Page 13 of Wicked Oath
“Maybe I’m just full of surprises, then.” He leans down closer to me. “Are you full of surprises, Olivia?”
I don’t hesitate. I know this won't make me the good Irish girl I’m supposed to be, but I want to take what I want.
So I stand on my tippy toes and place the smallest kiss on his lips. Barely a peck. I pull away, watching as he raises an eyebrow.
“Full of surprises indeed,” he murmurs. James grips my face and leans down to kiss me, but we quickly pull apart when someone at the end of the hall clears their throat.
Grandma is there, watching James with a suspicious gaze. “It’s probably time for James to be leaving now.”
I nod, opening the door.
James walks around me, and before he leaves, he turns and says quietly, “Just remember—I’ll show you a real kiss in the future.”
I can’t help the giggle that escapes my lips as I watch him go.
After I close the door and turn around, I jump when I see my Grandma standing right before me.
Before I can speak, she says, “Be careful with that one, Olivia. He screams danger.”
I want to ask her why—and why she wouldn’t object to Dad making the marriage deal—but she’s already walking away.
I know James has a dark side. I saw it when he fought in the ring. But he’s been nothing but charming with me.
How can a man like that be a danger to me?
The thought is just ridiculous, and I push it from my mind.
CHAPTER4
Olivia
“You didn’t seriously agree to marry him?” Owen asks the next day over breakfast. After he stormed off yesterday, he came back this morning, reeking of alcohol. I can tell Mom and Dad notice, but since Owen is his own man, they’re keeping silent about it.
I pause, a spoonful of oatmeal close to my mouth. “Yes, I did. Why wouldn’t I? Dad said this marriage would benefit both our families. It’s always been my duty to make a marriage alliance. This isn’t news.”
Owen snorts. “Yes, it is when it concerns James Kelly.”
“Why does he bother you so much?” I finally take my bite of food.
Mom and Dad exchange a glance, but they don’t interfere. When it comes to Owen and me, they’ve always stayed out of any disputes, saying they don’t want to play favorites.
“Because he’s …” He flits his eyes at Dad before looking back at me. “I just don’t trust him, is all.”
Dad sets his paper down and pushes his reading glasses onto his head. “And why is that, son? If you have information, I’d like to hear it.”
Owen sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “No, it’s just … I know James can be a bit of a … playboy when it comes to women. I don’t want him hurting Olivia, is all.”
“And I appreciate your concern for your sister, but this marriage between Olivia and James is happening. End of story.” He snaps the paper back open and continues reading like that’s the end of it.
I give Owen a smug smile. “See? You don’t get to control every aspect of my life, Owen.”
My brother grumbles. “I’m just looking out for you.”
“And I know that, but …” I sigh. “Sometimes you’re just a lot.”
He leans forward, an intent expression on his face. “What do you mean by ‘a lot’?”
I wave my spoon at him. “Just all of this. You can’t stay out of my business for more than five seconds. Let me be happy and excited about my upcoming marriage. Stop trying to ruin this for me.”
