Page 65 of For the Promise

“Winning the lawsuit?” I chuckle. “Did he tell you he’s winning? He’s lying. I’m not surprised. He is a liar and a cheater after all.”

“He only cheated on you because you were horrible in bed. A dead fish is how he referred to you.”

“Wow. Victim shaming. Very high class.”

“Get out!” She flings her hand toward the door and her champagne flies all over her. “Look what you made me do.”

I down the rest of my champagne before standing. “Have a lovely day. I can’t wait for this afternoon when you marry a man who will never be faithful to you.”

I saunter off. A glass breaks on the wall behind me but I ignore it. I’m done lowering myself to Stacey’s level.

Chapter 21

“Go ahead. Underestimate me.” ~ Jaxon

Jaxon

Even before I open my eyes, I can sense Blossom is gone. I don’t know how to feel about her leaving. I’m relieved I don’t have to speak with her since I have no idea how to react after last night.

But I’m also angry she left without a word. Did she not feel our connection last night? Maybe it’s better if she didn’t, since we would never work together anyway.

I roll out of bed to search the chalet. I find Blossom’s purse and her phone, but there’s no sign of the woman herself.

Maybe she only stepped out for a minute. The cold sheet in the bed says otherwise.

Do I go look for her? Do I confront her about last night?

I don’t know how to react to this situation.

I do the same thing I always do when faced with a situation I don’t know how to deal with. I don my swimming trunks and make my way to the ocean. I don’t have my scull here for my usual morning rowing session, so I’ll have to settle for a swim.

When I reach the beach and spot the group huddled in a circle on the sand, I nearly turn around. Unfortunately, Miles notices me before I have the chance.

“There’s the groom now!” he shouts as he waves.

I swallow my groan and join my brothers. “What are you doing here? Isn’t this a private beach?”

Zane snorts. “A beach can’t be owned.”

Technically, it can, but my free-spirited brother thinks otherwise. I don’t waste my time arguing with him.

Kai throws an arm around my shoulders. “We’re here to support you. How did it feel to lose your virginity at twenty-eight?”

I elbow him and he flies away while cackling with laughter. “I wasn’t a virgin.”

“There’s no reason to be ashamed of waiting until you were married,” Miles says.

“How long have they been making virgin jokes?” I ask Eli.

“All morning.”

“Is this why all of you are here? To make fun of my wedding night?”

“Wedding night? Sure, it was.” Zane winks.

“I don’t know.” Kai points to my back. “He has fingernail marks on his shoulders.”

“I’m confused,” Miles says as he confirms the marks. “I thought the wedding was fake.”

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