“My security people found one in your things, too,” he continued when I didn’t say anything.
“All my stuff was new since—”
“Not your purse.”
Crap. I should have known better. Panic surged up in my chest and I started backing away, fight or flight taking over. Having one in my car three thousand miles from my current location was one thing. But knowing that I’d been broadcasting my whereabouts to my father the whole time I’d been here was too much. I needed to get my things and run. I needed to—
Luke was to me in two steps, grabbing my shoulders and making me look at him. “Laura, listen to me. You’re safe.”
I shook my head violently. “No, I need to get out of here. If they find me—”
“They’re not touching you.”
“You can’t marry me just to—”
“You’re fucking insane if you think I’m throwing myself on some sword. I love you, God damn it! Your crazy family has nothing to do with what I want for the rest of my life. You. Yes, I might want to marry you right now, to keep them away, but damn it, I wanted you wearing my ring last week and that was before I knew they were still tracking you.”
I was shaking hard, but as Luke pulled me into his chest, warmth and protection surrounded me. In his arms, I was safe. I wanted to be here for the rest of my life.
“I love you, too,” I whispered into his chest.
He pressed his lips into my hair. “Let’s go get married, okay?”
“Okay.”
Chapter Ten
~ Luke ~
Two hours, three phone calls and one promise from my assistant Roz not to alert my family to what I was doing, and Laura and I were on our way to the Chapelle Du Paradis wedding chapel at The Paris Hotel.
“Your mom is going to be pissed,” Laura reminded me.
“She’s got four other sons,” I said with a shrug. “Missing one wedding won’t make much difference to her.”
It sounded good, but it was total bullshit. Both of my parents would be livid that I hadn’t included them. Not to mention those four other sons. Our family was very close knit, and I knew I’d be chapped if one of my brothers got married without me in attendance. But I’d get over it eventually, and so would they.
As we made our way down the strip, I realized at least one member of our extended family was available to stand with me.
“Rick,” I said, catching the reflection of the driver I’d known my whole life. “After you park the car, would you please join us in the chapel?”
“Sir?”
“Don’t sir me,” I reprimanded, rolling my eyes. “You’re just as much a part of this family as anyone. It would mean a lot to me if you’d come.”
“Then I would be honored, Luke,” Rick said, nodding at me in his rearview mirror.
“Laura.” I turned to face her, taking her hands in mine. “I promise, when things calm down, I’ll throw you the biggest, most audacious wedding you’ve ever seen.”
“Don’t be silly,” she insisted. “I want a marriage with you. A big wedding is just frosting.”
“How did I get so lucky?” I brought one of her hands to my lips and kissed it softly.
She giggled. “I guess you just run faster than I do.”
“Thank goodness we’re done with all that.” I stared pointedly at her.
“I’m done,” she promised.
“Well,” I said as we pulled up in front of the hotel. “I can buy us rings here, or we can go shopping for them later.” I didn’t bother mentioning the first ring I’d purchased for her had been…donated.
“Let’s see what they have,” she offered as she slid out of the car. “I’d like the world to know you belong to me as quickly as possible.”
“The world has known I belong to you since the first night I met you,” I said, following her to the sidewalk and linking her arm in mine. “It was only ever you who doubted it.”
“No more doubts,” she said, beaming up at me. “Let’s go get hitched.”
“Rick,” I said, turning back to him. “We’ll wait for you outside the chapel.”
He nodded before getting back in the car and pulling away.
Laura and I walked inside together and followed the signs toward the chapel. The woman at the desk greeted us both and let us know that there was a wedding currently taking place, but they should be ready for us soon, then she directed us to the jewelry shop located down the hall.
I let Laura peruse their offerings, promising her that she could have anything she wanted. After a few minutes, she selected two plain, white gold bands.
“What about an engagement ring?” I asked as the clerk rang us up.
“I’m good,” she said with a shrug. “I’m a simple girl, Luke.”
“I know you think so,” I teased. “But you’re the most complicated woman I’ve ever met in my life.”
She rolled her eyes as she took the bag from the clerk and led me back to the chapel.
“Willow!” Laura squealed as we approached a small gathering of people who’d congregated in the waiting area. I’d forgotten Willow had been at Laura’s party that night at Diamond. I wasn’t sure how they knew each other, but now, I remembered that they had been friends.
The two ladies hugged, and both began talking a mile a minute while I glared at Jameson.
“Did Roz call you?” I demanded.
“Chill,” he said, clapping me on the back. “I was standing at her desk when you called.”
“You didn’t tell Mom, did you?” I asked, my tone warning. “I want a small service. I don’t need the Malloys crowding in here like the Waltons.”
“I haven’t talked to anyone,” he promised. “But they’re going to be pissed at you.”
“They’ll get over it,” I assured him. “I just need her married to me.”
“I know.” He sighed.
