Page 76 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

So I let it go.

Because I did want to make him happy.

And then we could make our plans.

Our plans.

I knew I was grinning like a loon, but I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t wait to start our life together.

A house, I thought, overwhelmed by the idea. A house where I would live with Caleb as his fiancée. Where we would make memories and build our life together.

It didn’t feel temporary, and it didn’t feel like we were playing house anymore.

It felt permanent. Real. Very real.

A home. A family. With Caleb.

“Hello, Veronica.”

I stopped in my tracks and turned around. Beatrice-Rose’s gaze locked with mine. My good mood plummeted instantly.

She strutted toward me in a tight red dress, her lips painted the same bold color. The dress was undoubtedly designer, her makeup immaculately applied, but the red looked garish on her. It reminded me of a little kid playing dress-up.

“Caleb’s party is next week,” she said. “I assume you’re attending. I hope it won’t be too uncomfortable for you.”

When I didn’t say anything, she continued, “You’re more used to being the help than one of the guests, aren’t you?”

“Just like you’re used to being helped?” I took in her garish outfit. “Unlike you, I’ve never needed to depend on Mommy or Daddy to give me my allowance. I work hard to earn an honest living. But you wouldn’t know what that is, would you?”

Her eyes glinted with anger. “That just shows you’re not part of Caleb’s world. Men like Caleb marry debutantes like me. It’s what our world approves of and expects. Everyone will be there at his party—Miranda, their business associates, investors. Caleb needs someone beside him who will help him become successful.”

She looked me up and down, smirking. “What makes you think that’s you? Miranda will never approve of you. You have no class, no breeding.”

My stomach felt jittery. If anything, she knew how to strike where it hurt. Too bad for her I knew how to fight back.

“And you do?”

Her smile was smug. “Of course.”

“I think you’ve got a couple of loose screws in your head, Beatrice-Rose. You should have someone tighten those things. Last time I checked, desperately throwing yourself at a guy who doesn’t want you isn’t classy or a strong indicator of breeding.”

Her smile disappeared. “You bitch.”

“I can be if I have to. You had to send your dog to do your dirty work for you, didn’t you?” I continued, thinking of Justin. “Afraid to get your hands dirty?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you do. I’m warning you.” I took a threatening step toward her. All I could picture was Caleb sitting in that interrogation room, his hand cuffed to a bolt. That was enough for me to lose any pity I might have felt for her. “Leave Caleb alone.”

Beatrice-Rose stepped back, her eyes flashing with spite. “Do you think I’m scared of you?”

“You should be. Keep doing what you’ve been doing, and you’ll find out.”

And with that, I turned and walked away.

“Veronica!” she called out, just loud enough for me to hear. “I’d watch your back if I were you. See you at the party.”

This time, I glanced back, flashing a bold smile that said Bitch, bring it. “You bet.”

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