Page 89 of Retribution

Wine? Who the hell let this woman have wine?

I look around to see where she’s managed to snag a bottle from, unless she brought her own collection. She must have figured out that all the drinks she was served were non-alcoholic.

I scoff at her words, she’s clearly done her research about him. Reed looks incredibly uncomfortable and shifts in his seat, the unrelenting stare down from my mother burning holes into his pristine suit.

“Yes, Allie was an incredible woman. But,” he pauses, tilting his face towards me. My heart melts when he flashes one of his heart stopping smiles. “It just so turns out that your daughter is phenomenal, I couldn’t let that pass.”

The smile disappears from my mother’s face as Reed continues.

“No amount of time will undo what happened to Allie, but your daughter has proved there is no match for time when it comes to our love.”

My heart soars at the confession.

“Indie has been the anchor for my life since we met. She is destined for great things, and I couldn’t help but want to join her side every step of the way.”

He’s speaking with so much confidence, I feel the need to shy away.

It’s hard to remember that this isn’t actually real and it’s all for show.

My mother seems taken aback from his words and unsure how to approach him now.

Take that, Celia. Your conniving plan failed.

“Interesting. Well, I hope your happy for as long as it lasts.” Her words are directly targeted to Reed rather than me; she wouldn’t wish me happiness if it was the last thing that would save her.

She leaves the table with her drink in hand whilst the anxiety of her drinking alcohol sucks away any part of the buzz that existed prior to her interruption.

“Thank you for that, I’m sorry you had to be put in a situation like that. It was completely uncalled for that she mentioned Allie.” I gulp as guilt rises in my throat.

“I just spoke the truth.” He says solidly, twirling the engagement ring around my finger.

The truth? Well, I’ll be damned, it turns out Reed can actually say nice things about me, without me coercing him into it.

“You really meant all of that?” I ask in surprise.

“Every last bit of it.” he confirms as his eyes trace over mine as I look at him amazed with his sudden revelations.

“Well, thank you. That was very kind of you.”

I present a soft smile on my face as his eyes shift to my cheeks, a wider smile forming on his.

“I’m gonna go grab another drink.” I stand up with my empty glass to return it to the bar.

Reed nods in correspondence and I exit the room, disappearing through the hallway.

I swing by the bathroom to relieve myself and re-powder my face. I need to get rid of the clear sheen of sweat that lines face from the awkward conversation with my mother.

Whilst readjusting my dress in the full-length mirror, the door to the bathroom opens, almost knocking into me.

“Oh, sorry.” I wince and step out of the way.

I turn just as I hear the bathroom door lock and lose any breath I had in my lungs. My eyes stretch wide and I stare into the dark brown abyss of his eyes.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I spit, trying to override the fight or flight adrenaline rush working its way through my bloodstream.

“Just came to check how my lovely ex-fiancé is, are you missing me?” he pouts, an alarming look in his eyes.

I swallow razor blades and turn away from him, how many unwanted confrontations can a woman face in one night?

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