Total pages in book: 235
Estimated words: 227851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1139(@200wpm)___ 911(@250wpm)___ 760(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 227851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1139(@200wpm)___ 911(@250wpm)___ 760(@300wpm)
“Ava,” Dan calls.
I stop before the handcuffs cut into either of our wrists, watching as he approaches, flicking his eyes between us. There’s no love lost between Ava’s brother and me. He’s made it clear he doesn’t like me. I would have made it clear the feeling’s mutual if I wasn’t worried about upsetting my wife. Or clearer. He’s a cock. I don’t trust him.
Getting a little hot, my temper bubbling, I watch as Ava looks down at our wrists. Fuck. I have one option. Release her. Two options if I want to cause Ava more stress by butting heads with her bull of a brother and, of course, I absolutely don’t want to cause Ava more stress. So, and it pains me, I reach into my pocket and get the key, freeing her.
Giving her up to her brother.
I flick a cold stare onto Dan as Ava rubs at her wrist, silent, obviously shocked that I’ve freed her. “Go.” I hold Dan’s eyes, making sure he knows I’m not doing this for any other reason than keeping Ava happy, as she drops a pacifying kiss on my cheek. It’s entirely dickish, but I feel out Ava’s arse, holding it, pushing her into me. I’ve stroked Dan’s ego for weeks. Initially, I hoped I could smooth over the cracks, maybe even get us to the point of tolerating each other. It hasn’t worked.
I give Ava my attention, another sign. She’s my priority. If he upsets her, there will be no holding me back. “Don’t be long.” I break away and stride off, taking in valuable air, hoping to keep the urge to annihilate Dan at bay.
“All right?” John asks, falling into stride next to me as I head into the bar.
I smile across at him. It’s an effort. “Good speech,” I say for the sake of it, unable to comment further. I didn’t hear a word, but I know John. It would have been short, simple, and lacking detail.
“Thanks,” he grunts back, lifting his phone when it rings. I catch sight of the screen, stopping abruptly at the bar entrance.
“My man!” Sam calls from his stool, forcing me to hold a hand up, telling him I’ll be a minute.
“Sarah?” I ask, pointing at John’s mobile as he rejects her call. “I thought you said you couldn’t reach her.”
“I couldn’t,” he growls. “True to Sarah’s impeccable timing, she chose today to surface.” He looks left and right.
“Don’t worry,” I assure him. “Ava’s with her brother.”
“I didn’t want to tell you. Especially today.”
“Is she okay?”
He laughs. There’s no humor. “Is Sarah ever okay?”
Good point. But . . . “I’ll take that as a no.”
“Take it as you will. She’s drunk. Slurring, talking nonsense.”
“Nonsense like . . .”
He sighs, placing one of his enormous hands over his forehead, gathering patience. “It’s your wedding day, Jesse. This does not deserve your attention or concern. Let me deal with it.” He strides off, leaving no room for me to accept or, perhaps, not. I hate the woman with a passion. Truly. For what she’s said, what she’s done. But, fuck me, that doesn’t seem to stop my conscience from worrying about her.
“God damn it,” I mutter, joining Sam and Drew at the bar. I watch as they both neck their Scotches and listen as they gasp their appreciation. “A water, please, Mario,” I grumble, perching on a stool next to them, feeling the urge of many guests wanting to come and congratulate me. I hope my semi-scowling expression warns them off.
“Okay?” Drew asks, and I laugh sardonically.
Isn’t it something that all I keep getting asked is if I’m okay? On my wedding day. Suffice to say, it isn’t panning out how I hoped. “Fine.” I look at the bar entrance, wondering what Ava’s brother is saying. Wonderful things, I expect. Singing my praises. Wishing us well. Telling Ava how happy he is for her. What’s his fucking problem, anyway? From the moment he opened his mouth to me, he’s been hostile. I should find Ava’s ex and thank him for stirring shit. With my fist. Again.
“What gives, man?” Sam rests his arse on the next stool. “This is supposed to be the happiest day of your life.”
If it was just Ava and me in our bubble, it would be. Unfortunately, I have to share her with the world. “How’s work?” I say, trying to distract myself. Sam leans back on his stool, making way for Drew, because why the fuck would I ask Sam that question? He’s not done a day’s work in his life, except in the rooms of my manor.
“I’m glad to see you didn’t invite the prick of an estate agent,” Drew says flatly.
“He’s still rubbing you up the wrong way?” I ask.
“I’m not bothered.”
Both Sam and I laugh, and Drew scowls. “Not bothered?” I ask. “Strange. Your constant twisted face whenever he’s brought up says otherwise.”