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I raced to Lincoln’s study. It was Eric’s room now, and maybe I didn't have the right to enter without permission, but I loved the space too. It was warm and somehow made me feel safe.
“Why is our father showing up to my wedding to announce yours?” Lincoln marched in behind me. Hurt and concern were etched into his features.
I hadn’t wanted him to find out this way. Actually, I hadn’t wanted him to find out at all.
I sank down in the chair behind his desk, too exhausted to stand.
He came around and leaned on the edge of the massive wooden piece of furniture. “In two weeks? Is this where you’ve been going at all hours of the night? Sneaking around with . . . who are you marrying?”
There was one bonus to that announcement. At least it threw him off the trail of who I’d really been spending time with.
Though I didn’t care if he knew about Cal. Only that it was temporary so there was no point in dragging my brother into something that was over before it began. Over a long, long time ago.
That familiar ache throbbed in my chest.
What would I say to Lincoln?You know, Cal. Well, I forgot to mention that way back when he tore my heart to shreds and I’m still humiliated over it.
“Beau.” He spoke with such worry it jolted me from my thoughts.
“It’s not a big deal.” I shrugged and pretended to study the papers in front of me on his desk.
I didn’t have to look up. IfeltLincoln’s imploring gaze.
“A wedding is quite thebig deal,” he mocked. “Especially when other people know about it before your own brother.”
I wanted to tell him everything. That Father was forcing me and I hadn’t come up with a way to stop it yet. But I couldn’t put that on him.
Teague burst into the office. “What the hell is this?”
I wanted to spin the chair toward the city and pretend they weren't there. Just like Lincoln had done to me once. That had made me furious, but now I understood why he'd done it.
He didn't want to hurt me.
“That's what I'm trying to find out,” Lincoln said. “Why wouldn’t you tell us?” His tone softened, like I’d wounded him.
I hated that my father had done this. That I'd allowed him to taint my relationship with my brothers.
“It’s a recent thing.” I waved off as if it were nothing instead of my entire future ruined.
If I married Alex Davenport, I’d likely suffer the same fate as my mother. Only I’d be dead by his hands.
How would Father cover up that?
I slapped my hands on the desk. Pain shot through my arms, but I barely felt it.
Lincoln and Teague started at my outburst.
“Did he cover up her murder?” I whispered.
Lincoln recoiled. “Why would you think that?”
I didn’t have to explain what I was talking about. Heknew.
Teague stumbled back.
“There’s no information—”
“This is a discussion for elsewhere,” he said sharply.
