: Chapter 20

The doorbell rings again, and I roll my eyes.

“You could just open it yourself,” I say as I pull the door open.

Nero’s brows raise. “Nice outfit.”

My jaw works as I glance down.

Yep, still in nothing but my emerald green boxers.

“Just shut up and come in.” I step back and let my annoying best friend into my home.

“So…” he drags the word out. “How’s your prisoner?”

His question shouldn’t make my guts twist. Savannah reacted exactly how I expected her to react to my extensive blackmail. But…I didn’t like it. I fucking hated it.

He must see something on my face because his eyes narrow. “What did you do?” Nero’s tone is ice.

I’d be offended by his implication, but I kinda like that he’s concerned for Savannah’s well-being, even if he doesn’t come out and say it. “Nothing yet. That’s what you’re here for.”

“What does that mean?” He crosses his arms, his all-black outfit making him look like the crime lord he is. “If you think Payton will stand by while I hold your captive for you, you’re fucking nuts.”

“She really has you by the balls, doesn’t she?”

“You get a wife, then we’ll see how well you fair.” He smirks.

“Like I said, that’s what you’re here for.”

His arms drop to his sides. His mouth opens, then closes, and I can see the wheels clicking behind his eyes.

“Check your email.” I had one timed to land in his inbox when he’d arrive.

Nero slowly pulls his phone out of his pocket, tapping the screen until he pauses. “You..” He looks up at me, with the most stunned expression I’ve ever seen on his face. “You had me ordained?”

I lift a shoulder. “Shotgun weddings don’t really call for best men, so I figured this was the next best option.”

He looks back down at his phone, then back up at me. “Ordained.” His eyes are wide. “You, what? Want me to fucking marry you?”

“To Savannah, yes.”

He stares at me for another beat, then throws his head back and laughs.

I let him have his humor for a few seconds. “You’ll do it?”

Nero shakes his head. “You’re fucking crazy. But yeah, sure. What the hell, I’ll play priest and marry you.”