Page 54 of Bound to Him
“Would it be a surprise if I told you?” He kissed me hard, and I shoved myself to my toes, leaning into the press of his mouth eagerly. A lot of things could be said about Alton Bouchard, but he was an amazing kisser. “Come with me.”
He slid his fingers between mine and led me back out to the front doors. When we got outside I stopped in shock. My Dodge Charger sat in the driveway, looking brand-new. The red paint job was fresh and bright and appeared to be nearly the original color. The dents and scratches it once had were gone, and the body was in perfect shape. She was sparkling and sexy.
“Is that... my Charger?”
Alton laughed and tugged me toward it. “Sure is. I told you I took it away as a wedding present.”
I stumbled, and he grabbed me so I didn’t fall on my face, but I couldn’t rip my gaze away from the beauty that sat in front of me. While the dents and scratches had made it unique, I couldn’t help but love it like this, even if I hadn’t fixed her up with my own money.
“The inside has refurbished leather seats and trim, a new shifter knob and steering wheel. My man put in LED lighting and added floor mats. She looks slick.” He touched his hand to my lower back and directed me toward the car, but I dug my shoes in.
“I can’t accept this.” I glanced at him, my heart pounding a million miles an hour. “You shouldn’t have done this for me.”
“Why not?” He turned toward me fully, and I grabbed the lapels of his navy suit, gripping them tightly. I stared up at him pleadingly.
“No one’s done this for me before.” I lowered my voice. “If we’re only going to be married for six months—”
He laughed and pressed his forehead to mine, startling me when he cupped my face. “If you haven’t noticed, money is no problem for me. I pulled you into this, little mouse, and I want you to leave with something nice.” He paused, then smirked. “And it’s not entirely unselfish. I want you to remember me, know who took your virginity and whoownsyou.”
I couldn’t help it, I laughed until I was nearly crying. “You’re a dick.”
“Come see your new car. The journalist will be here soon, and I want to show you what’s in the back.”
“Is that a pickup line for a make-out session in the back seat of my Charger?” I teased.
He laughed and dragged me over to the car. Yanking out a key fob from his pants pocket, he winked at me as he clicked the button to unlock the doors. My fluffy white keyring was long gone, but I supposed I would deal, considering all the improvements.
Giving him a suspicious look, I peeked inside. The Truth Duke painting was in there, wrapped in clear protective film. I stared, my heart racing, and let out a breath to steady myself. I’d seen him bargain for it, but I never imagined actually having it in my hands.
I straightened and turned to him, and he grinned. He opened his mouth to say something, but I grabbed his suit jacket again, dragging him into a hard kiss that had him groaning into my mouth and rubbing himself against me.
“Thank you,” I whispered, when I finally broke the kiss.
His smile was the sweetest I’d seen from him. “You’re welcome, husband.”
14
NOAH
The journalist Altonwas talking about was a lady by the name of Miriam Walker. She was a busty blonde with a devious smile and a fake attitude that had my gut curdling. I’d always hated reporters. I’d seen the damage they’d done to people I’d once considered friends, but I trusted Alton to keep us both safe. He didn’t seem to be the type to take any shit, and he wanted this story spun in a positive light. If Miriam did anything else, I bet my ass he would sue her for everything she had.
“It’s so lovely to meet you both.” She sent her faux smile in my direction, and I gave her one back. We were situated in the formal living room, with Miriam on a red armchair across from our white couch. It felt like we were in front of a firing squad and I was deeply uncomfortable. Alton sat at my side, his hand on my knee and a fake grin of his own firmly in place.
“It’s a pleasure,” Alton said, voice strong and ready.
Behind Miriam were two photographers who had their cameras out and were already taking shots of us. Alton had dressed me in a cream suit with a navy tie, while he had on a suit the same color as my tie. We matched perfectly, the ideal couple.
“It came as such a surprise that you and your partner were married last weekend, Mr. Bouchard. No one knew you were in a relationship. Can you explain why you kept this secret?”
“How was it anyone’s business but ours?” Alton said, squeezing my knee. “Noah and I met as I was touring his art school, and it was love at first sight. I never expected to fall for such a wonderful man, but here it is. The proof.” He leaned against me, and I gave him what I hoped was a gentle smile. “I am completely head over heels in love with Noah.”
I gave him ten out of ten for his acting.
“You married quite quickly?” she asked, crossing her leg over her knee and shoving her phone in our direction. She was recording everything we said for her magazine.
“We didn’t get married in a day,” he said, laughing.Lie.
“How long were you dating?” She gave me a pursed look, as though she could tell we were lying and she hatedmefor it. I did manage to score one of the richest businessmen in America, I supposed.
