Page 29 of Maddox: Wild Alaska
He stares at the ring, then at me, but doesn't make a move to take it, so I quickly tuck it into the pocket of his jacket. I chance a glance and he looks furious. It’s the first time I’ve seen him become so angry. Nerves start in my belly as I slowly step away from him.
"I'll call the front desk and have them find you a room because you're not staying with me."
"What's going on, Sofie?" He sits on the edge of the bed. “Don’t I deserve more than this?” He waves his hands around before they form into fists. Surely, he’s not going to hit me. A rush of fear hits me followed by a wave of guilt. "You deserve more, and I realize I can't give you that." Pause. "I deserve more, too, Richard. What I'm feeling isn't new. I've felt out of sorts, as if the wedding is rushing ahead and I'm not ready. I really am sorry."
"Were you going to tell me in person or over the phone that the wedding is off?"
"I planned on telling you when I got home. I didn't know you were already on your way here."
He nods. "There are no rooms available. A busload of guests checked in ahead of me. They got the last rooms. It's a large bed. There's no reason why we can't share."
No, no, no.
“That can't happen."
Richard mutters under his breath. "You're being ridiculous.”
"Your mother brought you here, so share with her!" I snap. "Please leave."
“Why are you angry with me? I haven't asked you about the guy you've been seen with. If anything, I should be angry."
I huff and rub a hand across my brow. "Why aren't you angry with me?"
"Because I know this is cold feet about the wedding. That's all it is. Mother said so. Samantha, too. That's why I'm here. I'm here to remind you that I love you. You'll come around." He gets to his feet and starts moving with the suitcase into the dressing room.
“Fuckity fiddlesticks!" I mutter, wondering what the hell I'm going to do.
I pick up my phone and quickly message Judean.
After showering,I put on dark gray slacks and a white button-down shirt and quickly glance at myself in the mirror. I don't usually pay much attention to how I look, but it's nice to clean up and dress nicely occasionally. Am I going through too much trouble for dessert, though? I splash on cologne and realize I’m not doing this for dessert. I’m doing it for Sofie. I want her to know she’s worth the effort.
My phone starts ringing and vibrating on the dressing table. I wince when I see Branson's name on the screen. I hesitate for a moment, debating whether to answer. In the end, I answerbecause I saw Hunter head into his cabin not too long ago, which means Branson must be out there with minimal backup. "Everything okay?"
He sighs. "No, it isn't. Can you come?"
I close my eyes and silently curse. "Where?"
"My office. A couple of feds are here." He hangs up, and I stare at my phone.
"Fucking hell!" I shove my feet into boots instead of shoes and head into the living room. I quickly send Garrett a message, asking him to meet Sofie and Judean, and then I head out via the main lodge. I need to see Sofie.
I spot the group of women sitting around a large, circular table. The other group of tourists who checked in earlier are spread throughout the room. Yet, my eyes land on Sofie, but they quickly flicker to the guy sitting with her.
Sofie notices me and quickly rushes over before I can step toward her. She takes my arm and leads me out of the room. "He showed up. I can't get rid of him."
"Your fiancé?" I frown.
"My former fiancé. I gave him his ring back, but he insists that I only have cold feet. I don't. I've told him this. He was in my cabin when you walked me back. He won't leave. There are no rooms.”
"Wait, he's staying with you?" My mouth tightens as I take a step away from Sofie. I don't want the woman I'm falling for to sleep with someone else, even if he is—or rather, was—her fiancé.
Sofie steps with me and grabs my face. "I'm not in the mood to be misunderstood, so I'll spell it out for you. I'm not engaged anymore. Richard thinks we are. But he has the ring. I won't wear it ever again. I don't want him in my room, but he won't leave.”
"You can stay with me."
"What?"
I shrug. "I want you with me, so it makes sense that you stay with me. I sure don't want you anywhere near another man."
