A couple of hours later, I’m pulling onto Kai’s drive, wondering what could’ve been if I had stayed here.
Five years changed everything.
The door opens, and Lorena waves at the car, her eyes widening when I step out.
“Jeez, Crane, you’re a mountain!”
I chuckle, hoisting my bag out of the trunk. My suit hangs in the back, and I crouch down to get it, my eyes falling on the book beside it.
Anger management.
I’d been in trouble with the law so often they’d ordered me to attend fucking anger management classes—for all the good it did.
Still, Mom made me take the book, pleading with me to give it a shot.
Lorena skips down to me, pulling me into her arms.
“He’s missed you so fucking bad,” she whispers into my ear, squeezing my arm. When she pulls away, her eyes lock onto mine. “Please don’t leave him again.”
I swallow, glancing at Kai, whose grin can’t get much broader.
“I’m here for the wedding, Lorena. Kai knows that.”
Lorena’s eyes fill with sadness, and she pats my arm, biting her lip.
“Let’s hope you find a reason to stay.”
Her loaded statement hangs in the air until Kai claps me on the back.
“Come in, man.”
The house is all white-washed walls and tapestries; clearly, Lorena’s taste, unless Kai has invested in art over the past five years.
“Your home is beautiful,” I say to Lorena, who flushes.
“Thanks, Crane. You’ve got the guest room upstairs to your right.”
I nod, giving her a grateful smile.
I can afford the best hotel in town, but I won’t ever turn down Kai’s hospitality.
Dumping my bag onto the large bed, a framed photograph on the windowsill commands my attention.
It’s Sierra.
My heart pounds when I step closer, a sigh leaving my lips when I lock eyes with her.
Well, the photographic version of her, anyway.
She’s wearing a caramel gown, a glass of champagne in her hand as she smiles at the camera.
But she’s not alone.
No.
Beside her is a smug cunt I recognize.
Declan Hale.
