Page 116 of Worth Loving You

Leaning back, he covered my lips in a sweet, tender kiss, my heart swelling so much, I felt it would break because there was no way it could hold this much love and happiness.

The kiss tapering off, he scattered a few tiny ones around my face, wiping at my smeared lipstick with his thumb. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you for loving me, forgiving me, and giving me this chance. You won’t regret it.”

Urging me back to my chair, he scooted me to the table and reclaimed his own. Flashing a smile to the others, they were all grinning back, some half ass clapping. None of it was genuine, and it made me sad.

Milo picked up my hand and kissed the brand new ring over and over. He was staring at me nonstop but chatting to his parents. He was worth it. Being his wife, we would be so happy, I wouldn’t even notice his entire family hated me. One day, they had to see I was good for him. They would realize how much we loved one another; they would soften.

He shifted his chair closer to me and draped his arm across my shoulder, kissing my temple. Propping his ankle on his knee, he tapped his fingers to the champagne flute, continuing the conversation I wasn’t exactly a part of.

I shimmied to the edge of my seat and leaned against his side, my forehead on his neck, my hand on his thigh. My finger wiggled, elation swirling my blood. This was the best birthday of my life. With Milo as my husband, I was sure to have many, many more.

Chapter 43

Wyatt Shaw

My lids closed, a boulder dropping on top of my heart and sinking it to the floor. The sensation was palpable, making me cough from the discomfort. Gazing down at my brandy, I swirled the liquid around the glass, unable to keep looking at the happy, newly engaged couple.

Sniffing sharply, I stood straight and downed the rest of the drink, setting the glass on the surface.

“Another?”

“No, I need something stronger. Vodka. Spirytus. Straight.”

Meyers and Jonas gazed at me sternly. Cutting my lids, I tapped my knuckles on the bar and jutted my chin at the server. “Now?”

“Yes, sir.”

“So, tonight’s the night you want to die?” Jonas asked, sipping his rum.

“I swear to god, brother, you puke, I’m acting like I don’t know you.”

The bartender set the glass in front of me, and I swept it up, downing the clear liquid in one gulp. A steel fist slammed into my gut, making me cough, my eyes burning. Absorbed with heat, I broke out in sweat.

Hissing through my gritted teeth, I tossed the glass on the counter and wheezed, “Another.”

Meyers waved his palm, closed his eyes, and pursed his lips. “Coffee. Black.”

Scoffing, I rolled my eyes, dropping to my elbows, my fists at my temples.

“What’s wrong with you, man?” Jonas asked, finishing his drink. “Coffee, too,” he told the server.

I pulled the stool next to me closer and sat down, cupping the rim of the mug set in front of me. “Nothing. What’s been going on with you guys? How’s life?”

Jonas snorted and took a sip of his coffee. Checking over both shoulders to make sure no one was listening, he said, “Same old same old. Chrissie is still whoring around and I’m still cleaning up her messes, making sure the assholes keep their mouths shut and not blab to the world they bagged Vincent Moran’s old lady.”

Meyers snickered and downed the rest of his drink, ordering a coffee, as well. “I don’t see what the problem is, ain’t like he’s a fucking saint. He’s fucking around, too, ain’t he?”

“Of course. What about your Pampinella. How’s things with Jack?”

The corner of his mouth curled. Also checking for nosey ears, he lowered his voice and said, “Caught him in a little sordid affair, as well.”

“That’s not surprising. It seems like no one in the Pampinella family knows how to be faithful.”

The statement stung, and I peeked at Chastity. She was nestled against Milo’s side, his hand petting up and down her bicep while she toyed with the fancy engagement ring that I happened to know cost thirty-six thousand dollars because of that three carat FL diamond.

“Yeah, well…” He motioned us to lean closer so he could whisper. “This one is a real doozy. You’ll never guess.”

“The nanny.”