He gives Declan the most infuriating smirk as he pats his chest in the most patronizing way, “Yeah, of course, Dec. Thanks man. Really good catching up with you.”
They both fell in love with the same woman years ago. It seems neither of them has gotten over it. But they were also best friends most of their lives, which means they know exactly how to piss off the other one. Leaving Declan to seethe by the bathrooms, we move back towards the tent. It’s then that I notice two things at once. One is that Declan must have been louder than I thought, because Kieran has Phoenix positioned behind his back. Two, that Theo and Elena Rossi, as well as Mac Byrne, are burning a hole in the side of my head with their stares.
Keeping a smile firmly on my face as I make my way closer to Kieran. I make sure he hears the sincerity in my voice, “Congratulations, Kieran.”
Phoenix peers around Kieran before screaming and throwing herself at me, “Lee!”
I wrap my arms around her, hugging her tightly, “Phoenix, you look gorgeous.”
Tears form in my eyes. She really is stunning. We pull away to get a good look at each other, smiling like we’ve lost our minds. We’re pulled out of our reunion when I hear Theo Rossi choke out, “Principessa.”
Simultaneously, Mac tilts his head looking at me like he’s staring into my soul, “Riley?”
3
Chapter Three
Mac
My eyes squint to focus on the beautiful woman in front of me. She’s about five foot eight or so if I had to guess. Her deep maroon dress clings to her luscious curves, making my mouth water on instinct. Her dark brown hair is extremely curly, and her deep green eyes nervously look around the crowd until she sees Jakob fucking Fischer come to her side. She visibly relaxes at his closeness, causing what can only be described as a growl to rumble up from my chest.
I have so many questions, but none about her identity. That is one hundred percent, without a shadow of a doubt, Riley Rossi. The same girl that I was told just a year ago was dead. The same girl who was kidnapped on the way to my house when she was seven. The same girl who, according to Nix, was trafficked along with her in Ohio throughout childhood.But now here she is, seemingly unharmed, with Jakob Fischer standing slightly in front of her in a protective stance.
“Fischer, what the fuck is this?” My blood pressure has rocketed, and I don’t have nearly enough whiskey in my system for this shit thanks to playinggood boyfor my brothers.
“What the fuck is what, Byrne? We were invited, me in place of my father, and Lee with her own invitation from Phoenix and Kieran.”
Lee? There’s no way. That woman is Riley Rossi. She can’t be Lee. Lee is the woman I’ve been working against and then with for years. The only other person in the world who can challenge my brain on a work and personal level. Lee’s my friend, sometimes she’s a woman I flirt with over text. She can’t- this can’t be right.
“That’s my daughter you have your hands on. Remove them immediately before I remove them for you.” Rossi sneers from beside me.
“You’re losing your marbles, old man. This is my sister.” Fischer drops the bomb that has us all freezing. No way, I call bullshit. Why is she not telling us who she is?
Turning to her I plead, “Riley.”
A look of devastation, followed by what seems to be confusion covers her too-pretty face. She would get away with the clueless act if I were anyone else, but I notice the flicker of panic in her eyes.
“I’m sorry. I’m not- my name is Lelonie Dorthea Fischer. Check my license if you want, or call my Papa. I’m sorry there must be some sort of confusion.” She looks over at Phoenix and addresses solely her and Kieran, “I’m so sorry. I came to see you and congratulate you two. Not to start a ruckus at your wedding. Jakob and I will head out now, but call mewhen you get home from your honeymoon. I’d love to set up a girls day.” She smiles for them, but the sadness shines bright through her eyes.
“Lee, don’t. Please stay.” Kieran reaches out to her, squeezing her hand reassuringly. “Theo and Mac were mistaken. They’ll be cool. Right, guys?” Kieran shoots daggers over at Rossi and I. We both narrow our eyes but begrudgingly agree. She brings her eyes back to the man protecting her and he gives her a subtle nod. I’m getting to the bottom of this shit just as soon as the girls are out of earshot.
“One hour, Lelonie.” Jakob commands. She nods in agreement as Pigeon squeals like a teenage girl and drags her over to where Clara is.
I take a moment to watch them. The girls huddle around each other like they’ve all been friends for years instead of Clara and ‘Lee’ just meeting each other for the first time. Lee shakes her head as Clara offers her a glass of wine and instead takes a bottle of water from her.Interesting.
They’re lost in conversation when Jakob and Kieran’s voices pull my attention back to the people surrounding me. They’re laughing about something, like nothing here is amiss.What the fuck, Kie? Way to be a damn traitor.
Elle has tears in her eyes, and Sullivan rubs soothing circles on her back as a way to comfort her. They’re best friends first, even if they are secretly in love.
“She doesn’t remember us?” She looks around our group in shock, like she can’t believe what she’s seeing.
Take a number sister, I’m right there with you.
“There’s nothing to remember, that’s my little sister.” Jakob barks out with a barely contained rage simmering just below the surface.
“Oh, cut the shit, Fischer. Have you seen yourself? You guys don’t look anything alike. However, she looks like what I’m assuming I will look like when I’m a few years older.”
Jakob scoffs at Elle, causing Sully and Theo to bristle, “You haven’t seen our other sister or Mama. She looks like them. Dieter and I look like our Papa. It’s called genetics, Elle. I’d assume a smart Princeton girl like yourself would know how a Punnett square works.”
