Page 76 of Brutal Collateral

And my panty is wet. It’s like that night I saw him in the bar and knew instantly I wanted him.

After taking in Griffin’s rugged appearance, I notice in one hand is...my tea.

Aunt Helena shrinks back into her chair. I think she never saw Griffin in the flesh. Never knew how...how big he was. How powerful he looks.

“Griffin, this is my Aunt Helena, my father’s sister.” I close my eyes, fearing I’ll get in trouble for telling her about the divorce option.

My aunt tightens her jaw. “Mr. Quinlan. I trust you’ll treat my niece in a proper and respectful manner.”

“She’s absolutely safe with me.” Griffin hands me my tea. “Here.”

“Thank you.” I take it and our eyes lock. Next thing I know he’s lowering his mouth to mine.

But I turn my cheek.

“Minx,” he whispers and turns to my aunt. “Griffin is fine.”

“Griffin,” Aunt Helena hums a soft note of approval. “Do you have a problem with me planning the wedding?”

“Not at all.” He crosses his arms, the fresh forest green button down he changed into stretching around his biceps.

Damn.

“Budget?” Aunt Helena asks and takes a sip of tea.

“Sky’s the limit,” Griffin answers proudly.

“Excellent.” She puts down her empty cup and lifts her purse to get the hell out of here. “Then I’ll start making the preparations.”

“Wait!” I bark. “I... I get no say?”

My aunt tilts her head, and Griffin’s shock shows on his face, too.

“Of course, little darling.” She folds her hands with a sweet smile for me. Her tone sharpens when speaking to my future husband. “Griffin, shall I contact your mother for a guest list?”

He and I look at each other until he shakes his head. “She doesn’t know yet.”

Because Griffin didn’t know where I was as of yesterday. Or thought I was dead. Maybe even hoped I was dead. Now that I know he wants out of this marriage, I’m unsettled. What if I said no to his release deal? Would he have killed me to get rid of me in a year?

“Let me talk to her first,” Griffin fills the silence.

“We can’t just go to City Hall, can we?” I rock on my feet.

“No,” Aunt Helena and Griffin say at the same time.

“I’ll start putting feelers out with a date.” This is my aunt’s dry run for my cousins. “Your brother said he wants this done right away, but we have to find an appropriate venue first. I’ll handle Ares.”

I snort, “Tell me where and when and I’ll bring the popcorn.”

My aunt leans in and kisses me goodbye. “I’ll also make an appointment to look for wedding dresses.”

She and Griffin wait for a reaction from me. Even he knows women well enough that wedding dress shopping is the equivalent of bringing a little kid to Disney.

I’ve got...nothing. I’m still getting used to my skin again in something other than rags.

When she’s gone, I say to Griffin, “We don’t have to make a grand show of it.” My voice gets husky, igniting something in Griffin’s blue eyes

“Be glad all you have to do is walk down an aisle. We could have had a real traditional wedding where I invite everyone to watch me consummate the marriage.Conqueryou. Fuck you in every hole toproveyou belong to me.”

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