Page 21 of Harvey

“He could- “

“Oh, thank God!” Silas gripped her hand tight as the maroon jeep turned into the parking lot. He held his breath as the vehicle backed into space, and his brother got out.

His eyes widened in shock as the imposingly tall man, his long dark hair flowing freely down his back and dressed entirely in black, from the cashmere sweater, black dress pants, and boots to the cashmere jacket, opened and flapping in the wind, approached them—the sunshades he had on disguised his eyes and Silas had a feeling it was deliberate.

“I am here.” He passed a cursory glance over his bride before looking at his brother. “I am assuming you have the ring?”

“Yes.” Silas was so unnerved that he fumbled as he took the ring from his coat pocket. He had started to hand it to Kendra when Harvey intercepted it.

“I think that’s my job,” he said mockingly. Taking her left hand, he slid the ring on and lifted it to admire the glint of the diamond. “It suits you.” Dropping her hand, his mercurial mood changed, and his usual cynical expression returned. “Let’s show these people that we are hitched, shall we? I have a game to go back to.”

Kendra endured the congratulations, surprised looks, and murmurs from the women she had known for years with a smile. “My goodness, Kendra, Harvey Blackwood! How on earth did you land someone like him? There have been so many rumors about his reputation and the fact that he has avoided matrimony. You must tell us your secret.”

“Not now, I am afraid.” She told Sheila with a smile. “I am afraid we have a dinner at the manor to attend, and I have to go back to the store to sort some things out.”

“What about the honeymoon?” The woman persisted.

“We have not decided where we are going yet.” The lies were getting complicated, and not used to them, she was sinking deeper. “Please excuse me.”

She was almost at her car when his deep, mocking voice sounded behind her. “What’s your hurry, darling?”

Spinning around, she glared at him. “Please don’t call me that.”

Leaning on the hood of his vehicle, he crossed his arms over his chest. “What should I call you? Wife? It certainly cannot be lover, seeing as I have not had the pleasure.”

Drawing a deep breath, she lifted her chin and refused to be drawn into his sick game. “You are despicable.” She hissed.

Making a tutting sound with his mouth, he shook his head at her. “Is that any way to talk to your new husband?”

“You are not- Hi, Mrs. Langley!”

Seizing the opportunity, Harvey strode to stand beside her as the woman bustled forward with a smile.

“I cannot tell you how happy I am for you, my dear.” She turned to Harvey. “And your young man, I have known you since your dear parents brought you here for christening. Now you are married.”

“That I am.” He hid a smile when Kendra stiffened. He threw his arm around her shoulders and hugged her tight against him. “The old ball and chain.”

“Oh, you get on with you.’ The woman waved at him fondly. “I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Langley,” Kendra said in a suffocated tone. Waiting until the woman reached a safe distance, she pushed him away. “Please do not touch me.”

“I would like nothing more than to choose the women I want to touch, but I am stuck with you.” He told her coldly.

“I hate you!” She whispered shakily.

“A perfect beginning to a happy marriage.” His mouth twisted cynically. “Now, I suppose this is enough pretending for the day. And my stomach cannot take much more of it anyway. I understand you are moving in today.”

He saluted her. “Congrats on becoming a Blackwood. I am sure you will find a way to live with me, considering the enormous benefits you reap.”

Before she could respond, he had sauntered off, leaving her staring after him, rage twisting her insides into knots.

“His bark is usually much worse than his bite.”

The soft, cultured voice behind her had her whirling around. “Mrs. Blackwood!”

“It will be strange for you to call me that when I am now your mother-in-law.” Julia reached out a hand and took hers. “He can be insulting, especially when he feels like he has been backed into a corner.”

“I am sorry- “Kendra shook her head. “I am not very comfortable- “

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