Sticking to Her Guns
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B. J. Daniels
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18.4K
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26
If this marriage happens it'll be over someone's dead body. Tommy Colt is stunned when his childhood best friend — and love — Bella Worthington abruptly announces she's engaged to their old-time nemesis! Knowing her better than anyone, Tommy's convinced she'd only agree to a sham marriage if something was dangerously wrong. Now Colt Brothers Investigations' newest partner is racing to uncover the truth and ask Bella a certain question…if they survive.
Chapter One
Bella Worthington took a breath and, opening her eyes, finally faced her reflection in the full-length mirror. The wedding dress fit perfectly—just as he’d said it would. While accentuating her curves, the neckline was modest, the drape flattering. As much as she hated to admit it, Fitz had good taste.
The sapphire-and-diamond necklace he’d given her last night gleamed at her throat, bringing out the blue-green of her eyes—also like he’d said it would. He’d thought of everything—right down to the huge pear-shaped diamond engagement ring on her finger. All of it would be sold off before the ink dried on the marriage license—if she let it go that far.
As she studied her reflection though she realized this was exactly as he’d planned it. She looked the beautiful bride on her wedding day. No one would be the wiser.
She could hear music and the murmur of voices downstairs. He’d invited the whole town of Lonesome, Montana. She’d watched from the upstairs window as the guests had arrived earlier. He’d wanted an audience for this and now he would have one.
The knock at the door startled her, even though she’d been expecting it. “It’s time,” said a male voice on the other side. One of Fitz’s hired bodyguards, Ronan, was waiting. He would be carrying a weapon under his suit. Security, she’d been told, to keep her safe. A lie.
She listened as Ronan unlocked her door and waited outside, his boss not taking any chances. He had made sure there was no possibility of escape short of shackling her to her bed. Fitz was determined that she find no way out of this. It didn’t appear that she had.
In a few moments, she would be escorted downstairs to where her maid of honor and bridesmaids were waiting—all hand-chosen by her groom. If they’d questioned why they were down there and she was up here, they hadn’t asked. He wasn’t the kind of man women questioned. At least not more than once.
For another moment, Bella stared at the stranger in the mirror. She didn’t have to wonder how she’d gotten to this point in her life. Unfortunately, she knew too well. She’d just never thought Fitz would go this far. Her mistake. He, however, had no idea how far she was willing to go to make sure the wedding never happened.
Taking a breath, she picked up her bouquet from her favorite local flower shop. The bouquet had been a special order delivered earlier. Her hand barely trembled as she lifted the blossoms to her nose for a moment, taking in the sweet scent of the tiny white roses—also his choice. Carefully, she separated the tiny buds afraid it wouldn’t be there.
It took her a few moments to find the long slim silver blade hidden among the roses and stems. The blade was sharp, and lethal if used correctly. She knew exactly how to use it. She slid it back into the bouquet out of sight. He wouldn’t think to check it. She hoped. He’d anticipated her every move and attacked with one of his own. Did she really think he wouldn’t be ready for anything?
Making sure the door was still closed, she checked her garter. What she’d tucked under it was still there, safe, at least for the moment.
Another knock at the door. Fitz would be getting impatient and no one wanted that. “Everyone’s waiting,” Ronan said, tension in his tone. If this didn’t go as meticulously planned there would be hell to pay from his boss. Something else they all knew.
She stepped to the door and opened it, lifting her chin and straightening her spine. Ronan’s eyes swept over her with a lusty gaze, but he stepped back as if not all that sure of her. Clearly he’d been warned to be wary of her. Probably just as she’d been warned what would happen if she refused to come down—or worse, made a scene in front of the guests.
At the bottom of the stairs, the room opened and she saw Fitz waiting for her with the person he’d hired to officiate.
He was so confident that he’d backed her into a corner with no way out. He’d always underestimated her. Today would be no different. But he didn’t know her as well as he thought. He’d held her prisoner, threatened her, forced her into this dress and this ruse.
But that didn’t mean she was going to marry him.
She would kill him first.
