The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 10

James cast a glance at Magnus‘ increasingly dark face, teasing him further. “You’ve been cooped up for years now. Maybe you should dip your toes in the water. It’s not a bad idea to let a woman get to you.”

James‘ words earned a round of hearty laughter from Chase and an involuntary twitch at the corner of Carter’s mouth

Magnus picked up his wine glass and suggested smoothly, “I hear Silent King’s been pretty idle lately. There’s a mission in Chile that needs some attention, something about encountering primitive orcs in the wild Seems like it’s right up your alley”

James‘ eyes widened in astonishment as Magnus casually picked up a set of keys from the table

Chase, in his impatience, failed to grab the keys remember you’ve got a couple of Rolls–Royce Phantoms just sitting around at your place have Linden pick them up and give them a good cleaning!”

James quickly intervened, patting Magnus on the shoulder “Come on, man. A desert is no place for a man to be And what happens if you run into a female orc? Will you still have your buddies?”

“A female orc? That’s right up your alley. I remember you had a strong taste for threesomes last year. A single orcis nothing for your Magnus countered coldly

James shivered at the thought of a large, imposing female orcs overpowering him in the desert. He quickly flattered Magnus. I know you’re a man of restraint. You wouldn’t let any woman get to you. Let me pour you a drink!” James decided to be more careful with his jokes around Magnus

came from the neighboring

Inside the booth, Lucius was drunk, being propped up by two bodyguards. He swung a punch at one of them, sending him crashing to the floor The wine bottles and glasses on the

his mouth and said, “Mr. Lucius, you’ve had

even consider me family? He gave my woman to that cripple!

playground, Lucius. The next time you decide

and glared at Chase. “Who the hell

warning you! Keep your tantrums out of my territory. You’re nothing more than a coward, and you dare to insult me? I’ll have you picking up your teeth off the floor!!

into the corridor The bodyguards, despite their pain, quickly picked up Lucius and left. Magnus, James, and Carter left the booth, masking their

stumbled past a man with a mask. Two other masked men followed behind him,

masks? Trying to

bodyguards to take

the neon lights. The man in the car glanced at the towering building. a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

in the evening, Magnus returned to Sapphire Island Linden

asked

phone for the rest of the day. The maids heard her crying at noon. She stayed in her room in the

face darkened. So, she was crying already, and it was only the

long way to go. Let’s see how long you can

I have a hunch that Ma am isn’t as they’ve been investigating She’s gentle with the staff and very humble. She does everything you’ve asked of her and does it well She doesn’t carry herself like a spoiled heiress She doesn’t seem like a scheming girl Linden furrowed