Page 115 of Vengeful Vows

“Bree,” she greets. “Where have you been lately?”

I wince. I guess I’ve been avoiding Paige and Lara just a little bit. Their exuberance would just make me feel more guilty.

It’s easier now that Paige is moving out today, but I’m sure she’ll still be here all the time. At least Lara is more low key.

“Just... existing,” I say awkwardly. “Declan has been keeping me busy.”

Lara smirks and winks at me. “I can believe that.”

I snort out a laugh, surprised at her suggestion of vulgarity. Lara always seems so classy.

“What have you been up to?”

She shrugs. “You know, just living the life. Shopping, going out with my friends...” She trails off, probably remembering my circumstances here.

“Must be nice.”

“You know, after some time, Declan will let up on the whole...” she trails off again.

“Keeping me prisoner?” I ask dryly.

She laughs. “Something like that.”

“Honestly, lately I haven’t minded it,” I admit, sitting next to her on one of the lounge chairs. “I haven’t felt much like going out or socializing.”

“Because of Declan getting hurt? Honey, that wasn’t your fault.”

I bite the inside of my cheek so hard I taste iron on my tongue.

It is my fault. If I hadn’t sent that coded message to my father...

“I guess,” I mutter, not sure how else to respond.

“Things seem... different between you two,” Lara comments. “Not as contentious.”

I smile slightly. “He told me that he loved me.”

Lara sits bolt upright. “He did?”

I nod, my smile widening.

“Do you love him back?”

“You know I do.”

Lara grins, bouncing on the lounge chair. She looks almost like Paige when she does that.

“I’m so excited for you, Bree, you have no idea.”

“Excited?”

“I always hoped this would happen,” she explains. “I hoped that you would sway Declan. He’s always been so serious, so focused on work. He needs someone like you in his life.”

He deserves better than me.

“I don’t know about that,” I mutter.

Lara frowns, opening her mouth like she’s going to say something, but then Paige squeals and runs toward us, wearing her bikini.

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