Page 32 of Nothing Breaks Like A Heart

"Good." He glanced at his watch. "You need to get ready for brunch."

"I will. Did you tell Colin what happened last night?"

"Yes. He was upset that our night was ruined."

"Did he say anything about Allison as a possible suspect?"

Andrew frowned. "No. Why would he? She's his friend, too. We both know her, Lauren. We know she wouldn't do something like that."

"He might be her friend, but Colin was upset with Allison last night. I heard them arguing outside the reception. He asked her why she'd come to the wedding. She didn't seem to care that he was bothered by her attendance."

Andrew's gaze narrowed. "You didn't mention that last night."

"There was a lot going on."

"Colin didn't think it was a great idea for her to come, but he understood why I invited her. She's a valuable business associate, and she wanted to have an opportunity to pitch to Victor."

"Now you're saying you invited her so she could pitch to Victor? And not because she was a friend?"

His lips tightened. "I really don't understand why you're jealous, Lauren. But I won't keep defending myself, because there's nothing to defend. Are we going to spend our day fighting about someone who doesn't matter?"

His anger was suddenly very real, and I couldn't remember him ever being mad at me. Maybe I was pushing too hard. He'd told me why he'd invited Allison. He obviously didn't think I had a reason to be bothered by her presence, and I was either going to spend my honeymoon fighting about her, or I was going to have to drop it and move on. Since we had a busy schedule ahead of us, I opted for the latter. And I decided to start with an apology.

"I'm sorry, Andrew. And, no, I don't want to spend the day fighting with you."

"Then trust me, Lauren. I'm being one hundred percent honest with you when I tell you that I don't care about Allison. She is not a threat to you or to our marriage. If I made a mistake by inviting her, then I apologize, too."

"Okay. Thank you for saying that. I'll go get changed for brunch."

"Good. And, Lauren, I know you're still shaken by what happened in the suite. But I don't want you to be scared. I'm going to protect you. I'm going to protect us. You don't have to worry. I love you."

His words touched me deeply. It had been a long time since anyone had stated so firmly and so directly that they would protect me. I blinked the moisture out of my eyes as I gave him an emotion-filled smile. "I love you, too." It felt good to be back on the same page. I just hoped we could stay there.

Victor and Paula’s villa was as magnificent as I’d expected, yet it still overwhelmed me. The entryway alone was a statement of wealth: towering twenty-foot ceilings, marble floors that gleamed so brightly I could see the reflection of the massive crystal chandelier hanging above, and walls lined with intricate molding and adorned with original oil paintings. The air smelled faintly of lemon polish and something floral, like lilies or roses, as if even the scent of the house had been curated.

The middle-aged woman who greeted us was dressed in black, her sharp heels clicking as she led us past arched doorways into a grand living room. The space was as polished as the entryway, with silk-upholstered furniture in soft creams and golds, and an ornate stone fireplace that stretched almost to the ceiling. Above the mantel hung a painting I didn’t recognize, but it radiated the kind of importance that made me nervous. I didn't belong in a house like this, but here I was.

Victor and Paula stood in front of the fireplace, chatting with a small group. Victor’s dark suit was perfectly tailored, and Paula’s light-blue, form-fitting sheath dress shimmered under the light. They were magnetic, a study in power and elegance. Around them were Mitchum Conroy, a silver-haired editor with an air of self-importance; Olivia Maxwell, a glamorous travel reporter whose sharp eyes missed nothing; and Leah Bradford, a striking blonde who looked more like a model than a wedding planner.

"There they are—the couple of the hour," Victor said as we entered, spreading his arms in welcome. "Andrew, Lauren, you’ve met Mitchum and Olivia, I believe?"

"Yes, " Andrew said smoothly, exchanging handshakes. “It’s a pleasure to see you both again.”

"And this is Leah Bradford, " Victor continued. “She’s one of the best wedding planners in the business. Works with all the stars.”

"Nice to meet you, " I said, trying not to sound intimidated.

"That must be a fun job," Andrew added.

"Stressful more than fun, but I enjoy the challenge. Yesterday’s wedding was stunning, by the way. Truly flawless. You have found yourself a prime wedding venue, Victor. "

Victor inclined his head, pleased. "We aim to impress. "

"Shall we sit? " Paula interrupted. "Brunch is ready."

As the group moved toward the dining room, I fell into step with Paula. "I have your necklace in my bag," I said. "Shall I give it to you now?"

"After brunch will be fine," Paula returned.

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