“And?” I prompted, knowing there had to be more.
“And I told them we had an arrangement. A marriage of convenience to get my parents off my back.” He paused. “I didn't tell them about Santiago. That's still just between us.”
“Gee, thanks.” Each word dripped sarcasm. “So generous of you to keep that one secret while blowing up everything else.”
“I didn't have much choice, Cecelia. They weren't leaving without some kind of explanation.” His voice softened slightly. “Are you still mad at me?”
The question was so ridiculous, so absurdly inadequate for the hurricane of emotions I was feeling, that I simply hung up. Just pressed the red button and tossed the phone onto the bed like it had burned me.
Was I still mad? I was fucking furious. I was devastated. I was trapped. I was married to a man who'd leveraged my worst mistake against me, who'd announced our union like a business merger, who'd turned my life upside down in less than forty-eight hours.
And underneath all that anger was something worse—fear. Fear that Everlee would look at me differently now. Fear that my stalker would somehow find me here. Fear that I'd never dance again, not really, not the way I'd trained my whole life to do.
I showered quickly, avoiding my reflection in the massive mirror that dominated Rafe's bathroom. I couldn't face myself, not yet. Not with the platinum band still glinting on my finger, heavier than its weight had any right to be.
Twenty minutes later, I was dressed in jeans and a sweater and my damp hair pulled into a messy bun. I texted the dance studio to arrange coverage for my classes, then stood in the middle of Rafe's bedroom and made a decision.
I had to see Everlee. Now.
The trip to Nouvelle Femme took longer than it should have, the taxi crawling through midday traffic while my anxiety climbed with each passing block. My fingers fidgeted with the strap of my purse, twisting the leather until it creased permanently. What would I say to her? How could I explain any of this when I barely understood it myself?
Sorry I got secretly married in Vegas to a man I've barely tolerated for the past two years. No big deal. Oh, and also Iwas dancing at a gentleman's club to pay off a debt to a shady businessman, but don't worry about that part.
Yeah, that would go over great.
The lobby receptionist looked up as I approached her desk, her perfect eyebrows rising slightly in recognition. “Miss Sutton.”
I forced a smile that felt like cracking glass. “I need to see my sister, please.”
She nodded, reaching for the phone. “Mrs. Maxwell is in a meeting, but—”
“It's important,” I cut in, hating the desperation in my voice but unable to mask it.
Something in my expression must have registered, because she nodded and made the call. A moment later, Tamara—Liam’s assistant—appeared to escort me upstairs.
“She's just wrapping up with Boss-man,” Tamara said as we approached Everlee and Liam’s office—Yeah, they shared an office. How cute. “They've been in meetings all morning.”
Great. Liam would be there too. Just what I needed.
Tamara knocked once before opening the door. Everlee sat behind her desk, Liam standing beside her with one hand resting protectively on her shoulder. They both looked up as I entered, twin expressions of surprise quickly masked by very different reactions. Everlee's face softened, concern washing over her features. Liam's hardened, his blue eyes turning to ice.
“Cece,” Everlee said, rising awkwardly due to her growing belly. “I didn't know you were coming.”
“I should have called,” I said, hovering awkwardly near the door. “I'm sorry.”
Liam squeezed Everlee's shoulder once before straightening to his full, intimidating height. “I'll give you two some privacy.”
He moved toward the door, nodding coolly at me as he passed. “Cece.”
Then the door closed behind him with a decisive click.
“Evie, I—” I started, but the words tangled in my throat.
My sister moved around her desk, her pregnant belly leading the way. At five months, she was showing prominently, the curve of her body protecting the niece or nephew I'd barely had time to think about with all the chaos of my own life.
“You got married,” she said simply, those three words carrying the weight of hurt, confusion, and worry.
“I did.” I swallowed hard, taking a step toward her. “It all happened so fast, and I didn't have time to tell anyone before Rafe just... announced it. I'm so sorry, Evie. I never meant for you to find out that way.”
