Hot for Hostage

by Maggie Evans

“What would he do?” I asked dryly, glaring at the beast in question. “Ignore orders? Or show how fast he can fill my shoe with slobber?”

Bear reappeared at the tree line, carrying a little pink basket with an even smaller box in it. He trotted over to me and held it out in offering.

“Go on,” I pushed. “Go play with your wife, mutt.” He didn’t budge. Rolling my eyes, I slid off one of my loafers and flung it across the yard.

“I think it’s time we make this hostage arrangement permanent.” I nodded toward the ring. “Put it on your finger.”

Part of me missed the days when everyone followed my demands without question, but Sadie had never been like that.

“Sadie, I’ve been yours since the moment you pointed that gun at me. But I want more—like my ring on your finger.

“Now, will you make me the happiest hostage in the world and be my wife?”

“Shush. You love them, too.” I’d go to my grave before admitting something like that out loud.

“You made meringue?” She didn’t have to sound so shocked.

“You said all that stuff about how we couldn’t be meringue, but we can. We are.” She blinked and looked at it again. More tears welled in her eyes.

Her grin widened before she snickered under her breath. “Sorry, mafia princesses, but he’s all mine.”

Phase three commenced after it fully sank in that she’d said yes.

They were insistent on no dogs outside service ones being allowed inside Bruno’s shop, and no amount of bribery had swayed them. Yet.

“I never should’ve told you about him.” “Him?” My fingers froze on my belt buckle. “You didn’t mention your demon was a guy.”

“I love you. And I really love all the effort that went into baking this for me, Dav—truly—but, um, I think you mixed up sugar and salt in the recipe.”

“What the hell is that?” I scowled, feeling an actual flash of betrayal as I glared at the traitorous cupcake. It was poisoned. Or defective. “Why’d you swallow it? Sadie, spit it out.”

Sadie eased the sting of discovering I lacked even the smallest amount of baking skills with another kiss,