More tears ruin my makeup. It probably resembles a Halloween-worthy costume by now.
I’ve cried countless times in my life. What’s once more?
I love Cody. And, because I love him, I can’t let him risk losing his family over me. My mistakes can’t mess up his life. Even if he wants me now, it won’t last.
My father sighs long and heavy. “Okay, I’ll make you a deal. You’re less and less useful as the days go by, so here’s what we’ll do. You lock in Archibald Duke, and you’re free to live your pathetic little life. The condo, car, money—all yours once Archibald signs the papers. One last deal, Blair. You won’t have to see me ever again.”
“Okay,” I manage, barely keeping my voice steady.
At this point, I don’t care about the condo or the money. I want to crawl into a ditch and stay there, but there’s a tiny voice whispering at the back of my mind I can’t ignore.
Falling apart is easy. Hold it together, even if only out of spite.
“Good choice,” Dad spits out. “One day, you’ll be sipping drinks on your yacht, looking back on this conversation, and you’ll thank me. Meet me at the Country Club at eight.”
THIRTY-TWO
Cody
THE ENGAGEMENT RING glimmering on Vivienne’s finger is easily the prettiest in the family. Good job he let us help instead of proposing with the monstrosity he bought or Vee would walk the streets wearing an oversized rock and risking being mugged.
With the rehearsal dinner done and the congratulations dying down, Colt pulls me outside for a smoke. Before we even leave the venue, all my other brothers follow suit.
“Jesus, Cody!” Conor snaps, his brows furrowed in frustration. “What were you thinking bringing Ana here?”
“This isn’t how you convince her to leave you alone,” Colt adds, shaking his head. “Why the hell is she here?”
Shawn steps forward, smacking the back of my head. “Use this sometimes, will you? She’s watching you like a lovesick puppy. How the hell do you expect to get a restraining order when you invite her as your plus one?”
“I’m guessing their reaction now is why you haven’t told anyone who you’re bringing,” Theo says, his voice even, almost amused, as he rests against the wall with a smirk. “You all should shut up and let him speak. What if they worked things out, and she’s the next Mrs. Hayes? You’ll regret barking at him.”
Nico snatches the pack of cigarettes from my hand, pulling one out, eyes drilling into me. “So, what’s going on?”
I run a hand down my face, the weight of their judgment a bit much to take in my current state. “Ana’s here as my friend.”
“Afriend?” Conor scoffs. “Do you hear yourself? Cody, what the fuck? She’s been stalking you for weeks! She wouldn’t take no for an answer. You magically forget about that?”
“Damn, she must be good in bed,” Theo chirps.
“No, I didn’t forget about the stalking, but she apologized and explained she was having a rough time.”
Conor rolls his eyes. “You’re such a fucking do-gooder, Cody. It’s gonna come back and bite you in the ass.”
I knew Ana was struggling, but she illuminated the details in her letter and when she came by on Monday.
“She was depressed and couldn’t let me go because I was the only person who actually fucking listened to her,” I continue. “She’s better now she’s on antidepressants, and I am not sleeping with her.” I emphasize the last sentence.
I’m not sleeping with anyone considering my girlfriend dumped me five hours ago. For a moment, I wonder whether to tell them about Blair. I’m dying to get this off my chest. I need them... I need them to help me through this.
“Alright, if that’s really what it is and you trust her to behave, then fine,” Shawn says, kicking himself off the wall as he inhales a drag of his cigarette. “She can stay.”
“Excuse me?” My head snaps to him so fast I hear a crack. “What do you meanshe can stay? That’s not up to you.”
“Technically, you’re right, but you really think I’d let a stalker, possibly a crazy person, stay here with our family and kids all weekend? I’m a cop, Cody. I’ve seen enough shit to know that would be a bad idea.”
I know he witnesses awful things every day, and he’s sensitive when it comes to safety, but it riles me up how fucking inconsiderate he can be sometimes.
“Alright,” Logan says, staring me down like he’s trying to ask questions telepathically. A small shake of my head is all I can give him and, with a tight nod, he continues, “The DJ’s staying until one in the morning, so let’s move. I need a drink, and I promised Cassidy a dance.”
