Page 73 of The Billionaire's Bride
"I promise." Her grin widens. "Now, will you take my hand, you stubborn man?"
He grabs her palm, kisses the back of her hand. "You sure there’s space for two more people?"
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"I LOVE my dad so much. I mean, I never really talk about him. I normally just talk about my mum, and leave my dad out. But that isn’t fair because I love him… Obviously, because he’s my dad. I’m lucky to have him as a dad, anyway. Plus, he bought me clothes yesterday! What a lovely, generous man! And omg, I desperately want these shoes that I saw... If I tell him, do you think he'll buy them for me? No, I am not a brat, really I am not..."
– From Ava's Diary
Ava
I glance at the suited man driving the SUV. Baron’s broad shoulders are encased in a black jacket. He’d refused to wear a tie and his shirt buttons are open to reveal the demarcation between his pecs. That stubborn lock of hair falls over his forehead and his jaw is hard as he focuses on the road ahead. He looks delicious, and sexy, and so damn hot. My stomach flip-flops and my thighs clench. Being with him would have already made me the envy of every single person at the wedding…
Then, add in the man riding shotgun with him. In his dark jacket and yellow tie that picks out the golden flares in his eyes, Edward is the epitome of suave masculinity. His shoulders are as broad as Baron’s, while the rest of him is leaner, which still means that he’s a big guy, with his muscled physique, broad chest, tapered waist and those powerful thighs currently clad in what are, surely, tailor-made pants.
After we’d spoken yesterday, the guys had had Archer drop by with their clothes and a suitcase full of garments. Baron had compromised and allowed me to use his phone—which was, apparently, secure—to call Isla to tell her that Archer was on his way. Of course, she had been curious about where I was, and I told her I couldn’t reveal my location, which had prompted a flurry of questions. To which I’d said that I would tell her more when I met her at the wedding.
At least, I was able to give her instructions on the clothes she had to pack for me, which included this dress. Made of layered silk, with a modest neckline and a back that dips almost to the cleft of my butt, the pale pink dress coordinates beautifully with my burgundy shawl. Paired with matching lipstick, the combination is both sexy, as well as modest enough, to not steal attention from the bride. Not that it matters. I wouldn’t care, either way. I’m not there for Lina. I am there purely to support my dad. I don’t want to disappoint my family; that’s all.
"You, okay?" Edward meets my gaze in the mirror. "You’ve been awfully quiet."
"I’m nervous."
Which is true… I am walking in with two men, and don’t exactly want to be questioned about why I am there with both of them.
"You worried about raising eyebrows?" Baron asks me. Typical Baron. Never one to mince words, he always puts out there the stuff that others hesitate to say aloud.
"I suppose," I finally concede. "It’s not every day that a woman walks into a social occasion with not one, but two gorgeous men, who are, obviously, not gay."
Baron snorts.
Edward arches an eyebrow. "Are you really that worried about being seen with both of us?"
"Yes?" I raise a shoulder. "No. I don’t know. This entire situation is confusing enough without my having to try to put a name to this," I wave a hand in the air, "for everyone else."
"I’d say fuck 'em all," Baron drawls, "but I know that wouldn’t work for you."
"Not." I chuckle. "No, I am not sure what I am going to say if anyone asks why I am with both of you."
"Tell them the truth," Edward suggests.
"Which is…what? That I am fucking both of you?" I glance out of the window. "Do you realize how that makes me look?"
"Like you are irresistible?" Baron meets my gaze in the mirror, "Which you are. You should know that, Ava."
"You are a gorgeous, confident, young woman who can have anyone you want." Edward turns to me, "And that’s what you should tell anyone who asks you."
Baron nods.
"It really is annoying when the two of you gang up on me," I gripe.
Edward chuckles. Baron’s lips twist in that smirk which is hot and mean, and so damn filthy. My ovaries spasm. No, seriously, they do. Heat fills my cheeks and I glance out the window as we turn off the highway. Well, here we are then; time to face the music.
I knock on the door of my parent’s bedroom. Old habits… I’ve always call it my parents' bedroom. Just because my mother is no longer there doesn’t mean I am going to call it by some other name, alright?
"Come in," my father calls out and I walk inside.
He places the photograph of my mum and him on their wedding day back on the dresser.
