Page 142 of He Loves Me Knot

“The illegal drugs our brother Logan left in Elle’s dress garment bag.” Quinn nodded with a flop of his head. “Security nearly stopped Liddy for it.”

That was a discreet way to put it.

Mason gawked at Logan, who stood in conversation with Kyle, Aiden, and Jasper.

Jasper, Quinn’s former flatmate who would officiate the wedding, was in the middle of a loud, clearly hilarious story. He’d always had a commanding presence and the ability to keep most people laughing, which was why Quinn had probably chosen him for the role. But in the absence of moonlight on the unlit beach, Jasper’s dark skin and choice of dark clothing made him hard to see, making him seem like a disembodied voice.

“Logan. Did you really try to get some herb into the country?” Mason hollered at Logan, his hands cupped around his mouth.

Logan gave him a chagrinned look. “Do you have any idea how incredibly boring it is to live at Littleton? What else am I going to do?”

“You’re talking with the only other people in the world who knowexactlyhow boring it is to live at Littleton, you dimwit.” Quinn stood with a shake of his head.

Aiden snorted. “He has you there, little brother. We all shared your misery as children. Not all of us were given the luxury of constant adventure and jet-setting to paradise like Cal.” He puffed on a cigar as he approached them. “Not sure how you ever chose London over this place, I have to admit,” he said to Callum. “Even the rain the last few days is far superior to our dreary months at home.”

“You know what I find the best way to deal with rain?” Mason set his hands on his knees and stood. “Alcohol. I’m going to get another round for us.”

Callum grimaced as Mason went off toward the bar. He’d better drink water if he was going to drink two shots for every one that Mason proposed. A numb buzz already vibrated through him.The things I do for my friends. Drink their shots.

Give up my woman.

He stiffened.His woman?Where had that notion come from?

And yet, the bitter feeling that came with the thought didn’t wash away with either shot of whisky that Mason returned with.

He’d just thrown back the second shot when a cheer broke out in the bar. Glancing over his shoulder, he peered into the dimly lit space.

Isla led some of the women and Hunter through the bar, Elle at her side. Elle had a small white veil clipped to her head, along with a white “Bride” sash around her dress.

A few steps behind her was Liddy.

Callum’s stomach clutched at the sight of her.

Fuck me, she’s sexy.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but he wasn’t sure if he’d ever had such a raging sense of lust sweep over him. She wore a tight yellow minidress, her hair swept half up, the rest of it cascading in waves down her back.

Isla had already spotted them out on the beach, and she gave a playful wave, then redirected the group of women toward the bar.

“Do you think they’re here to check on us or torment us?” Quinn asked, watching Elle with a grin.

“Torment, absolutely,” Mason said, staring at Rebecca.

Kyle made a face. “Anyone else want to go shoot a round of pool?”

Callum’s gaze flicked back to Liddy. If she’d seen him, she hadn’t bothered to turn and glance his way. She didn’t look unhappy either.Maybe the date with Sergio went well.Her smile as she chatted with Isla was carefree.Beautiful.

He gritted his teeth and forced himself to look away.

“Should we say hello?” Mason asked their group.

Quinn was already heading that way.

Callum smiled to himself. Stag night or not, Quinn was unapologetic about his desire to be around his wife.

But if Callum was going to survive the next few days with any grace, he’d have to do a better job of keeping his distance from Liddy. He hadn’t told anyone about their breakup yet, but he doubted he could hide how miserable he felt about the whole thing while at Liddy’s side.

“I’ll shoot some pool,” Callum said to Kyle.

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