Chapter 9

Slate paced his hotel room after lunch, checking his phone for updates. Ashleigh and Anna had spent a couple of hours at the spa that morning, both getting a massage followed by hair, makeup, and mani/pedis. At least that’s what his sister-in-law had told him the plan was. Slate had been busy dealing with West and the men potentially looking for him. All was good at their current hotel, but it seemed trouble was brewing at the place he’d originally planned to stay.

Damn it all to hell.

The last thing he needed to worry about on his wedding day were men looking for him. His fist clenched. Ace had been texting him as well, notifying him about new information posted on the dark web.

But to what end?

His phone buzzed, and he saw a new text from his fiancée.

Ashleigh: Are we doing something special tonight? Pretty please tell me! Anna and I look gorgeous enough to kill a man.

He smirked, recalling how Anna had declared they’d both be ‘drop dead gorgeous’ after their morning at the spa. He had no doubt his fiancée would look amazing. He only hoped everything would go off according to plan.

Slate: It’s a surprise, Ash. But yes. I would certainly call tonight a special occasion. Something you’ll remember for the rest of our lives. ;)

Ashleigh: Slate. Give me a hint or I’ll write you as the villain in my next book. The suspense is killing me!

Slate: How can I be the villain when I’m the hero of the story? I loved the book you wrote, sweetheart.

Slate: Are you wearing the necklace I gave you?

Ashleigh: Of course. Just that and my big, fluffy robe here at the spa. Plus, my engagement ring. ;)

He muttered a curse. He should’ve arranged for a couple’s massage. Not that he wanted a stranger’s hands on him. He was Ashleigh’s alone. But his dick twitched as he imagined her, skin luminous from the massage oil, blonde hair pulled back, a smile on her face.

Slate: Just do what Anna says today. As much as it pains me to say that…

Ashleigh: You want me to toss extra Christmas condoms at strangers?

He was calling her before he thought twice. “She did not tell you to do that,” Slate growled.

“Oh, but she did. Remember the gifts in our stockings? It turns out she has extra condoms with saucy sayings like ‘Eat Me’ and ‘I have a huge package for you.’”

He muttered a curse. “Just follow her lead on any sane suggestions—the hair and outfit. Shoes. I’ll meet you tonight.”

“You’ll meet me there? Why can’t we go together?”

She sounded worried, and his chest clenched. This whole surprise wedding was more stressful than he’d anticipated. Some couples surprised their guests. He was surprising the actual bride. “I promise it’s okay, Ash. You have a driver. I’ll be ready and waiting when you arrive.”

“The driver seems a bit much, no? What kind of massage day requires a chauffeur?”

Slate clenched his jaw. “You know Anna,” he ground out. “She likes to go all out.”

“And what outfit might I be wearing tonight?” Ashleigh asked. “Anna wouldn’t give me any details, which isn’t like her. You know how into clothes and fashion she is. I figured she’d be gushing over whatever we’re supposed to wear this evening.”

“You’ll find out soon. Anna promised me you’d love it. And without giving anything away, I can’t wait to see you in it.”

“More sexy lingerie?” she teased.

Slate nearly choked. He assumed she’d have on some sexy lingerie under the wedding gown, but what did he know? Anna could very well insist Ashleigh go commando or something.

“You never know with Anna,” he hedged. “But let’s assume a dress is involved.”

“What are you doing right now anyway?” she asked. “Surely you can’t be taking as long to get ready for whatever the big surprise is.”

“No, but I’ll get ready at the hotel soon. I’m also dealing with a little issue Jett has men here in Seattle for.”

“What?” she asked, sounding alarmed.

“It’s nothing you need to worry about.” Slate cleared his throat, crossing to look at the laptop Jett had brought with him. The camera feed from the lobby of the hotel he’d planned to stay at was on the screen. Not one but two suspicious men had been lurking there in the morning. One of Jett’s men, Sam Jackson, had approached them. Although they’d fled, he’d been standing watch ever since. It wasn’t a coincidence that men were at the exact location he was supposed to be.

Slate didn’t like any of it.

“Slate? I’ve got to get going. Anna said we need to head over to Bentley’s house. I wanted to get dressed at the hotel but—”

“It’ll be fine,” he promised. “Get dressed at your sister’s, and I’ll see you tonight. Is Jett with you?”

“No, he’s somewhere else taking a work call,” Ashleigh said, sounding slightly concerned. “We just have the driver with us.”

A multitude of scenarios ran through Slate’s mind. No one would have reason to look for the women at the spa or Ashleigh’s sister’s home. His gaze slid to the open laptop again. Sam was still there, sitting on a chair in the lobby. The big man didn’t look inconspicuous at all. If anyone wanted to come in that way looking for Slate or Ashleigh, he doubted they would.

“All right. It’s best he deals with the situation at hand,” Slate admitted. “I’ll be here at our hotel if you need anything. Keep your phone turned on.”

“You sound worried.”

“Not worried. Just cautious. Go with Anna and get ready for tonight. Say hello to your sister for me,” he said smoothly. “I’ll touch base with you again before I see you later on. It’s going to be a great day, Ash.”

They ended the call, and a brief feeling of uneasiness washed over him. His fiancée going to her sister’s home shouldn’t have been cause for alarm. Slate almost felt he should go with them, but then he’d see his bride before their wedding. She’d no doubt realize what was happening today when Anna produced the wedding gown, but there would still be that element of surprise when she arrived at the venue and discovered him waiting in his dress uniform at the end of the aisle.

He swiped his screen, calling Jett, but it went straight to voicemail.

Muttering under his breath, he went to the closet to get out his garment bag. In addition to Jett’s team keeping him apprised of any updates on the men tracking him, the wedding planner had been texting him throughout the morning. The flowers were at the venue. The cake had arrived. The caterer said everything was a go for the meal. Jesus. Who know coordinating a wedding required so many details?

Several of Ashleigh’s friends were flying in from around the country, as well as her parents. Jett was Slate’s only living relative, and of course he’d be there. Slate had a few military friends flying into town. One of his teams was scheduled to come as well.

Cursing as he pulled out his garment bag, he realized his dress shoes weren’t anywhere to be seen. He’d had to sneak those into his luggage as well but had no doubt left them at the cabin.

Reluctantly, he texted Anna. Hopefully Lena or someone else could run down there. That’d be two hours round-trip, but he needed dress shoes for his own damn wedding.

Her reply came almost immediately.

Anna: Lena’s down there right now. She’s decorating for your honeymoon. ;)

Anna: I know you’ve got plans to whisk Ashleigh off somewhere tropical, but you’ll be at the cabin a few more days before then. Might as well be prepared…

He cursed as she texted him a photo of the shoes, no doubt from Lena.

Anna: Goodness. Ashleigh’s a lucky girl. Both of you Hutchinson boys have big…feet.

Slate snorted. He had no idea what decorations Anna thought he’d need at the cabin and was almost afraid to guess. More condoms? Sex toys? He wouldn’t put anything past her. As long as he married Ashleigh, he didn’t care what surprises were in store for them when they returned to their getaway spot. He thumbed a quick response to thank her, glancing at the clock on the wall.

In a few more hours, it’d be go time.