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“I loved my brother, but I admit, I felt more than a small measure of relief when he was killed. Then, I knew I wouldn’t be forced into an arranged marriage. Not to mention, it was that whole situation that led to me meeting Declan.
She’s referring to Declan Beauchamp, her boyfriend and current Hollywood heartthrob.
Her brow furrows. “Is it terrible that I feel that way about my own father?”
I shake my head. “I wish my father a long life, but I can’t help wishing he’d get with the times. I mean, an arranged marriage? Jesus, sometimes I think all that money’s warped his thinking.”
“I can’t believe he let you break off the marriage, not to mention, actually leave home.”
“I didn’t give him a choice. And Knight backed me up. My brother stood up for me, which, if I’m being honest, is probably the only reason I’m not married to the mob,” I murmur.
She scans my features, “So you left, and your father let you go?”
I nod.
“And the man he promised you to?”
I hesitate.
Her eyebrows draw down. “What is it, Abby? What aren’t you telling me?”
“The man I was supposed to marry… I don’t think he took the news of our marriage being called off very well.”
“Meaning?”
I shuffle my feet, “He, uh… I think he may not have given up on the idea of marrying me.”
“What?” Her eyes round. “What do you mean?”
I bite the inside of my cheek. Should I tell her about the stalker? Nah, that would only worry her, and really, the man is probably harmless. He’s probably just upset because he lost face when my father broke off our engagement. I’ve never met this man, thank god. And I haven’t heard from him since I blocked his number. He’ll probably never call me again. Yep, I’m sure he’s realized the futility of his ways and moved on. I’m sure I’ll never hear from him again.
“I mean, I...may have met somebody.”
“Eh?” She blinks rapidly “You met someone. You mean, a man?”
“You don’t have to sound so disbelieving. I do meet men, you know?”
“Maybe, in your smutty books, you do. But in real life? Nah, I’ll believe it when I see it,” she scoffs.
“You’re right, men in real life never match up to book boyfriends...but Cade...might come close.”
“Cade, huh?”
“Cade Kingston, if you want his full name.”
Her eyes round, “You meantheCade Kingston who’s the captain of the English cricket team? The one who made the GQ top ten sexiest men in the world?”
“Did he?” I murmur.
“You know he did. You’re a PR professional. There’s no way you could have missed that.”
It’s true. I do know about it; not that I’m going to admit to it.
“Anyway, he’s also my brother Knight’s best friend.” I shuffle my feet.
“Ah… You do realize Declan knows Cade…” she says slowly.
“He does?” I wrinkle my brow.
