Page 35 of The Rented Bride

Oh god, run, she ordered her legs, but her feet remained rooted to the carpet.

Trent took the ring from the box and set the box on the table as he grasped her left hand.

“Trent,” she whispered.

He slid the ring onto her finger.

“Kiss her,” someone shouted.

More shouts followed.

“Don’t you dare,” she whispered, but he was already pulling her close.

His mouth covered hers. Her knees weakened, but he hugged her tight, keeping her upright. She jammed her eyes closed. The same cologne she’d detected earlier when he’d fixed her earring filled her nostrils. His hand pressed into the small of her back, Cassie clutched his shoulders.

In the next instant he broke the kiss, pressed his mouth to her ear and whispered. “I promise, I’ll fix this. Just give me some time.”

“Time?” she whispered back. “I’m leaving in the morning.”

He shook his head. “I need you stay on a little longer.”