Page 21 of Bride By Coronation

We drive several blocks, and Valentina softly claims, "You like her."

My chest tightens and my jaw locks.

Valentina adds, "You do. Don't you?"

I turn my head and open my mouth to deny it, but nothing comes out.

Valentina's lips twitch. She arches her eyebrows. "Well, I'll be. The impossible has happened."

An uncomfortable tightness forms in my chest. "The impossible?"

She nods. "Yeah. You. A woman. Feelings."

"Stop talking nonsense," I order.

Excitement grows on Valentina's expression. She shifts in her seat, turning more toward me. "You do. And from what I saw, she's into you too."

More unfamiliar sensations plague me. "Why would you say such a silly thing?"

She softly laughs. "She's a gorgeous woman. You're a super-fit, sexy man. What's so silly about it?"

"Stop talking nonsense," I snap.

Her face falls, and her voice turns stern. "Your scar doesn't eliminate you from the relationship-worthy pool. I've told you before. You're a good catch."

I grunt and turn toward the window again. Valentina's the only person on Earth I'd call a friend. It took years of working with her before our friendship grew and she got to the point she no longer cringed when she saw me. Now, I fully trust and respect her. And unfortunately, there's no one else I'd put in the friendship category since Sean and Fiona's dad was murdered.

The guilt I feel whenever I think of Sean Sr. mixes with my self-loathing.

Fiona will always hate me.

She can't find out.

It'll be impossible to hide it forever.

She'll want out of the marriage before it even starts, so I shouldn't worry about this.

"You should get over yourself. Fiona's into you."

"She's not, and your radar is off. Once she's forced to marry me, you'll see the disgust come out," I insist.

She scoffs. "She will have her choice to marry you or not, just like everyone else. It's an arranged marriage, not forced."

"Are you going to claim that when the Omni determines who you'll marry? Because we all know what happens if you don't do what they want."

Valentina takes a deep breath and swallows hard. Silence builds between us.

The driver veers to the right and parks in front of her building.

I get out, reach in to help her out, and she takes my hand. She exits the SUV, and I walk her into her building. When the elevator opens, I put my hand against the door and reiterate, "Don't worry about anything. You have my word your bid is coming soon. But I need you to be patient."

She casts another worried glance at me.

"I promise. You'll get your seat. Soon," I vow.

She sighs and nods. "Okay."

"Have a good rest of your day," I state.

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