We pull up to an absolutely gaudy mansion. There’s classy rich and then there’s just “I’m going to flaunt my money in ridiculous ways” rich. I’m pretty sure Rodney falls into the ridiculous ways category.
My dislike for this man is growing by the minute.
I drive us up the mile-long driveway, past hedges and trees trimmed intodifferent shapes. Peacocks strut across the front lawn, and there is not just one fountain, but there are three with knock-off Italian statues. It’s like the man chose his favorite aspects of English and Italian landscaping and added them to his property.
The whitewashed mansion, with arches and surprisingly a few turrets, has large windows. It’s a Spanish-colonial mix, and it’s making me cringe.
There’s a red carpet rolled out from the front door to the driveway, and I wait our turn before we stop at the end of the carpet. A valet takes my keys and I escort Holly, my hand on her lower back, although I already feel like wrapping her in a potato sack and taking her back home.
Men need to keep their eyes to themselves.
Holly stops in the entryway and I seize the moment to wrap her arm in mine, pulling her closer to me. Holly’s eyes scan the room before they catch on Rodney. We maneuver through the crowd toward him.
As we approach, the sour smell of alcohol grows stronger and Holly’s shoulders stiffen.
Alex and Holly have both told me their parents were alcoholics and neither of them drink because of it. I’ve seen the effects of alcohol firsthand, and I swore off drinking when I was in my fraternity. I don’t need the messes alcohol can make in my life.
“Holly,” Rodney mutters, voice slurred, as his eyes dart between the two of us. He squints at me, and I almost laugh at his failed attempt to glare.
“I thought I told you to leave the dumb farm boy home." His words are quiet, but filled with venom. "You don’t need to be selling this princess and the pauper story anymore.”
Oh, so he’s starting in on the insults from the beginning. At least I know what to expect from him this evening. Good thing I don’t hold this man in any esteem, nor do I find his insults insulting.
I pull Holly closer to me and kiss her temple. “I’m happy to be the pauper to my princess whenever she needs, Rodney.”
He rolls his eyes and steps closer, bringing his stench with him. “Ofcourse you are. You’re too dumb to see she’s out of your league and that you’re pulling her down in society.”
I take a step back and pull Holly away from the man. “I think I’m actually bringing the fun to these types of high society activities.”
Rodney snarls. “Go back to your farm.”
I straighten my shoulders. “I won’t. I will quit working at my farm forever if that means I get to stay with Holly and keep her away from men who don’t know how to treat women properly.”
Holly yanks my arm and I’m dragged away from the verbal sparring match I was actually starting to enjoy. Rodney laughs behind us as Holly guides us down a hallway and around the corner, out of sight of the main ballroom and anyone else.
Holly stops when we round a corner. She pauses, making sure we're alone, and then whirls around, confusion contorting her face. “What are you doing, Mateo?
I shrug. “Telling that idiot that he’s an idiot and that I’m your husband and I care about you.”
Her eyes are stormy. “You said you’ll quit working at the farm.”
I nod because she heard me right. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while and it slipped out, but it was true. “Yes. Because I will.”
Her eyes narrow and she stomps her foot as she folds her arms. “No, you won’t.”
I gently grab her arms and pull her toward me. “Holly—”
Heels click behind us and I’m interrupted by a dramatic gasp from behind me. I turn my head only to see a man and woman I easily identify from my google searches. They're people I’ve never wanted to meet.
Chapter 41
Who?
Holly
This cannot be happening.
This has to be a prank or something, because my parents cannot be standing in front of me right now.
