Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 120186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 601(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 601(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
“About what?”
“Jackson Lowry,” I say. She opens her mouth to speak, but I cut her off. “Do you want to marry him?” This is the first time I’ve given her any indication I’ve been watching and waiting and wanting.
Slowly, she looks up at me, and I swear it looks like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. “I was wondering when someone might notice.”
“Is that a no?”
She rolls her eyes. “Of course it’s a no. I would have to wonder about the mental state of anyone willingly wanting to take part in an arranged marriage.”
“Then don’t do it. You have a choice,” I tell her softly.
She shakes her head, her gaze darting away. “I don’t. This is what my mother wants, and if I can’t have what I want, I might as well make sure she’s happy.”
That frustrates me to the ends of the fucking earth. She’s going to marry this asshole because her mother wants her to. Fuck her. She doesn’t deserve Allie. In many ways, neither do I, but I’m also not forcing her to get married to someone she clearly despises.
Maybe there’s another way.
“What time did you say the gala was on Saturday?”
Allie perks up, giving me her full attention then. “I didn’t, and how do you…” She pauses for half a second, and then a light bulb goes off in her head. “Kade. Don’t even think about it. You don’t want to be there. Those aren’t your type of people.”
I narrow my eyes, all the reasons I came here reigniting. “Not my people? You do realize the Bishop ranch is the biggest in the state, right?”
Her forehead wrinkles, and she shakes her head. “That’s not what I meant.” No, it’s pretty obvious what she meant. “Don’t come to the party, please. I don’t think I can—”
I lean down and kiss her hard. A searing kiss. A claiming kiss. Her mouth is salty from her tears, and I lick them up like candy.
“Like you could stop me.” I’m laughing by the time I open her window and slide one leg out. “I’ll see you at the country club. It’ll be a memorable night.” The terror etched across her flushed face is the most satisfying thing of all because, well, she thinks I’m out to destroy her, when she has no idea that Emma is my target.
Chapter 16
Allie
“For God’s sake. Stop fidgeting.”
I try to stop, but I can’t. My stomach is in knots. I haven’t been able to eat an actual meal in days, not since my confrontation with Kade last week.
What if he actually shows up?
It’s the question I’ve asked myself every day since Kade climbed out of my window.
Which is exactly what he wants. I’m playing into his hand. He doesn’t need to be anywhere around me to fuck me up. He’s always there.
And I can’t stop searching for him now as I stand next to Mom at the bottom of the sweeping staircase, which opens onto the ballroom of the country club. The place looks like a teenage beauty pageant threw up the prom decorations it swallowed.
It was one thing when she planned a gala to show off a little. Now that Roman is dead, it’s like she thinks everyone needs to know she’s ready to step into power. It doesn’t matter that we’re up to our eyeballs in debt. The first order of business is selling her daughter into marriage.
“Oh, my dear!”
I try to relax and remember the name of the woman who leans in for a gentle hug like she’s afraid she’ll ruin my dress. “You are absolutely exquisite. I understand you have big news to share tonight.” Her overdrawn eyebrows waggle, and I wonder if she knows she has lipstick staining her teeth.
“Don’t rush the surprise,” Mom jokes, and then we all laugh because otherwise, I would start screaming, and if I start, I might never stop.
She moves off, and there’s a brief lull in the line of people waiting to kiss my mom’s ass, so I let my eyes drift around the room. It’s over-the-top fancy—crystals, champagne, and flowers everywhere. Way too many flowers. They’re spilling off every surface, the thick floral smell making my stomach turn.
I catch my reflection in a passing silver tray. From a distance, I almost look like I have my life together. My red hair falls in soft curls and waves, pinned back just enough to show my face, while the rest spills over my shoulders. A few loose strands frame my cheeks and jaw.
My makeup is simple but deliberate—glowy skin, dark lashes, and a soft hint of color on my lips. The hunter-green silk dress hugs my curves like it was poured over me, clinging in all the right places. And on my left hand, which I hold close to my body to at least try to keep the “surprise” until Mom’s big announcement, sparkles a diamond.