“Your wedding is in a few months’ time; do you need for me to help in anyway?” says Ava to Zara.
My eyes brighten, and I rub my hands together. “Your Wedding! That’s so exciting. I can’t wait.”
“Mom and I have organized most of it, but if I think of anything, I’ll let you know. We will need help on the day of the wedding,” Zara replies.
“Make sure you let me know too. I’ll be happy to help.” My smile falls. I may be back in New York by the time she needs help. That sucks! I guess I can still help on the day of the wedding.
Our day goes by way too quickly, but when we’re finished, I’m feeling like a new person. When we walk out of the elevator in the lobby, the security guard steps toward me, places a hand on my elbow, and ushers me away. “Your father would like to see you.”
Rage appears at my side and pulls me behind him. The security guard lets go. Rage stands at full height, his body rigid. “Don’t touch her.”
The security guard is as tall as Rage but more solid. I move in front of them, putting my hand on Rage’s chest. “It’s okay, my dad wants to see me.”
His shoulders fall ever so slightly. Then he looks at me. “Would you like me to come?”
I give him a small smile. “I won’t be long.”
“But Viper said I can’t leave you.”
“This behemoth here,” I say, nodding at the security guard, “will walk me to my father.”
Rage’s facial expression is tight.
“Her family owns this resort; she’ll be safe,” Zara says confidently. Rage nods, even though his body is stiff.
I turn and walk back into the elevator with the security guard, who presses the button. When the elevator doors open, we walk side by side until we reach my father’s office. He’s in his chair, looking out the window at the beach.
The security guard knocks on the door, and I walk inside. My father stands to greet me. I kiss his cheek and step away. “Hi, Dad. Is there something you need from me?”
“It’s good to see you again.” He doesn’t give me time to reply. “I haven’t received the signed contract, though I’m not surprised he hasn’t signed it. He’s in it for the money, Sophie!”
Big breath in… and out, though it does nothing to ease the tightness in my chest. “You’ll receive it soon.”
The shake of his head and the clear disappointment in his eyes pain me. “I don’t trust him, and frankly, I’m concerned about your recent decisions and lack of urgency on the matter.”
My upper body tenses, then drops. “I’ll get the contract to you shortly. I don’t want to keep the women waiting.” I love my father, but he tests me. “I’d better get going. Bye, Dad.”
“I’ll talk to you soon,” he says as I’m leaving the room.
We walk back inside the clubhouse to raised voices. “You played me!” a woman yells.
“I never said we were together!” I know that voice. It’s Viper.
I walk down the hallway to see Candy and Viper glaring at each other. Axle, Demon, and Twitch have drinks in their hands, looking thoroughly amused watching the commotion, while Bomber, Reaper, and Cash are playing pool. The men smile when we walk in. Ava steps into Reaper’s arms, Elena plops onto Axle’s lap, and Zara gives Bomber a brief kiss on the lips. Rage walks straight to the bar. Poor guy probably needs a strong drink.
Candy glances our way, and as soon as her eyes meet mine, she gives me a death stare. “Oh, great…” she throws her hands up. “Your so-called wife is back.”
“Calm your tits!” I lift my hand, showing the ring on my finger. “And I’m not aso-calledwife. Iamhis wife.”
Candy shifts back to Viper and slaps his chest. “I was supposed to be your endgame!”
My heart pounds. I rush over, stand in front of him, and push her back. “You don’t touch him!”He’s mine.Protectiveness swirls inside of me.
Viper’s arms are around me, holding me back when all I want to do is hit the bitch for laying hands on him.
Mercedez is by Candy’s side. “Come for a walk with me to calm down.”
“Candy!” Reaper’s voice carries over. Everyone looks at him. “This is your last chance. I see you acting like that again toward anyone living under our roof and I won’t hesitate to throw your ass out and ban you for life.”
