Page 56 of Let Me Keep You

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I was undercover to help out my friend. When his girlfriend was kidnapped, I infiltrated the mob and got hired as a bodyguard so I could help her escape. The mafia princess got even with me for betraying her. And I don’t fucking regret it.”

I smile but then quickly suppress it so Robert doesn’t catch me. He’ll never admit he was wrong for jumping to conclusions because in Robert’s world, he’s always right.

He doesn’t say another word as he slams the darts on the table, then walks to the bar. I’m so infuriated and humiliated, but I can’t even hide it because my face is red hot.

“I’m so sorry,” I say to Tyler and Katie. “He doesn’t usually drink this much and⁠—”

Tyler wraps an arm around Katie but keeps his eyes locked on me. “Nothing I can’t handle. Been dealing with assholes like him for most of my life.”

A small part of me hoped they’d get along.

“He’s not usually an asshole,” I say. “The stress from work is getting to him.”

By the way his jaw clenches, I know Tyler doesn’t believe me. I’m making excuses for Robert when he should be the one apologizing to everyone.

“Well, anyway…” I wipe my palms down my dress. “You two have fun. We’re gonna head out.”

I give Katie a hug, and she squeezes me tight. Her demeanor changes, and she becomes more upbeat than she was just moments ago. I smile in return and whisper in her ear, “Hope you guys hit it off.”

“Thank you.”

I pull away from her. “Good night, Tyler.”

“Night, Gemma.”

My throat tightens, and I force away tears as I walk over to Robert and tell him I want to go. He roughly grabs my hand and jerks me out of the pub.

I’m at a complete loss. I don’t know how to deal with the conflicting feelings in my head. Tyler blew back into my life like a tornado, and now everything is a fucking mess. A part of me wishes things would go back to how they were before he arrived, but another part of me knows that’s a fucking lie.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

TYLER

Robert pulls Gemma through the bar, possessively dragging her out the door.

My jaw tightens as I replay the last ten minutes. Robert was a dick for embarrassing Gemma in a public place while also making Katie uncomfortable. I’m not pissed he put me on the spot, but I wasn’t going to be compliant either. I know I got under his skin, and now we’re even.

It’s obvious that Gemma’s more conflicted about marrying Robert than I originally thought. I’m not trying to make things harder for her, and I actually try to stay out of her way as much as possible. Maybe she was content before I arrived, but it’s clear as day that she’s not one hundred percent positive she wants to marry him.

“Is he always that rude?” I ask Katie after they leave.

“He’s got a hard exterior, but he treats Gemma like a queen. Always buying her expensive things, spoils her like crazy, and constantly begs her to move in with him. He’s also open about starting a family and wanting kids right away too. Wouldn’t surprise me if she ended up being a stay-at-home wife and mom. Robert’s very traditional.”

“Buying someone stuff doesn’t always mean treating them well,” I counter, grabbing my almost empty beer. “Does she want all that?”

“I’m not sure, but when she gets pregnant, she’ll stay home with the baby. He’s been very pushy about that, so she might not have a choice.”

There’s no doubt Robert Hawkley could give her a dream life, but I don’t understand what she sees in him as a person. Is it all about wealth and status? Gemma isn’t that superficial, but then again, there’s a lot I don’t know about her anymore.

“Wanna grab another drink?” I offer, needing to escape this conversation.

“Sure. Just one more, though.”

“So I have to be transparent with you,” I tell her after we grab some beers and sit in the booth. At the last minute, we decided to order fries to help soak up the alcohol. My stomach is in knots over what I’m about to say. “I know Jerry had good intentions telling Gemma to plan a double date, but I don’t want to lead you on. While I think you’re beautiful and a lot of fun, I don’t think⁠—”

“You don’t even have to finish.” She pats my hand. My shoulders relax when she nods. “I’m sure Jerry’s heart was in the right place, but I’ve realized I’m not in the right mindset to be dating right now. Owen’s my priority at the moment. Plus, I’m trying to buy a house and stay focused at work because I want a promotion.”

“Whew, okay.” I chuckle. “I was nervous since I haven’t gone on a date in…well, since before I went to prison.”