lores Rich, seeing a sliver of hope, scrambled to her feet and grabbed his trouser leg.

nd hard as granite. He slowly, deliberately,

ss Rich, I believe there has been a misunderstanding. Our

are not the party named in the agreement." Dolores collaps

to read. He extended a hand. "Miss Carlisle, since you are

a. She had expected a fight, a negotiation. S

ort IV nodded

nstead, she asked a question. "Mr. Davenport, are you sure? Marr

th lifted in something that resembled a smile. "The Dav

his trouble to get here. This is the mome

crackled with a silent challenge. After a few second

heat of his palm, a stark contrast

to protest, but a single, sharp look from Arthur Davenport IV silenced

edding planner, his tone leaving no room f

tated mother and escorted out of the ballroom like a dog being kicked

room by the guards, to await

instructions from the chief of staff. He cleared his throat, h

against the sea of white and pastel. But standing there on the alt

her hand. He led her to

bizarre new couple and st

o be your husband?" Adria's response w

man to be your wife?" Hudson's repl

the cold language of business. But it w

the diamond ring meant for Dolores. It was obvi

thout a second thought. From his own pinky finger, he removed a

symbol of Davenport male authority, onto her ring finger

mured in her ear, his voic

ll the clean, woodsy scent of his colo

she whispered back, "A tempor

I now pronounce you husband and

see how this 'contract couple' would navig

Adria didn't move, but he

s were about to t

, almost imperceptible touch. Then he straightened up and a