What am I supposed to tell the women at bridge club?she’d demanded.What will I say when you don’t show up at the next cotillion ball?
I told her that was her problem, not mine.
Now, we haven’t spoken in two years. We avoid one another, and I’ve been careful not to do anything that might attract their unwanted attention.
It’s why I didn’t report the thief for stealing my purse.
And it’s part of the reason why I didn’t go to the cops after the masked man attacked me.
That, and my shameful physical response to being violated.
“Abigail.” I flinch when Dane touches my hand. He frowns and folds his fingers firmly around mine. “You don’t look well. I’ll take you home.”
“No!” I protest quickly. Dane can’t miss his friend’s wedding because of me. “I’ll be fine. It’ll be fine.”
“Don’t lie to me,” he warns, but his voice is soothing rather than threatening. “If this is too much, we’ll leave. I don’t give a fuck about Meadows’ wedding. I’m here because it’s expected of me. I only care about you.”
I draw in a shuddering breath, finding comfort in his fierce declaration. I squeeze his fingers in a pulse of reassurance.
“You saying that makes all the difference,” I say. “But I can handle this. I won’t run away from my family.”
He captures my tilted chin between his fingers and gives me a proud smile. “That’s my stubborn pet.”
“Dane!” I scold under my breath and shoot a significant glance in the direction of our driver.
He chuckles and kisses me. “It’s just a Yorkshire endearment, darling. No reason to get all hot and flustered.”
I release an exasperated huff, and his grin widens.
Oh.
He’s baiting me to distract me.
My heart gives an almost painful squeeze, and I crush my lips to his. He’s still for a moment, surprised at my boldness. Then his hand firms at my nape, and he deepens the kiss. For a blissful minute, I lose myself in him, and all of my anxiety melts away.
“Thank you,” I whisper when we finally come up for air.
“I’ve got you,” he promises. “Say the word, and we’ll leave.”
I straighten my shoulders. “I want to be here with you,” I declare, finding strength in his staunch support. “I won’t let them control me ever again. I’m not going to run away.”
The car comes to a stop in front of the antebellum mansion. It’s undeniably beautiful: a three-story manor with white columned porches and classic navy shutters. Live oaks surround the circular driveway, and Spanish moss drips from their elegant branches. The azaleas and hydrangeas are in full bloom,festooning the manicured gardens in shades of pink, purple, and blue.
It's a lovely day for a wedding, even if the setting disturbs me.
For a moment, I consider leaving on principle; plantation weddings shouldn’t be a thing anymore, my own damage aside. It feels wrong to celebrate love here and pretend that nothing bad ever happened on this land.
“Are you sure you want to stay?” Dane asks, lingering with me in the stopped car. “We can go straight back home if you’re uncomfortable.”
I shake my head. “I am uncomfortable, but we’re staying. I’m here with you. I can do this.”
His eyes flash in response, and he lifts my hand to kiss my knuckles. I swoon for my dashing hero all over again. This gorgeous man has chosen to bring me to his colleague’s wedding. I’ll focus on that to get me through the event.
He gets out of the car first and then holds my door open for me. I don’t protest his gentlemanly treatment as he holds my hand to steady me.
I’m perfectly capable of getting out of the car on my own, but I’m starting to like leaning on Dane. He clearly derives pleasure from taking care of me, and I’m becoming addicted to his satisfied smile when I allow him to do so.
His hand spans my lower back as he guides me around the house and into the gardens. Hundreds of white chairs have been arranged in neat rows facing the back porch, where it seems the happy couple will say their vows. We’re early enough that only about a third of the chairs are filled, and scores of other guests are milling around the green space.
