“This in mine Meri. I’ll have it when and where I want.” He couldn’t wait any longer. “My Meri will inhabit this body again when I’m done. You will do as I want, or I can make sure you meet my needs and exceed them in a pleasure that crosses the line with punishing pain.” Conner said this to Merina. His lips were an inch from her mouth, his eyes staring into hers as his crown found its home in her depths. She stared back at him wide-eyed; she couldn’t stop panting and she groaned each time the crown of his shaft found its place deep inside her. Conner didn’t rush what he was doing to her. This was a pleasure in its pure form. His need pushed to send him over the edge within her. But he didn’t speed up his rhythm. Instead, he slowed to savor his reaction to moving within her. Watching her face as she felt everything. He learned how he could move within her to give her the most feeling. At one point, he knew he had her right where he wanted her. Her heels dug in

Merina still struggled with how Conner’s personality changed. Now he demanded she change her personality, and he’d use cruel and unusual punishment to get his way. Merina didn’t understand what he meant by her self-destructive behavior, was something he’d not put up with going forward. She worried he’d act as an overbearing, misogynistic husband from the past who’d treat his misbehaving wife. Who was he to dictate her actions? That was now a stupid question. She’d made a habit of herself. He was her husband. Worried, she feared his reaction, reminiscent of a misogynistic husband from a bygone era. They were taking the elevator up to the top floor where the hotel’s restaurant was. “I hope you’ll put a smile on your face love. We’ve just married, and we want to present a happy relationship.” Conner sounded as if they were trying to get their stories straight. “I think my father will see something’s off, Conner. I’m sure he remembers that he and your f

Merina leaned back as the server placed the dinner Conner insisted, she have. Lobster, steak, and roasted vegetables. A little heavy compared to what she ate most days. But she figured this once she’d accept it and say something later in private. “Now, Merina. You went and did something I told you it could help us, but it wasn’t worth the risk. Now, look at what’s happened. I’m not sure I can fix this.” “I’m sorry? Fix what Mr. MacGregor?” Conner ask after he swallowed his first bite. Conner thought she’d be the one who caused the scene, but it may end up being him. Merina hesitated, biting her lip as she observed the potential outcome. “First, you married her. Then there’s that prenuptial agreement. I suspect several clauses in it aren’t legal. You don’t have proof of any espionage.” “Father, please stop. I didn’t ask for help. Nor did I consult you after that meeting. If I signed anything it’s my business.” “I

“She didn’t like the environment and quit. I’m afraid you were too rude. As for my wife, good luck Gabriella. I know better than to cross her. That’s why I married her. Merina’s perfect for me in so many ways. I won’t demand she back down when anyone abuses her. Now, Merina and I have agreed. Only I’m allowed to discipline her as I see fit. I don’t see a need. If anyone tries to bully or abuse her, she has my permission to deal with them herself. Good luck, she’s brutal.” Conner said to Gabriella. This odd outburst from Conner left her unsure of her emotions. “She didn’t like the environment and quit. I’m afraid you were too rude. As for my wife, good luck Gabriella. I know better than to cross her. That’s why I married her. Merina’s perfect for me in so many ways. I won’t demand she back down when anyone abuses her. Now, Merina and I have agreed. Only I’m allowed to discipline her as I see fit. I don’t see a need. If anyone tries to bully or abuse her, she has

Merina wasn’t expecting Galen. He remained her final thought. She’d felt off kilter ever since Conner figured out who she was and his behavior. Conner, Ian, her father and now Galen were here at the hotel, twisting her life into knots. She’s the one who should twist their lives into knots as payback for how her life has gone out of control. She hated to think of Gabriella. Or how she tried to add to the mess. Merina thought very little of it. She didn’t have time. She struggled to make sense of what happened during and after dinner. Conner wanting to punish her, then defending her. That had Merina scratching her head. What was the purpose of this? Her father didn’t want her inside the family business, but Galen could be there? Her father told her she should investigate at O’Keefe Industries, yet he claimed he didn’t expect her to do it. Why did he attack Joseph, if he didn’t care? He wasn’t involved in any of it. Conner hit Galen and made sure he stayed where he was this time.