Page 35 of Release Me
‘I met someone.’ The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.
Anthony’s pupils double in size. ‘Well, who is she? Don’t be coy now, Beckett. Not when we’ve known each other since we were in nappies.’
Rebekka takes a sip of her drink and pretends to scan the crowd, but I can see the hammering of her pulse at her slender neck.
‘It’s complicated. The only thing I can tell you, is that she’s the most stunning woman I’ve ever met in my life, and even if it never comes to anything, I’ll spend the rest of my fucking life wishing things could have been different.’
‘Fuck. Me.’ Anthony takes a step back, scanning me from head to toe. ‘Have you been snorting coke again?’
I huff out a laugh. ‘I haven't snorted coke since you gave me a line in Marbella when we were eighteen and it took me three solid days to come down, and when I did I cried for another fucking three.’ Drugs don’t agree with me. I have enough trouble dealing with the natural chemicals coursing through my blood without shoving more unpredictable shit up my nose.
Anthony reaches for the lapel of my suit jacket, pulling on it with his fingers roughly. ‘Trust me, man, I don’t care how pretty she is, or how good her pussy feels, don’t fucking tie yourself to one woman. It’ll never be enough for you.’
It’s my turn to take a step back. ‘It might not be enough for you, but I’m better than that. I know what she’s worth.’
He stares at me for a long beat. Rebekka is so pale she looks like she’s liable to pass out. Then, all of a sudden, he belts out a laugh loud enough to attract several stares. ‘You are the best man, Rian,’ he concedes. ‘You were mine, anyway.’ He shrugs.
‘That we can at least agree on, anyway,’ Rebekka murmurs quietly.
Anthony turns slowly to look at his wife for the first time, an incredulous expression on his face, but before he can say a word, Ivy and Avery barrel back towards us. How I fucking love my sisters-in-law. My brothers chose their women well.
Avery prises the empty glass of champagne from Rebekka’s hand and replaces it with a fresh one. Anthony watches with a frown, but the Beckett women are more than a match for him.
‘Hello Anthony,’ Avery flashes him a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes. ‘How are you?’
‘Fine, thank you.’ Anthony automatically glances around, probably scanning for my brother Killian. Killian is a jealous man, and Anthony has a reputation of being a manwhore of late—something my brother can’t stand—and definitelywon’tstand—around his soon to be wife.
‘Only fine?’ Avery says in a sickly sweet tone. ‘If I had a wife like yours…’ She glances pointedly at Rebekka. ‘I’d be fucking ecstatic every minute of every fucking day.’
He harrumphs, his gaze darting between Avery and Rebekka suspiciously. Rebekka keeps her eyes trained on the parquet, lashes low, the picture of composure—but I know better. Tension lines her jaw. She swallows hard before lifting her glass.
I bite back the urge to drag her out of this ballroom, out of this whole bloody marriage, and keep her somewhere no one can touch her. Instead, I plaster on a grin and step closer—a silent promise in the small space between us.I’ve got you.
Anthony continues to stare at Avery and Rebekka suspiciously. Rebekka’s eyes remain focused elsewhere, whereas Avery’s dare him to challenge her.
‘Yes, well, no one knows what goes on behind closeddoors,’ Anthony says finally, squirming under Avery and Ivy’s unwavering attention.
‘Or what doesn’t go on behind closed doors,’ Ivy says.
Rebekka coughs.
Fuck.
Does he really not touch her?
I’m torn between being elated and being devastated—for her, that is. She must be starved of affection and attention.
An uncomfortable silence falls around the group. ‘Would any of you lovely ladies like to dance?’ I extend an upturned palm.
‘I would, but if your brother catches you with your hands anywhere near me, he’s likely to burn the ballroom down,’ Avery says with a grin.
‘Same,’ Ivy concedes, looking lovingly at Caelon across the room. He meets her eye, and his expression softens. The love between them is sickeningly obvious.
‘Guess that just leaves Rebekka.’ Ivy plays devil’s advocate. ‘Unless you would prefer to dance with her, Anthony?’
He stiffens visibly beside me, then glances at his wife. ‘Be my guest.’ He finally says, motioning for me to take her to the dancefloor.
I’d take her to fucking heaven if he was amiable to that as well. The problem is, I’d never bring her back.
