Page 111 of Mercy & Malice

“No need. Just show her a good time and be respectful.”

He tilts his head as he grins at me. “You really have changed. I couldn’t stand by and let some guy take the woman I love out.”

Stepping to him, I straighten his tie. “Her happiness is worth more than my ego.”

He offers, “You can take my spot. It’s not too late. I’ll bow out if you want to use my ticket.”

“No.” It wouldn’t be right for her. “Your polished ensemble warrants a night out.”

He laughs. “You’re right. I make this look good.”

I press my fingers to my temple as Cain admires his appearance in the mirror.

Mr. Louviere yells, “Limo’s here.”

“Guess that’s my cue.” He steps to me, holding his fist out. “If you change your mind, you know where to find us.”

I tap my knuckles against his. “I won’t.” I can’t. It’s another test to make sure I’m the man for her, and I have to pass it. Even if I’m not the one standing at her side.

64

BROOKE

Standing in front the mirror admiring my gown reminds me of just months ago when I did the same for the winter masquerade. I was going to that with Cain too. But Micah had vanished and hated me because of my actions during Mercy.

“Can you zip me?” Ivy turns her back to me.

I fasten her gown before she faces the mirror. “It’s gorgeous.”

“Thanks,” she replies. “Yours too. I love that color on you.”

My hands brush down my sequined emerald gown. The strapless princess ball gown was the first one I tried on and my immediate favorite. Nothing else came close.

Ivy reassures me, “We’ll have a good time tonight. I haven’t been to one of these in forever, but my uncle swears it’s his favorite night of the year.”

“Yes, we will.” I’m determined to. “My mom wants me to send her a picture of us. She’s at the hospital with Donald.”

When she was sad the other day, I almost told her the truth. That the man she was grieving for locked me in a cage. But I couldn’t break her heart again. So, I kept it to myself. I was thrown off for a few seconds when she announced that she’s staying in the house because apparently Luca and Micah gave it to her, claiming it was what Donald would’ve wanted.

“Were you aware that Luca and Micah own the Montclair house and plan to sign it over to my mom?”

An uncomfortable expression flits over her face as she admits, “Yes. I heard Luca and Micah discussing it. Apparently, their grandpa left it to them and Donald just stayed there, refusing to leave, and neither of them made him. Until they did.” Ivy waves her hand around the room. “They don’t do anything small. It’s go big or go home.” She laughs. “Or, you know what I mean.”

“Yes. I do.” They are positively fans of big gestures, but him doing that for my mother still gets me. “Mom wasn’t supportive of us being together since she was marrying his dad. He told her he was doing it for me.”

Ivy nods her head. “Sounds like what I would’ve guessed his real reasoning would be.”

“But I told him there is no making this better, and I wanted him to never come near me again because I couldn’t forgive him.”

She waits a few seconds before she offers her thoughts. “He’s doing it to show you that he is respecting your wishes. And maybe showing he wants to do what is right for you even if you aren’t a couple.”

“I guess.” I still question it because what he did was too much. “It sounds crazy, but I want to be mad. And I’m having a hard time clinging to the emotion. How can I truly forgive him?”

“There’s no right answer. But as a wise person once told me only time will tell if the two of you can get past this.”

I ask, “Anthony?”

She grins. “Yep. He’s one hell of a butler who I now consider family. So, just give yourself some time. There’s no rush. Just take it one day at a time.”