How have I landed myself in such a dumpster fire?
I’m Daisy Stonehaven.
Certified people pleaser. Rule follower to a fault.
I would never cancel a dinner reservation, even weeks in advance. So how the hell did I end up running away from my very own wedding?
You know why, the voice inside my head whispers.
I was too much of a coward in the days and weeks—hell, even months—leading up to my wedding. I never spoke up. I waited up until the last second, until the walls were closing in on me. And even then, I think I might have still gone along with it. Walked toward a lifetime of unhappiness just so I could please the people who so badly wanted to see me at that altar. Unifying two prominent families whose last names were sure to leave a lasting mark on New York society.
If it weren’t for Luke…
His thumb brushes over my knuckles softly, as if he knows the moment my thoughts have drifted to him.
I shake away my internal chatter and focus on the matter at hand.
Because I do know the reason why I won’t be able to reach Damien before the news gets out. It’s the same reason I haven’t been able to get through to him for the last year of our barely there relationship.
He’s not just Damien Fischer; he isNew York State SenatorDamien Fischer. And if he gets his way, come this November, he’ll be crowned the youngest person to ever become governor of New York.
Meaning he’s probably got his “fixer” lying in wait for any and every scenario possible today. And since I’m the one who left him, I wouldn’t be surprised if his campaign chose to smear me in the media to help him save face and go up in the polls.
What a fucking mess.
“Listen, Daisy, we can tackle that in a minute. What we need this very moment is to get you to a safe place.” He pauses, as if it pains him to continue. “I’m sorry, sis, but the paparazzi attention will be brutal. My instinct is to have you come stay with us, but it’s already a media circus since we released our wedding photos, and to be honest, I think you deserve a break. To get as far away from this shit as possible. Which is why I need Coach to drive you to the private airstrip near LaGuardia Airport. My jet is waiting on standby, and the pilot already has the flight plans. You can stay at the house in the Dominican Republic. Some time on the island might do you good.”
Luke’s grip on my hand tightens momentarily. He quickly loosens it but keeps his eyes on the road as he asks, “Is that what you want, Daisy?”
“I-I don’t know.” I pause, trying to think through all the moving pieces. “I don’t want to be anywhere near the public scrutiny, but I also don’t want to get on a plane and flee. The last time we were at that house was for your wedding, Nick. AndI don’t think being in the place where I saw you and Luisa the happiest and most in love is the best spot to hunker down while I deal with whatever the hell is about to come my way.”
“All right. Name a city and we’ll get you there. Maybe you should go somewhere in Europe. I have a house in—”
The noise level around Nick increases suddenly.
New York City sidewalks would never be considered quiet, but now it sounds as though Nick is walking through Grand Central Station.
“Okay, change of plans, girl,” Luisa starts, sounding slightly frazzled. “All the guests are making their way out of the church. They must have been notified. Which means…”
“I’m out of time.” I finish.
“Daisy, we can—”
“Let’s get you—”
Nick and Luisa are both interrupted mid-sentence by Luke. “I know a place where she can go.” He stops at the red light and turns slightly to face me. His bright blue eyes bore into mine with an intensity I never knew possible. As if he’s trying to communicate with me silently before he shares his thoughts with my brother and Luisa.
“Oh yeah? And where exactly is that?” Nick asks, unimpressed.
Luke’s eyes never leave mine as he gives my hand one final squeeze. “With me.”
four
This is a badidea.
But what other choice do I have?
She needs a safe place to land until this all blows over, and I’ll be damned if that place isn’t with me.
