Page 56 of Peyton's Price

The other man was incredulous. “That’s the route you want to go with? It’ll only buy you a minute.”

“All I need is a minute.”

He hoped.

Chapter 26

Peyton giggled, resisting the urge to reach up to rip off the blindfold Matthias had insisted on.

“This better be a good surprise.” Not that anything could ruin this night. It had been a fabulous evening. Dinner had been light and delicious, served under the stars. Each small course had its own wine pairing, but Matthias had insisted she only sample each to get a quick taste. He didn’t want her drunk. Which meant tonight was special.

She couldn’t wait. Her time on theOrmen Langehad been fun, and Matthias had been great company, but she was getting frustrated. Sheneededmore.

“Well…” Matthias hesitated as he guided her down the few steps that separated his bedroom from the deck. “I think it’s a good surprise, but taste is subjective.”

Somewhere, someone laughed. Peyton reared back, but Matthias’ hand on her arm kept her from falling on her butt.

“Who is that?” It wasn’t one of the staff. Matthias wouldn’t have used a blindfold.

Instinctively, she reached up to the mask, but Matthias moved behind her, putting his hands on her upper arms, effectively restraining her.

“I told you I was going to invite a friend to meet you. This is him.”

Peyton scowled under the mask. Matthias had told her all about Bryce Brogan. His picture had been intriguing; however, this was a strange way to meet him. “I’m not allowed to see him?”

“This was a special request of his. It will only take a minute.”

“O-kay, fine. Whatever.” It better only be a minute.

Stiff as a board, she stood there in her light satin gown. The dress was another recent gift. Peyton had stopped arguing whenever Matthias expanded her wardrobe because he enjoyed the dresses on her more than she did. This one was a gun-metal grey sleeveless number that felt like heaven against her skin. However, it was also very light, and she felt exposed to this stranger’s gaze.

Peyton’s skin was already tingling when a second pair of hands skittered across her face, touching her cheek. She almost jumped out of her skin. For some reason, the small contact filled her with apprehension. It was electric…

“What the hell—” she began, but a firm pair of lips cut off the rest.

Her head began to spin, but her heart was racing out of control because it knew what her senses were screaming at her. It was his scent. Only one man smelled like this, of spice and leather with a hint of ginger.

Peyton ripped off the mask with one hand, shoving at Liam’s chest with the other. “Absolutely not.” She spun on her heel to glare at Matthias. “How could you?”

Matthias winced. “Peyton, just listen to what he has to say.”

“I don’t care what he has to say. We agreed on anyone but him.”

“But, Peyton—”

“No!” Her voice bordered on shrill. She threw her arms up, knocking Matthias’ hands away. “What are you even doing here, Liam? Shouldn’t you be planning your honeymoon?”

“I called off the wedding.”

Peyton put her arms down. “What?”

Liam didn’t answer. He looked amazing and exhausted. The circles under his eyes were darker than she’d ever seen them. But his shoulders were just as broad as ever and his hair was still too long, enough for the ends to curl.

“I called off the wedding. Or to be honest, Caroline beat me to it. But it’s over. I’m not getting married.”

Her body flashed hot and cold. “That…that doesn’t matter. You need to leave.”

Whether he was still attached didn’t make a fucking difference. He didn’t belong here. His very presence was a slap in the face.

---