He is such a liar. Cleo most definitely knows who I am because Knight overheard them arguing about me and Chad said she hates me.
“Well, I saved you at least one conversation,” I toss out over my shoulder as we reach the door. “You can thank me later.”
ChapterThirty-Five
Jase
“What the hell do you think you’re playing at?” Rhett Carter barks, sending daggers over my shoulders at Chad. If he didn’t know we were the ones to rescue him before, he sure knows it now.
Chad and I are standing at the top of the aisle in the beautiful surroundings of The White Garden, on the grounds of The Christmas House Inn, waiting for our bride. Rhett came charging out a few seconds ago, and he looks like his head is about to explode. Knight is keeping Ash back, out of sight, until Bree gives them the signal, and I’m grateful he’s here. I know he’ll protect her from any ugliness.
I want nothing, and no one ruining today for her.
Rhett is close to losing it, and it’s a welcome sight.
The man is unhinged, and that is something we can work with.
“You’ll have to be more specific,” I say, smoothing a hand down the front of my tailored black Armani suit. Chad and I are wearing similar suits. He’s currently standing beside me in his capacity as best man, but when it’s time for him to say his vows, we will switch roles. I’m glad he’s on board and that Ashley is happy with the arrangements. It finally feels like we are in the right place.
“What ishedoing here?” He points in Chad’s direction.
Chad stares coldly at him but says nothing, leaving this up to me, like we agreed.
“He’s my best friend and Ashley’s boyfriend. Chad was always going to be here.”
Rhett is apoplectic and red in the face as he huffs and puffs in front of me. What a pity we can’t just blow him away. “Don’t be facetious,” he snaps. “You know what I mean.”
“Surely Cleo has informed you by now?” I straighten my red and gold tie. “Did you really think we wouldn’t rescue him?” We have no choice but to fess up. However, we decided it’s no harm to show Carter he’s not fully running this show. This demonstrates we’re resourceful and not afraid to test him like he’s testing us. It’s risky with Lilianna still out there somewhere, but we’re playing a cunning game of chess, and we must make carefully planned strategic moves to draw him out while not pushing his boundaries to extremes. “The fact it makes your daughter happy should be all that counts,” I tack on the end for good measure.
“You’re skating on thin ice,” he warns in a threatening tone. “Continue to push me, and see what I do.”
I level him with a dark look. “We don’t respond well to threats. We are doing what you ask of us. We’re facilitating your takeover. A little give-and-take is how these things usually work. I’m sure I don’t need to school you on the subject.”
We face off for a few tense moments before he collects himself. “I’ll let the rescue operation slide, but he can’t be here.” His eyes swing to Chad for a second, and I have no doubt he’s already plotting ways to murder him. “He can’t be privy to anything we have planned. You swore an oath, Jason.”
“And I haven’t broken it,” I say as the female officiant emerges from the house. “Your wife is the one who broke the oath.”
I watch his face pale and his hands ball up at his sides.
Good. Let him stew over that during the ceremony. “We can finish this conversation later. Now isn’t the time.” I step in closer, enjoying the extra couple of inches in height I have over him. “Don’t do anything to upset my bride. I have gone to a lot of trouble to make today special for her. If you care about Ashley, as you claim, you will make today about her.”
He is incandescent with rage as he turns on his heels and stomps over to the seating area, plonking his surly ass down in the chair beside Pamela. Pamela flinches, staring straight ahead with an expressionless look on her face that is familiar.
She’s a cold fish, that one.
It’s a miracle Ash is so amazing with their DNA floating through her veins. I think it’s a combination of her inherent goodness and Doug’s positive influence that has won out. I know Ash didn’t have the best of upbringings, but it sure beats what it would have been like if she’d grown up with Pamela and Rhett for parents.
Rhett casts my own father in a good light.
And speak of the devil.
I whip my gaze to Rhett when I spot Baz approaching, noticing my parents and Jocelyn hanging back, to speak to Ashley, presumably.
What. The. Hell?
“Are they supposed to be here?” Chad whispers in my ear as I watch Rhett react to my family’s arrival. Carter narrows his eyes at me, and he’s practically shaking with rage now.
“What the fuck have you done?” I hiss when Baz reaches me.
