Page 94 of The Rented Bride

Chapter Eighteen

Trent existed in a fog. Cassie stepped past her mother and pulled him into a hug. He allowed himself a moment in her arms before inching back. He didn’t know how much time they had.

“Will you come back to Brettonwood with me?” he asked.

“Who does this guy think he is?” burst out the man standing near Cassie’s mother. “You may have married my sister, but she isn’t going anywhere with you.”

Trent’s gaze snapped from Cassie to her brother. “They know about—” He broke off when she nodded.

“It was in your friend’s paper, After Hours.”

Trent started. What the hell had Tomas written?

“What did the article say?” he asked.

“Never mind,” she said. “Right now we need to get back to Brettonwood.”

He nodded.

“What’s wrong?” Cassie’s mother asked.

Cassie said, “Trent’s grandfather is dying.”

“Sweet Jesus,” Sophia said in unison with Mia’s, “Dear God.”

Maria crossed herself. “Cassandra, you two must go. Do you need anything?”

Cassie shook her head. “No. I’ll call you later.”

“Bobby, take them to the airport,” Maria ordered.

Trent shook his head. “Thank you, Maria, but I have a car waiting.”

“Of course.” She stepped close and startled him with a hug. “Welcome to our family.”

She pulled back and Cassie said, “Just let me grab my purse.”

Her mother grasped his arm. “I will pray for your grandfather. What is his name?”

“Thank you. James Weston.”

Bobby glared, but the taller brunette said, “I’m Sophia, Cassie’s cousin. Would you like something to drink? Perrier, Coke?”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

The more petite brunette stepped up and extended a hand. “I’m Mia, Cassie’s sister.” They shook. “The one glaring is our brother, Bobby.” Trent extended a hand and the man grudgingly shook.

Cassie emerged from the bedroom, purse in hand. “I’m ready.” She stopped and hugged her mother. “I’ll call you.”

Her mother nodded and Cassie hurried past him. Trent followed her out of the apartment and down the hallway to the elevator.

They got into the elevator, and he said. “I tried calling to warn you I was here, but you didn’t pick up. I’m sorry I—dammit, what the hell did Tomas write in the paper?”

The elevator stopped two floors down and an elderly woman got on. Trent stood silent with Cassie and when they reached the lobby, he led her out to the limo. He opened the door and she slid into the seat, then he followed. The car started forward and Trent pushed the button to close the partition between them and the driver.

When the partition was up, he said, “Cassie, this is all my fault. I gave Tomas permission to write about us in the paper, but I had no idea what he planned to publish.” Just what had he thought Tomas would do? “He was going to do damage control.”

She opened her purse, pulled out a single folded sheet of paper and held it out. He took the paper and unfolded it. The headline punched him in the gut. Hollywood Homewrecker or Billionaire Bride? A photograph of him and Cassie dancing at the hotel separated the title from the article. He scanned the page and groaned at the line Goodbye glitz and glam. Hello girl next door. He finished reading and wasn’t surprised at Lindsey’s response to the news he’d married Cassie the day after he’d broken up with her. She had to be livid.