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She kicked one heel off.

It skidded across the floor.

“Jesus Christ, take the bloody shoes off before you break your ankle.”

“I’m trying.”

She hopped on one foot while clutching my belt in one hand and wrestling with the other shoe.

I slowed just enough to enjoy the ridiculous sight.

My beautiful new fiancée, dress hiked unevenly from where I’d had my hands beneath it, one bare foot on the floor, the other still trapped in a heel, stealing my belt and laughing like she’d lost her mind.

“You keep this up, Mouse, and a sore ass is going to be the least of your problems.”

She finally managed to free the second shoe and tossed it aside.

“Very green!”

Then she took off barefoot.

I laughed and followed.

“Keep running. Every second you make me chase you is going to cost that pretty ass.”

“You have to catch me first.”

“Careful what you wish for.”

I closed the distance near the guest-room wing and caught her arm.

She squealed and twisted free. I managed to snatch the belt from her hand, but she was already running for the guest rooms.

She darted into the room where most of the clothes and belongings Aria had arranged for her were still kept, then spun to face me from the far side of the bed.

I stepped inside and shut the door behind me.

Her grin faltered for a second.

“You know you’re trapped.”

“Maybe you’re trapped with me.”

“Cute.”

I started toward her.

She moved left.

So did I.

Her eyes flicked toward the bed.

“Don’t.”

That only made her smile.

I lunged.