Page 23 of Until I Own You

My face burns. Not from blushing. But from Seth’s eyes boring into my skin.

What the hell is his problem. He is the one who didn’t want to walk with me.

I hate that he doesn’t see the capable woman I am. Why won’t he just let me be? It shouldn’t bother him so much that I’ve grown up and am more than ready to interact with other men. I’m not some little fragile thing that needs to be protected.

I’m twenty-fucking-six years old. When will I be mature enough in his eyes to handle myself?

And if he was any other guy, I might be tempted to think he was jealous, but this is Seth. And hell is far from freezing over.

Whatever. Let him be an asshole. I don’t care.

I’m going to have fun with the older British man.

How old is he? In his forties? Not really my cup of tea, but hey, maybe I need to change tack, try something new.

As Cara rounds everyone up in the order we’ll go down the aisle, Dory leans down toward my ear and speaks in a low voice as to not be overheard, “Sonia’s very lucky to have such a beautiful maid of honor.”

“Is she?” My heart is flittering like a thousand butterfly wings.

I’m not good at this kind of thing. I’m good at being a good girl who trips over her words and is shy and polite. Not the flirting thing. But I’m going to try my level best to push past that.

Who knows what worlds might open up to me if I do?

“I’d say so. She should also be grateful she’s already taken. I’m sure when the two of you go out, you’re the one who gets all the attention.”

I can’t keep from flushing.

And I can’t ignore the fact that Seth keeps turning his head the slightest degree from his spot in front of us in line. Is he trying to eavesdrop?

“I think you’re flattering me, Mr. Wallington.”

“Oof, remind me of my age, why don’t you?” He clutches his chest.

I laugh. “I’m just trying to be polite.”

“Well, Bridget, you needn’t ever be polite with me.” He grins, and oh, god. It’s devilish and delicious.

My eyes catch Seth in front of me. His jaw his ticking so hard it could be seen from space.

Abigail pulls on Seth’s arm. “It’s our turn! Pay attention!”

The two of them begin their walk down the aisle.

“You should take my arm, probably,” Dory says. “Customary, I’ve heard.”

I slowly slide my hand around his bicep.

Holy crap. His muscles are firm even through his jacket.

Dory’s hand shoots out and grabs mine, pressing it harder to him.

I can’t hide my shock, eyes wide as I look up at him.

“Like I said, don’t be polite.”

It’s our turn to walk down the aisle, and so we do. It is rather uneventful because the least I can do as a maid of honor is be easy to work with.

However, the one thing that nearly throws me off balance is Seth. As per fucking usual.

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