Page 127 of The Rebel

“You’re making a mistake, Rowan. One you’re soon going to regret.”

“Because I care about him?”

“Because he’s going to fucking destroy you.” When he pointed this time, the tip of his finger was directed at the both of us. “Mark my words.”

He turned around and walked down the hallway, disappearing at the bend.

Once he was gone, I swallowed the acid that had quickly risen to my throat, and gradually faced Cooper.

My body weakened.

My chest heaved.

I tried to find something to say, and the only thing that left my lips was a sob.

Cooper’s hands immediately went to my cheeks. “Baby, it’s okay. I promise, it’s okay.”

“Why did he do this?” My voice wasn’t any louder than a whisper. “Why did he make me choose?”

He scanned my eyes, back and forth, taking my emotion as it began to pour out of me. “He’s wrong, Rowan. About everything.” He leaned his face down and pressed our noses together. “I know, in your heart, you know I’m not going to hurt you.”

I didn’t just believe that.

I felt it.

I trusted it.

“Tell me you’re not going to listen to him.” He pulled back a few inches to connect our stares. “Tell me you’re not going to let that bastard tear us apart.”

My head shook. “I won’t. I can’t.” A tear rimmed my lid for only a second before he caught it. “Because I’m … in love with you.”

Me

I’ve called you three times, Rhett. Please call me back.

We need to talk about this.

Please come to your senses and at least have a discussion with me. We’re adults. Why aren’t you acting like one?

There’s no reason to hate the Spades anymore. They’re a part of us now. You need to put this feud behind us—for the sake of the company and for me.

Rhett, I love him too.

Rhett

I will never accept this. Not ever.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Cooper

Rowan and I stood by the lake, a few feet apart, staring at the general contractor while he assessed the land. Since Rhett couldn’t put his anger aside, his fucking panties far too knotted and wadded up his ass, my assistant had found us someone else.

But the disappointment was clear on Rowan’s face. She wanted her brother here. She wanted him to support us and the company.

She wanted our relationship to be accepted.

Goddamn it, I wanted that too.

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