CHAPTER50
LYLA
Lachlan books a two-nightstay at a swanky hotel in Fairview that overlooks the ocean and is just a ten-minute drive from the university. We take two separate SUVs — one for us and one for the security coming along — to a private airport where Lach’s dad’s jet is waiting for us. I’m too nervous to comment on carbon emissions, even though it is on the tip of my tongue. It wouldn’t matter anyway. This is the fastest way to get there and the quickest way to leave. He hasn’t left my side since I told him what happened. I almost didn’t, since I didn’t want to worry him, but I couldn’t keep it from him. I haven’t told Marissa, and I’m not going to tell Prescott. When this is over, I will, but I don’t want more people to worry about me.
Thankfully, talking about the wedding lightened the mood, and he hasn't brought up the coffee shop again. His mom is helping me plan an intimate wedding, so I'm getting the romantic wedding I wanted. We have an idea for a venue to host us, and everything should run smoothly since it'll be a daytime wedding. At least, that's what Valerie said.
On our way to the private airport, I pull out my phone and go to Settings to text Prescott about where we're going. I already sent him pictures of my ring, so it doesn't surprise me that there are texts from him when my phone comes back on.
Prescott: WTF!
Prescott: CALL ME NOW
“Why do you always set it on airplane mode?” Lach asks beside me.
“Because that way, I only deal with people when I choose to.”
He starts to shake against me, and I look up and find him laughing. I nudge him hard, and he wraps an arm around me and pulls me even closer. My phone rings immediately.
“Did you say yes or did he force you to say yes?” Pres asks, as a greeting. Lachlan makes a disapproving sound but stays quiet otherwise.
“Ichoseto say yes,” I say. “And I’mchoosingto go to Fairview right now.”
“You told him everything?”
“Yes.”
“Lyles, you shouldn’t go back there.”
“We’ll have security. It’ll be fine,” I say. “Besides, I never packed up my stuff. I even left my freaking Hermann trophy behind.”
“And what exactly are you guys going to do when you get there?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Pres sighs into the line. “You do realize Lachlan is going to actually murder him, right?”
“He won’t. I’ll. . .”
“Lyla, listen to me,” Pres says interrupting. “If you told him everything that happened to you and showed him the pictures we took at the hospital, Lachlan will commit murder. I’m telling you right now, he will. He’ll kill him and end up in jail.”
My eyes widen. I bite the inside of my cheek and look out the window. Oh, fuck. Lach doesn’t know about the pictures, and after what happened yesterday, I was hoping to keep it that way until Jameson was locked up and we got back to Chicago. I know he heard what Prescott said, so the fact that he’s completely silent is not a good sign. I know Prescott’s worry isn’t for naught, which terrifies me.
“I’ll keep you posted on what happens,” I say. “We’re getting married next Saturday in Chicago. Can you make it? I know it’s super last minute, but. . .”
“Of course, I’ll be there,” he says before I can finish speaking.
“Will you walk me down the aisle?” I ask and bite my lip to keep my emotions at bay. This is a big deal to me. I’m sure it is to most brides who have a ceremonial wedding, even one as unconventional as this one.
“Pres?”
“Fuck.” He clears his throat. “Of course, I’ll walk you down the aisle.”
“Thank you.” I smile. “I’ll keep you posted on what happens.”
“Please don’t let him do something he can go to jail for.”
“I won’t.” I hang up, set the phone on my lap, and glance up at Lachlan, whose jaw is ticking already.
