“Fuck off, Jamie.”
“Oh, I plan to,” I say under my breath.
“Just not with you watching.”
His head whips around like he heard it, and the violent promise in his stare lodges itself somewhere deep in my stomach.
I hate him.
I fucking hate him.
And yet…
I would wear any dress he picks for me, only for me to keep begging him to rip it off me, and fuck me senselesly…
No. Stop.
He’s an asshole.
I have to hate him.
Plus, today is too important.
Today isn’t about him.
Today is about my mom.
I escape into the mansion before Lex can make another comment that’ll either piss me off or turn me on. My stomach is already a mess – rage, adrenaline, something darker – and I need to reset.
Mom’s room is at the end of the hallway, covered in soft peach flowers and champagne fabrics. When I push the door open, she’s standing in front of the mirror in her wedding dress, smoothing the lace over her hips like she can’t believe she’s wearing it.
“Mom,” I say softly.
She turns – and God.
She looks beautiful.
Soft, glowing, safe.
“Jamie,” she breathes.
“Oh sweetheart, you look so handsome.”
I walk toward her, the tension easing from my shoulders for the first time today.
“Green’s your favorite,” I say, tugging at the lapel.
“Figured I’d make the pictures look nice.”
She smiles – really smiles – and it does something warm to my chest.
“I’m happy for you, Mom,” I tell her quietly..
“Really happy. After… everything with dad… I’m glad you found someone who actually gives a damn about you.”
Her hand comes up, cupping my cheek.
“Your father was… complicated. But you were the best thing that ever came from that chapter of my life.”
