Alpha Conrad: Claiming The Wrong Bride

IRONGARD KINGDOM

***

Nadia sat stiffly on a vanity stool while Danielle worked on her face with frantic, aggressive movements.

The transformation was eerie, as Nadia did not like the makeup, but she had to sit through it anyway.

"Sit still," Danielle hissed, smearing a nude lip gloss over Nadia’s mouth. "If you ruin the contour, I will have to start over, and we don't have time."

Nadia winced as the brush poked her eyelid. "This feels so wrong, Danielle. Why do I have to look exactly like you? What is the service your mother talked about?"

"Your word is your bond, remember?" Danielle sneered, checking her own reflection in the mirror to compare their faces. "You wanted your mom out of that cell. This is the price. You just have to be me for a few hours. Keep your mouth shut and do exactly what I tell you."

An authoritative knock on the door echoed through the room.

Danielle stood rigid in one spot. "He is here."

Nadia’s heart raced. "Who? Danielle, who is at the door?"

"Remember the plan! Stay in the bathroom until I come get you. Do not make a sound," Danielle commanded. She grabbed Nadia by the arm and shoved her toward the bathroom, shutting the door firmly.

Nadia stood in the dark bathroom, trying to slow her breath.

Danielle took a deep breath, smoothing her dress.

She hurried to the mini-bar, pulling out a vintage redwine.

With shaking hands, she spiked it with highly concentrated stimulants.

She gave the air a heavy spritz of Nadia’s floral perfume as she did not know where she had tossed hers, before going to open the door.

"Your Highness," Danielle purred as Conrad stepped into the room. She dipped into a shallow, feminine curtsy, her eyes downcast.

Conrad didn't offer a greeting. He crossed the room in three long strides, his masculine scent filling the space.

He grabbed her by the waist, his large hands nearly meeting around her middle, and crashed his lips onto hers.

The kiss was possessive and rough.

Danielle kissed him back, forcing herself to match his intensity, but then she pulled away, breathless. "Wait... please. Slow down."

Conrad growled; there was a hunger in his eyes that made her tremble. "You already agreed to this night, Danielle. I don't like waiting."

"I know," she whispered, stroking his chest. "But it is my first time. I am pretty nervous. A drink or two will help me loosen up, don't you think?"

Conrad looked down at her, his gaze raking over her body. "You are so fucking beautiful."

He did not mean it, but anything to make her feel comfortable could pass.

Or maybe it was his desire to get laid speaking.

"Slow down, big daddy," Danielle teased, her voice descending to a salacious falsetto. She cat-walked toward the table, pouring a glass of the spiked wine. She turned back to him, swaying her hips seductively. She rubbed her body against his, feeling the hard