Page 67 of Before I Say I Don't
He stood, rubbing his face. “Discuss what that you can’t discuss with me? I’m the groom, you know.”
Internally, I rolled my eyes.And I paid for everything, you know.
Out loud, I gave him a bright, empty smile. “Just décor tweaks. Streamlining. Stuff you wouldn’t even notice.”
“Like what, Kam?” he pressed.
“Like the difference between a charger plate you’ll confuse with a dinner plate,” I said, shrugging. “Or whether the napkins should be ivory or cream. Real earth-shattering decisions.”
He made a face. “You… different.”
“I’m the same,” I said lightly, even as my insides were steel.
I just stopped making your comfort my full-time job.
He stepped closer, studying me like I was a witness he couldn’t rattle. “We cool?”
“We’re great!” I quipped, sounding like Tony the Tiger as I tapped his shoulder twice. “I’ll be back later.”
He caught my wrist—gentle, careful. “When you get back, I need to talk to you about something… important.”
I paused.About the baby? About the other women? Or are we doing the ‘after the honeymoon’ confession package?
“Okay,” I said, my voice pleasant, but iron humming underneath.
Viangelo searched my face one last time, like he was looking for the old version of me—I didn’t offer her up.
At the door, I felt the familiar tug of habit—turn back, soothe, explain.
I ignored it.
I had a different destination, a different peace, and a different man on my mind—Roman.
In the hallway, I pulled out my phone and fired off two texts.
Me → Danica: Headed “to your house.” If he asks, I’m with you. You know what to do.
Me → Roman: On my way.
I stepped outside and settled into the woman I’d decided to be: nonchalant on the surface, savage in the spine.
Chapter Seventeen
KAMIRA
Iwas in the middle of sliding files into my briefcase as I double-checked the next day’s docket, when Marcus’s knock hit the frame.
“You heading out?” he asked, leaning casually in the doorframe, a tailored jacket tossed over one shoulder, looking every bit the part of a successful lawyer.
I snapped the clasp of my briefcase shut and smoothed the fabric of my blazer. “Yes. I have a menu tasting today,” I replied, trying to inject some enthusiasm into my voice.
His eyebrows raised slightly, revealing his interest. “Damn… the big day’s almost here, huh?”
“Mm-hmm,” I replied, my tone flat and almost automatic, revealing more than I intended.
I could sense his keen perception. Marcus had a knack for reading between the lines. He had the kind of lawyer’s eye that clocked what a person didn’t say. Still, he kept it light.
“Oh, by the way,” he continued, clearly eager to share. “I meant to tell you that I ran into Roman Hill the other morning."
