Valerie

"wife?" My father echoed, glancing between me and the man at the head of the table. "What is the meaning of this?" "Father, I—" Killian's voice cut in immediately, smooth and cold. "Your daughter agreed to do me the honour of becoming my wife. Which also means that as a legal spouse—according to your company's messed-up laws—I have as much right to her shares as she does. Did I miss anything?" A sick twist of hurt wound beneath my fury. "You used me! I never consented to this marriage."

Zane rose to his feet. "Can someone explain what's going on here?" Killian shot him a look that could have buried him. "Shh, the grown-ups are talking." The two men beside me sucked aggravated breaths; the room smelled of arrogance and fear. My head spun with a dozen things—my life, my work, the ruins of what I'd assumed was shared with this man. "What is that supposed to mean?" "How dare you!" My father and Zane spat together, but Killian spared them no glance; his eyes were locked on my hand where I strained to yank the simple gold band from my finger. How had I missed it? Rushing that morning was the only thing I could blame. "I would prefer it stay on," he said, his gaze narrowing. "There won't be any use of it staying on," I snarled. "Not when this marriage won't last past the day. I'm getting it annulled." Killian cocked his head, amusement curling his mouth. "I hate to break it to you—but this marriage is well and truly consummated." Heat rose on my cheeks as the memory of him pounding into me, my nails clawing his back, and my own screams reverberating off hotel walls slammed through me.

Dad stepped toward Killian, threatening, but Killian didn't flinch. He had height, presence, and an aura of danger that ate up bravado. "I have witnesses and a video recording of her urging me to say 'I do'," he said calmly. "Trust me, Mr. Atwood, this marriage is perfectly legal. You can drag me to court for a long, torturous divorce—" The promise was poison. "—but I'll use every power at my disposal to ensure it drags out long enough to take your company." His words weren't threats; they were plans, and he looked like a man who itched to spill blood. A silver-haired man who'd accompanied him rose slowly, holding up a placating hand. "Mr. Finnegan is open to partnership in place of a complete takeover," he offered. I turned to my father, waiting to see whether he'd work with the enemy or fight a losing battle. His jaw tightened; he dropped back into his seat. "What are the terms of the partnership?" Killian snorted. "I won't be discussing that with you." "I'm not agreeing to work with you unless you highlight—" Killian slashed a ruthless arc through the air. "I will only be discussing the terms of the partnership with my partner and, coincidentally, my wife." All heads swung to me and my body went rigid as stone.

"Miss Atwood, if—" the silver-haired man began and was immediately cut off. "It's Mrs. Finnegan now," Killian corrected, eyes bright with triumph. I felt my blood curdle and shot him the iciest glare I could conjure. "Miss Atwood is fine." My father's face twisted into contempt. "If you didn't go spreading your legs for every reprobate you could find, this wouldn't be happening," he hissed at me. "All you've ever brought to this family is shame. I knew it was a mistake to have you close to this company." The words landed like blows. I flinched. "I d-didn't—" "This is the only warning you'll get about speaking to my wife with disrespect," Killian said coldly, and I watched him stare down my father with a blank, lethal mask.

"I'm not your wife!" I cried, voice raw. Tears threatened but I blinked them back—no way would I give him the satisfaction of watching me break. How heartless to target a vulnerable woman and bind her to him for greed. How predictable that anything that had felt good in my life would turn out too good to be true. My father growled, "This isn't over, Finnegan," and stormed out. My brother-in-law shot me one last look of disgust and followed. I moved to follow, but Killian's voice stopped me. "Everybody, out." The other men filed out and suddenly the room belonged only to him and me; his presence filled every inch. "Valerie—" he stepped forward and I stepped back. "Don't come any closer." He ignored me and advanced until my back pressed into the glass wall and he was achingly close. "I did what I had to do," he said. A bitter laugh ripped from me. "You're a monster. I hate you and I'll never forgive you for this." His eyes flashed. "I don't need your forgiveness. The only thing I need is your body." Then his mouth slammed over mine.