wasn’t getting revenge for the little guy. No, he wasn’t a martyr. Joseph saw himself as a better man wronged and he’d use any means necessary to prove it. There wasn’t any idea of providing better services or products. He wasn’t looking to lower prices, and he was sure he wouldn’t be giving anyone else a break in life. The world belonged to the takers. That’s what he did. History taught him that great families rise on the shoulders of others, and he would follow suit. “So, let me get this straight. You were doing what you
Conner watched Merina put her wig on before wrapping her scarf back on. The highlight of their vows was the kiss, but he still felt angry because Merina held things up by resisting repeating her vows. He’d enforce those vows with her because they held the vow of obedience. She’d obey him by the time he finished with her. She brought this on herself, and she knew it. Now he’d run with it. He wouldn’t always punish her, but he wouldn’t let her illegal activities go ignored because she wore his ring. He had ways to deal out punishment that would have her adjusting that attitude. They took the hotel limo back to the hotel. Merina felt Conner rushing her to the car, and she didn’t understand why he did that. No one would bother them between the house and the car. She assumed his desire for efficiency, and he wanted to expedite his return. “You got your wish, Conner. Now we’re married. What do you plan next? We host a party and tell my father
Conner must uphold his reputation. Many didn’t understand it, who lived outside of his social circle. His buddies and he long ago set up a lifestyle that they kept well hidden. When they were in relationships, their women obeyed them in everything. Domination was the name of the game. He’d not hurt or injure Merina, but he would put her in her place. He knew she was submissive. Conner knew this years ago. Her rebellion and inability to stay away from trouble led to her father. He’d ignored her for too long. Now, Conner had to punish her for her deeds and redirect her rebellious actions. After that, he’d help her explore her submissive side. He knew she was hurting and confused. Conner wouldn’t leave her side as he took her through her education. As for the prenuptial agreement, it had included a power of attorney over her. Because he couldn’t trust her to do something stupid with her family business or end her career by doing something else illegal.
Conner pushed her into the suite. He’d toyed with her all the way here. He’d slapped her butt. He didn't kiss her. He dared to leave her unfulfilled. She'd wanted to grind against the seat for some relief from the ache she felt. He'd stopped her. Merina couldn’t admit she felt a thrill and excitement as he described his friends watching him have sex and their lifestyle. Her mind pictured it, and she wanted to experience it. Merina’s interest and curiosity scandalized her. That’s why she protested. “Conner, how would you like to proceed? Do you want me to drop my panties, lean over the sofa? You can complete the task without looking at me.” Conner frowned at her words. “No, we’re going to the bedroom. You’ll take off your dress and panties. Take your breasts from your bra, leaving it on. I’ll take you from behind before the mirror. You'll witness me take what's mine.” Merina could feel her core tighten at the thought of watchi
Conner left Merina sleeping in his bed. She needed sleep because consummating their marriage made him hungry for more. He thought to step out of the bedroom to order room service. Conner wanted to inform his father to stay away, too. Instead of calling his father, he sent him a text to keep Andre away, too. He got dressed as he waited for room service, and he was thankful he did that. Conner thought it was his room service. When he opened the door, Gabriella stood there. Her face held a sly, interested look upon seeing him with his shirt. “Were you waiting for me?” Gabriella asked. She tried to sound like she purred, but she failed. Conner didn’t find it a pleasant sound. “Not really. What do you want, Gabriella?” He asked in return. Conner knew his father wanted his marriage secret, but he suspected if the sabotage increased, he’d have them with ease. Keeping it secret was pointless.Just checking if you’re open to a proper apology for