Page 62 of Possessive Mr. Pen

Hilary Winthrop is now Hilary Pen, my lawfully wedded wife.She’s mine forever.Finally.

She thanks the clerk for her copy, passes it to me, then asks him if there’s anything else and rises when he confirms we’re done.I stand and offer her my arm.She takes it without hesitation.

A sense of rightness washes over me.She belongs by my side.

Yet as we return to the townhouse and change into gym clothes, my giddiness fades.

She may feel different after learning this new piece of information.It’s the last secret I’ve kept from her.She needs to know, but maybe it’s too soon.

She huffs and gives me a once-over when I pause in the foyer on our way to the car.

“I upheld my end of the contract.Don’t wuss out now,” she taunts.

Despite the dangers associated with revenge and her anger over my identity, she teases me with a surprising amount of gaiety.

Another sliver of my excitement chips away as I realize the reason.

She’s happy for her sisters.Their financial woes no longer exist because of our contract marriage.

I curse my lack of foresight.If Hannah’s clinic trial is successful, will Hilary need me anymore?

I shove my insecurities aside and unlock the door.

“After you, my warrior queen,” I say with a cocky smirk and tiny bow.

She rolls her eyes and glides past me.

As I pretend to need her directions, my mind scrambles for a way out of this next battle, but it’s too important to avoid.

So much has happened in such a short period of time.

Her visit to the gym last Friday was an anomaly.Usually she only attends the self-defense class on Saturday night.She hasn’t been to the gym on a weekday in ages.

I can’t believe it’s only Thursday.Hilary called out sick on Monday, Tuesday I offered the contract marriage before she took me to the hospital, and yesterday we worked in the morning, visited Hannah after lunch, then moved her and her sisters into the townhouse.

Hilary lives in my home.She’s mine.Whatever happens at the gym today will not change her future.There’s no escape for her.

With my resolution firmed, I find the best parallel parking spot available and swing into it.

I didn’t notify our host.Some things are better left as a surprise.At least then he won’t have time to retaliate if things go sideways.

Hilary hops out before I’m halfway around the hood.I scowl.

If my uncle is watching, which he no doubt is, then Hilary just cost me major respect points.

I take her bag from her and add it to my shoulder with my duffel.

She all but skips into the two-story brick building.I take a deep breath to calm my nerves and don the poker face I use for negotiations.

Hilary does a double take when she looks back to make sure I’m following her.Her enthusiasm weakens as she studies my cold expression, but she waves me onward and steps into the large back room with all the equipment.

A few white-haired elderly men slap each other on the back and say their farewells as their class ends.They nod at Hilary and me on their way to the hall.

Our host gives the mirror one last swipe before turning toward us.His expression doesn’t change, but the calculation in his eyes never ceases.

“Are you busy, sir?There’s someone I want you to meet,” Hilary says.

A single glance from the man chills me to the bone.Hilary takes my hand and pulls me forward.