Accidentally Married to the Billionaire 3(6)
“Those damning photos.”
Brandon shot him a cool, calm look. “You start trouble, and I’ll press charges for trespassing on my property. And just in case you don’t know, I have the best lawyers in town. They will eat a sleazeball like you for lunch.”
“No! Please don’t. I can’t afford to go to court again.”
“Maybe I won’t press charges if you talk. Who hired you?” Brandon asked.
“The same woman who hired your wife’s ex to come here. Lena Cates. I readily admit I work for a sleazy tabloid show. I need dirt to get paid, okay? People love tabloid journalism. I have to be intrusive to get my job done which I’m sure you know.”
“Just get to the point.”
“Luke was supposed to bring Marj out here under the tree, and somehow sneak a kiss, so I could capture it. It’s not nice, and it’s a dirty trick. But I somehow have to feed my five kids!”
Marj handed him back his cell phone she picked up off the ground. “Here you go. And I do apologize for my behavior. Charging up a tree wasn’t one of my most glorious moments.”
“And I apologize for copping a feel on that gorgeous ass of yours,” he said.
“Get him out of here!” Brandon said. “Before he really does need to file attempted murder charges.”
His security guard nodded.
When Brandon turned to look for any other reporters, the scandalous photographer held his phone up to his ear and mouthed, call me.
Uh…
Security came and dragged him off. Marj explained everything to Brandon, and he was very understanding and believed every word he said.
“It was the Wicked Queen,” Brandon said. “She’s been trying to sabotage this party from the start.”
“She wants to rattle me,” Marj said, dusting herself off. “She wants me to think I can’t handle this kind of life.”
“She wants to drive a wedge between us. She wanted me to be mad you kissed Luke. She wanted your party to fail. To get us fighting. So you’ll leave.”
“I didn’t kiss Luke. He just came at me so the photographer could get a good picture.”
“I know, honey. I’m aware of their sneaky tactics.”
“Are you mad?” Marj asked.
“How can I be mad at you when you’re so chivalrous? You climbed a tree for me!”
She smiled. “And they say chivalry is dead.”
His lips curved in a grin. “Obviously, they haven’t met you.”
Life wasn’t a fairytale like they often joked, but sometimes, it sure felt like one. Especially when she was staring up into Prince Charming’s beautiful eyes.
“You are a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve never met anyone like you before.”
“Of course not. Corporate wives don’t climb trees while hosting an elegant event. Unless they’ve had lots and lots and lots of wine.”
He laughed, then picked a twig from her hair. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Luckily, we weren’t that high. And he cushioned my fall. Let me go back inside and freshen up. And I’ll get right back to the party.”
“You went above and beyond for me,” he said with a gleaming smile.
She kissed his lips. “I swore to love and protect you.”
“Even if it means slaying dragons?”
“Yes. This princess is a fighter and will slay any mighty, ferocious dragon that attacks your castle. We can’t lose your kingdom now. Not when we’re so close to beating the Wicked Queen.”
“We still have a long quest ahead of us,” Brandon said. “I’m certain my evil stepmother won’t give up easily.”
“Then suit up in the strongest armor you can find, my brave knight.”
He softly kissed her lips.
“You’re in good hands, honey,” Marj said. “I’m multi-talented, you see. If I’m not dragon-slaying, then I’m marrying drunken billionaires.”
He grinned as she smiled.
Chapter 2
Marj checked the time on her fitness tracker. Brandon had been on the phone for thirteen minutes. It was a business call, of course, and probably of vital importance. The whole thirteen-minute phone call situation would be considerably less obnoxious if they weren’t in the process of leaving on their overdue honeymoon.
At first, she’d smiled indulgently. Of course, he could take a call now before they left for the airport. Except that call had continued for the entirety of the drive, and now they were in the security line and Marj, instead of snuggling up to her hot husband while she waited, was playing Candy Crush on her phone. Brandon was successful, no-nonsense, and more than occasionally, a total workaholic. This trip was about reconnecting and becoming a real couple.