Page 5 of Beautiful Revenge
Wow.
His blue eyes are so different than the rest of him. They shine brightly in the golden hour and are a stark contrast to the rest of the broody vibes rolling off him in waves.
“Are you shitting me?” he asks in a way that says he’s not looking for an answer. “I’m the idiot who thought this place would be a good investment. I thought I could pay people to deal with customers, but those people are too busy baptizing the coat check. But, really, you’re Harlow Madison. Even if I didn’t book your wedding, I’d know who you are—everyone does.”
I pull in a breath and move to the golf cart. It’s a struggle, but I manage to climb in without hiking my white sheath dress. It’s tighter than it was when I put it on thanks to the impeccable food. I reach down to carefully pull off my mother’s shoes. They might be a half size too small, but I wear them whenever I can.
I turn to the rude, slightly crass man beside me. Now that we’re close, I’m not at all surprised he has no smile lines. If he ever smirks, I’d be shocked. I’m sure not going to give him anything to smile about for the rest of my time on his property. “All you had to say was you’re the owner. If you don’t mind, I’m ready to return to my suite.”
He gives me a once-over, from my perfectly blown-out hair to my bare feet. “Bowing out of your own rehearsal dinner? I hope it wasn’t the food.”
I shake my head and make excuses, because I’m not about to tell this guy it was the company. “The food was perfect, and the night was everything that was promised. I need a good night’s sleep, that’s all.”
“If you say so,” he mutters as he reaches down and flips the key before he hits the pedal with more force than necessary.
I jerk back in my seat and have to reach for myoh shithandle.
As this grumpy man whisks me away from my fiancé, I allow myself to breathe.
Really breathe.
Maybe for the first time in weeks.
We pass the pool, several tennis courts, and a small marina. As we wind further up the side of the mountain, I take in the beauty of the estate for the first time since I got here.
“I saw the before photos,” I say for the sheer fact I always feel the need to make others comfortable in all situations. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than sitting in silence with a stranger. “You really brought this place back to its original glory. Perhaps even surpassed it. I feel like I’m in the English countryside at the turn of the nineteenth century. It’s really the dreamiest wedding destination, Mr. Donnelly.”
I hold on tighter, as it feels like we take the curve on two wheels as he mutters, “Nothing like testing it out on two billionaires, right? Though I hear your family has more than his.”
Between Albert’s mother and my step-monster, I should feel bad, but I am the bride, so I’m feeling a bit selfish today.
I’m down to hours, and my choices are limited. There’s no one to save me but myself.
And that’s exactly what I’m doing—or what I plan to do.
I brace when he comes to a skidding halt at the grand entrance. I loosen my death grip and turn to him. “Thank you for the ride.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” His words sound like a promise,while also sounding like he dreads every minute of his future. “Don’t worry. I might’ve had to fire Marsha, but I’ll make sure your day is everything you want it to be.”
I slide out from the golf cart as gracefully as a bowling pin teetering on its edge in this tight dress. I don’t bother to put my shoes on and turn to him. “I’m counting on that, Mr. Donnelly.”
“Enough with the mister—I’m no billionaire.” He digs in his pocket and presents me with a business card. “Call me Devon. After tomorrow, I have a feeling we’ll be on a first-name basis.”
I take the card.
Devon Donnelly.
The Manor at Winslet, CEO.
“Call me if you need anything before tomorrow morning. I’ll be here all night.”
I tuck the card into my clutch for safe keeping. “That’s a long shift.”
He lifts his chin like he’s talking to his buddies rather than a paying customer. “I live here, and trust me, Ms. Madison, it’s no holiday.”
“Please call me Harlow.” I glance up at the manor that leers over us where she sits like a new polished gemstone. “If one has to live where they work, you’ve chosen well.”
Devon doesn’t look like he believes that and gives me a low wave. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Give me a ring when you’re ready to go down for the ceremony. I’ll come fetch you. Until then, I’m here if you need anything.”
