Alistair scoffed. “A fling? That’s what you call it? That’s all I was to you?”
I held his stare. “We were never really a couple, were we?”
Silence stretched. His mouth opened, then closed.
“Were we, Alistair?” I pressed, refusing to let him hide behind charm.
“We have something I’m not willing to let go of. I shared myself with you because I felt safe.”
His words hit hard, and for a second, I couldn’t breathe. Emotions crashed over me, one after the other—anger, longing, betrayal, desire. Bloody hormones. I hated how easily my body betrayed me around him.
Alistair shifted closer, his hips brushing mine, his hands gripping my waist. His breath brushed my ear. “Have I ever lied to you?”
I shook my head, inching back, but he didn’t give me room. “I don’t want to be seen as the homewrecker who came between you and Rebecca.”
He caged me in with both palms flat against the wall, his body angled over mine. “You’re a flirt, Vera, but you’re no homewrecker.” His hand rose to cup my face, forcing my eyes to his. “The engagement is over. The news is already moving. My assistant handled it.”
“Why the change of heart after all these months?”
“Because now I know the truth. You reached out. You trusted me. And trust,” his thumb brushed my cheek, “is everything between us.”
Then, as if the floor hadn’t just tilted beneath me, he added, “My mother’s here tonight. I want you to meet her.”
I exhaled loudly. “Don’t you think that’s a little soon? I’m not?—”
“You just have to say hello.” His hand slid down my arm, soothing, coaxing.
“That’s it?” I arched a brow.
“That’s it. Then we leave. I’ve booked us a room. Champagne, chocolate, and a few surprises. Breakfast in bed.” His smirk promised all kinds of trouble.
Of course, he’d planned it. Alistair Scott never left anything to chance. Was I ready to hand myself back to him? My fingers brushed over the faint scars on my stomach, the ones that never let me forget. They were reminders of the ugliness behind the polished wealth he represented. And the threats that came with it. Saira. Erin. His world.
“Alistair, I don’t think so.”
STAY WITH ME
Vera
“Why the hell would you say no after everything we’ve been through?” Alistair’s grip tightened around my elbow.
I yanked free and caught his hand instead, forcing him to look at me. “Because I’m scared, Alistair. Scared someone’s out for my blood if I get close to you.”
His eyes burned into mine. “You said you trusted me. Do you have faith in me?”
“Yes.” The word slipped out as his hold closed around me.
“Do you believe I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you—and your family?”
“Yes.” My throat was tight, but I didn’t look away.
“Don’t let anyone bully you into being too scared to do what you damn well want, woman.”
“I won’t.”
“If anyone comes for you, they go through me first. And trust me, Vera, they don’t want to find out what that means.” Heleaned in, his mouth brushing temptation close to my ear. “So what’s it going to be? Stay with me?”
My answer tumbled out before I could stop it. “I’ll stay with you.”
