Unyielding (Tortured Love Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

the park, she had misinterpreted his comment in the limo. He clearly expected to have sex with her, no matter what his reasons for agreeing to this marriage were.
    The thought of explaining her reaction in the park after his kiss her made her stomach cramp, but there was no denying she had liked it. A lot. More than a lot. He was a fantastic kisser, and she’d found herself wanting more. The fact that she could feel such desire was a pleasant shock.
    He opened a set of doors. “I had them put your things in here. My room is across the hall. You’ll need help removing the train, so would you like to take care of that first?”
    Well, that was an interesting twist. She’d been married to him less two hours, and already her emotions were on a rollercoaster. Tonight was their wedding night but they’d be sleeping in separate rooms. “Yes. Let’s do that first.”
    He followed her into the room, and she spotted her luggage on the stand. It was the most lavish hotel room she’d ever seen. The view overlooked the park, and it was breathtaking, but she’d be admiring it alone.
    “Turn around.” She did as he asked, and had to bite back a gasp as he placed his hands on her hips and moved her back toward the bed. If a hot kiss and his touch on her hips could arouse her this way, was she ready to try again?
    That would be unexpected. She hadn’t dated anyone seriously enough to let it get to that point in three years. One does not simply forget and move on, but how then did she explain her reaction to Merrick?
    He sat on the bed behind her, and she felt him unfasten the tiny hooks that held the train on. He knew his way around dresses, and she almost made a quip about that, but decided it wouldn’t come out right. There was no reason to be rude to him.
    “Thank you for doing this, although André could have followed us up here and taken care of it. Where is he, by the way?”
    “In the hall downstairs, making sure everyone hates him well before the second course is served.”
    Lynda laughed. There was no way to help it. She had no idea Merrick Dalton was this charming or funny.
    “You know I’m right.”
    “Oh, I agree. Where did you find him, anyway?”
    He stood and deposited her train on the bed. “Are you kidding? He’s the most sought-after wedding consultant there is.”
    “Oh, well I guess I wouldn’t know about that.”
    He frowned slightly, and the quick burst of happiness she’d felt at finding common ground with her husband was gone, just like that.
    “No, I don’t suppose you would.”
    Well, thanks for reminding me I’m not in your league.
    They locked gazes for a moment. Lynda was acutely aware of the huge four poster bed right next to them, the scent of his cologne, and the fact that they were now married. They had matching gold bands to prove it. They also were completely alone in here. If this had been a different situation, like a wedding with a husband of her choice, she’d have suggested they skip the reception entirely and instead enjoy this amazing suite.
    Instead, she was left wondering whether he now realized he’d married an awkward woman who knew nothing about hob-knobbing with society, and was conflicted about sex. And did it matter what he thought? Merrick wasn’t in this to give her a romantic wedding night. He was here for Shelton Energy, which now technically belonged to her.
    He started to speak at the same time she did. They both stopped, smiled, and then he told her to go ahead first.
    “I was wondering when you wanted to take care of the transfer of the company. I imagine as soon as possible, right?”
    His expression changed so drastically she became confused all over again. Gone was the relaxed look of someone who had just shared a private joke with a friend. Instead, his face took on the cold, distant look it had held during the ceremony and the limo ride to the park. What the hell? That was why he’d done this, after all. Why not bring it up?
    “Yes. We’ll do that.