Sinful Empire (Mount Trilogy #3)

“So, this is what it’s like to be married to a CEO.”

She nods. “I need you to be okay with this, because it matters to me.”

“Compromise then.”

Keira’s head jerks back and her eyebrows go up. “You know what that word means?”

My lips twitch, and I think they’re attempting a smile. “Only with you.”

“Then I’ll hear your proposal.”

At her sassy tone, I pin her to the bed. “First, I f*ck you. Then we put that last plug in your ass so you’re ready for me.”

Her hips lift up, grinding against me. Yes, she’s the perfect woman for me.

“Is that all?”

“Then V takes you to work, stays with you, and you come home to me after you’ve got things under control. You have two days, and then we’re leaving the f*cking country again to go be Lachlan and Keira on a beach somewhere without another goddamned human being around for miles.”

The smile that spreads across her lips is brilliant. “I can handle that.”

“Good. Because you don’t have a choice.”

“I thought this was a compromise.”

I shrug. “Close enough.”



When I finally let her out of bed hours later, it’s with an uneasy feeling riding me. Maybe because of the events of the last week, or maybe because of something else. As she gets ready, I step outside the door to the suite, and V spins to face me.

“Guard her with your life.”





Keira





When I walk into the building, I head straight for my office, hoping to get to the basement without anyone noticing my new bodyguard in tow.

I’m not sure why Lachlan has V sticking so close, but I’m not going to question it. My life has changed. I knew when I said those vows that I was stepping into a different world, and I would somehow have to figure out how to meld it with mine.

Temperance meets me at the door to my office, her attention going to V and then to me. “Chauffeur isn’t staying in the car anymore?”

“Let’s go inside. I need to explain some things.”

V gives us privacy by waiting just beyond the door as I shut it, which is only going to lead to more questions from my employees. And this is exactly what I need to figure out with Temperance.

My new COO doesn’t miss a beat—or a detail. Her eyes lock on my left hand. There’s no way anyone can miss the massive oval diamond set on a thin band of diamond-encrusted rose gold. It has to be over five carats. I didn’t exactly have the time or inclination to ask Lachlan how he found such an exquisite ring on incredibly short notice, because I was too dumbstruck by the fact we were actually getting married. Then again, he’s Lachlan Mount. Things happen when he commands.

The whole event still feels surreal, as does the weight of another wedding ring on my hand. But this one, for some reason, feels exactly right.

“Whoa, boss. That’s a hell of a rock. You rob a jewelry store and been laying low till the heat wears off?”

“Not exactly.” The corners of my mouth tug upward in a secret smile, which happens more often than not when I glance down at the sparkling stone.

“When’s the big day?”

I press my lips together, almost unable to believe I’m telling her. “So . . . that actually already happened.”

Her attention cuts to my face as her mouth drops open. “And I didn’t even get invited to the wedding?” She holds up a hand. “I kid, but seriously? You . . . I knew you were holding some things back, but this is big. And I’m not just talking about your ring.”

“Let’s just say . . . it was spur of the moment.”

“And the lucky man?”

“You’ll meet him eventually.”

She plops into the seat across from mine. “I don’t even know what to say to you right now.”

I wish Lachlan and I had talked about what I could and couldn’t say to people, but I go with erring on the side of caution for the moment. “I know, but it’s what I wanted.”

“You sure? No one held a gun to your head?” she asks, her question completely lacking any semblance of a joking undertone.

I think of the judge and the priest who heard our vows, and all the paperwork we signed. “No. This was of my own free will.”

“But you are going to tell me everything eventually. Right?”

“As much as I can.”

Temperance inhales, staring at me for long moments until she releases the breath. “Okay. You’re the boss. So, what do you want to tackle first?”

When we launch into the list of discussion topics, Temperance proves exactly how much she deserves her new position. I also realize there’s no way I’m going to be able to handle everything that needs my attention in only two days.

So, now I have to find a way to get Lachlan back to the negotiation table . . . but luckily, I have an idea.





Keira





“I thought we agreed you’d be coming to me, wife.”

The possessive way Lachlan says the word sends shivers down my spine as he strides out of the elevator and comes toward me.

“Plans change, husband. Sit.” I gesture to Seven Sinners’ most requested table, which is covered with some of the best food New Orleans has to offer, and definitely the best whiskey. “I have more work than I realized, and since that’s stopping us from taking a honeymoon . . . I thought you might appreciate a dinner with a view. I can’t cook, so this is the best I could do.”

One of Lachlan’s eyebrows quirks up. “What do mean, you can’t cook?”

“You never asked. I hope that’s not a deal breaker for you now, because you’re stuck with me.”

His laughter booms through the empty restaurant.

I decided to keep it closed until tomorrow night, but begged Odile to come in regardless. I owe her a massive favor now, and from the way she devoured V with her eyes when he followed me into the kitchen, I have a feeling I know what that favor will be.

My sassy Cajun chef won’t care that he doesn’t speak. She’s got enough to say to carry on both sides of the conversation.

“It’s fortunate we both employ chefs, or we’d starve,” Lachlan says as he pulls out a chair for me, and I sit.

While he rounds the table to take his own seat, I ask, “You can’t cook either?”

“Nothing worth eating.”

“Good thing I’ve got you both covered tonight.” Odile glides across the floor with an extra swing to her walk as she places my final request on the table. A small cake on a silver platter.

I didn’t tell her it’s my wedding cake, though, because Lord knows she’d have a million more questions. Somehow, she missed seeing my ring, and I’m thankful for that.

First, I need the man across from me to tell me how the hell I’m going to explain to people that I’m suddenly married, and to whom I can deliver the explanation. I know he said this wouldn’t be normal, and I’m not asking for normal, but I do have to tell people something. I don’t even want to think about telling my family yet.

“Thank you, Odile.”

She props a hand on each hip. “Is there anything else I can get for you before I head home?”

“No. This is perfect. I appreciate it.”

She sweeps a look over me and then Lachlan. “Bon appétit.”