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A private island. No prying eyes. That’s the dream I told them about the night we met. He remembered?
Sebastian adds, “If you need more time, take it. If you need space, we’ll give it to you. And if you need us to do a little more convincing, we’re all game.”
His last offer sends tingles through me. His offer and smile remind me of how light and free they make me feel. How the world is easier when they’re around, which is ironic since they’re a giant triplicate complication in my game plan. And how I finally feel free to be me…the princess who deserves to be worshipped, not society’s princess who has to conform to artificial standards.
My dad and stepmom rush in.
Great.
My dad says, “You’re safe. Thank goodness. You gave us all a scare. We should go home and talk.”
He’s got his no-nonsense face on, while his delicate bride clings to him and looks afraid to touch anything in the bar.
“No,” Klayton says. “This is Aria’s safe place, where she’s not judged. When she first told me that, I didn’t understand the full extent of what she meant, but I get it now. If she wants to talk, we do it here.”
“Thanks,” I say quietly.
“What were you thinking? All of you? I’ll have my social media guy work on damage control.” Dad shifts his gaze from me to my brothers.
What’s it going to be? A public statement? Not likely. Several appearances to glut the media with other photos and talking points? Finding a way to spin it? I’m preferring my brothers’ idea of how to get through this.
“I don’t need…I don’t want your help, Dad. Thank you for offering.”
“Aria, adults don’t act out and have promiscuous romps. They have conversations and handle their personal matters privately. I’ve raised you to understand that.” He calms down. “But I realize I’ve put a lot of pressure on you. I’m sorry for not letting you be yourself. And I know this will come as a surprise, but on the way over, Pam and I talked about me not running for office again. It will take you out of the public eye and give me more time with her.”
Too little too late. He thinks this is acting out? I’m too hurt for words.
Pam keeps hold of Dad.
Reality hits me. “Dad, how did you figure out where I was?”
He nods the way he does when he’s uncomfortable. “I showed them where you lived then took them to the hospital. We were all so worried when we couldn’t find you, but they thought of the bar.”
“Isn’t it interesting that these guys know where my safe place is, and you didn’t. You’ve never set foot in this bar. The bikers don’t even think you notice how much of an asset they are to the community. I know that because I haveconversationswith them. And would you like to take a guess as to how my brothers know this is my safe place? We had aconversation.Like adults. We had sex. Like adults. And we’re getting married. Like adults.”
Oh shit! Everyone’s eyes go wide.
“We are?” The brothers say in unison.
My rug of bravado is pulled out from under me. With much less enthusiasm than I’d worked up, I say, “Yes. I don’t need more time to think. I’m saying yes.”
“But you can’t fall in love that fast,” Pam says.
We all look at her in disbelief. Sebastian calls her out, “Mom, you and Theo just sprung a whirlwind relationship and marriage on us. If anyone should understand it’s you two.”
“That’s different. Besides you’re brothers and sisters. You can’t…” Dad tries to make a point but can’t.
“Let the political posturing, happy family thing go, Dad.”
Klayton takes over. “We’re just people who fell in love. And I promise you, Mister Barnes, Mayor, Dad…we’ll take good care of Aria. Our mom raised us right.”
A ruckus in the doorway draws our attention.
“Get the fuck in here.” Mammoth growls. I’ve seen him mad. Whoever he’s talking to has crossed the wrong guy. But why is Mammoth forcing someone to come inside?
A man in a biker cut stumbles in. Mammoth is right behind him, grabbing the back of the guy’s vest. The yellow patch. It’s him. The guy I convinced myself wasn’t following me.
“Anyone recognize this piece of shit?” Mammoth types on his phone with his free hand.
