Hey Babes!

Our spotlight is shining on Monica Murphy and her newest release, The Ruthless Groom, the next installment in the Wedded Bliss series! Check out the excerpt below… 

“Do I look all right?” she asks as she turns toward me.

She looks fucking perfect.

“You look fine,” I tell her instead, and I see the vague disappointment in her gaze.

Damn it, I don’t want to lay it on too thick. What if she’s already considering the many ways she could possibly escape our marriage? Escape me?

And what if she’s lying? This could all be a big show for my benefit—and our families. She acts like an innocent, virginal bride but we know the truth. She claims she wants to get away from her father, and I know he’s an asshole, but is she a willing participant in this game her family is playing with mine?

I suppose I could be nicer. Lay on the charm and encourage her that she wants to be with me instead of acting cold and indifferent. It’s our wedding day, for Christ’s sake. What the fuck is wrong with me?

Since when do I give in so easily?

I’m a Constantine, damn it. Enough with the pity party.

A shaky exhale leaves her and she waves her hands, as if her palms are sweaty. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

She’s about to reach for the door handle but I grab hold of her waist, pulling her to me before I viciously kiss her. Claim her. Remind her that I’m the one she was with last night. I’m the one whose diamonds she’s wearing.

I’m the one who gave her that ring on her finger.

We break away from each other at the same time, the both of us breathing heavily. Reaching out, she brushes her finger against the corner of my lips. “My lipstick,” she murmurs, showing me her fingertip that’s colored with the soft pink hue.

“Marked me,” I whisper, smiling at her. “Let’s go, wife.”

Pleasure suffuses her face and I reach past her, opening the door. There’s a man in a suit standing guard, and the moment he spots us, he lifts the microphone he was clutching in his hand and switches it on.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our special guests have finally arrived! Mr. and Mrs. Perry Constantine!”

There is cheering and laughter and glasses being raised in our honor when our guests spot us. I can feel the love and warmth buzzing in this room—and it’s all for me. For Charlotte.

For us.

I also notice the familiar faces mixed among the strangers. Family and friends and business associates. It feels like everyone from the Halcyon offices is here. All of my siblings and their significant others. There are Lancasters there as well, I recognize them thanks to their icy stares and regal expressions.

“Ready to do this?” I ask her.

Her smile is soft, as is the glow in her eyes. “Yes. Let’s go greet our guests.”

Need some more steamy excerpts to check out…