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)
I take a deep breath and smooth my sweaty palms down the front of my dress. Jackson and Mr. Lowry wandered in from the terrace. Even from a distance, I can see that Mr. Lowry is deep in conversation with a red-faced man drunk enough to laugh loudly at whatever he says. It’s now or never.
I start toward them, trying not to look like a lamb being led to slaughter. I’m halfway across the room when the men notice my approach. Mr. Lowry’s gaze trails over the length of my body, an appreciative smile tugging at his lips. “Don’t you look lovely tonight.”
“Thank you.” I smile and force myself to turn to Jackson.
He’s dressed in a tuxedo like the rest of the men are, and he wears it like he was born to. Gorgeous without trying. If only the expression on his face wasn’t so blasé. It’s not like I want to be here either, but I’m playing my part. The least he could do is play his. That bored look on his face morphs into interest as he takes me in.
He’s undressing me with his eyes, and I don’t like it.
With a smile on his lips, he reaches for me. “May I have a dance?”
What the hell? Did he just ask me to dance? I couldn’t be more shocked if he started speaking a different language. He might as well be—so far, all he’s been toward me is nasty, rude, and threatening.
I’m tempted to say no, but I don’t think that would look good for either of us, so I bite the bullet and nod. His dad must have put him up to asking because there’s no way he would do so on his own.
I place my hand in his and allow him to escort me onto the dance floor. This is exactly what my mother wanted. For everyone to see us together. Dancing. Chatting. Playing the role of a young couple in love. As Jackson leads our moves, I find myself searching the room for Kade.
Will he make a scene when he catches me dancing with Jackson? My stomach knots tighter. Kade’s a loose cannon, and there’s no telling what will set him off tonight.
Jackson pulls me in close, one of his hands resting against my lower back. “I owe you an apology.”
The surprises continue. “You think so?” I ask, arching an eyebrow.
He chuckles and grimaces, somehow still looking charming. “I’ll be honest with you, Allie. I haven’t been nice to you. In fact, I’ve been a real asshole, and while I can’t change how I’ve acted, I can change how I continue to treat you.” There’s more warmth in his voice tonight, for sure, and in his dark eyes as well. I don’t feel as much like I’m looking at an inanimate object. “I’m sure you know that I don’t want this marriage, not any more than you, but that doesn’t give me the right to treat you badly. I’ve been taking out my resentment on you, and I apologize. None of this is your fault.”
I hope he doesn’t expect me to fall on my knees and thank him. Though it is nice to hear him taking accountability. The smallest sliver of hope blooms inside my chest. Maybe, just maybe, this can work out.
“You’re right. It’s not my fault, but it’s not yours either. Our parents put us in this situation.”
“I know, and that means we’re on the same side,” he concludes. He’s not a bad dancer—surprisingly smooth, and I feel myself leaning into him, getting more comfortable. “I think we should be allies. It’s the only way we will get through this since we obviously don’t get a say in the whole wedding thing.”
“Do you mean that?” I whisper, my voice so low I’m not even sure I’ve said the words.
He nods. “I do. We can’t change what’s going to happen, but we can decide how we handle it. I don’t want my wife to be my enemy.”
I nod because words suddenly fail me. I really, really want to believe him. It would be so nice to relax and know we’re not enemies. To make the most of this and move forward in the most bearable way possible. But even as I think it, a small voice at the back of my head repeats the same question over and over.
What about Kade?
No. I can’t think that way. A sharp spike of anger burns inside me. He doesn’t want me. He just wants to make my life hell. Every time he sees me, he makes it a point to tell me how much he hates me.
“And since I haven’t told you yet, you look stunning tonight.” Jackson leans down to murmur in my ear. “You are wearing the hell out of that dress.”
“Thank you.” Heat creeps into my cheeks.