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“So you keep saying,” I mutter, but his tongue is abruptly in my mouth, hands weaving into my hair, making my knees go to jelly.
Damn it, why is he such a good kisser?
He abruptly pulls back, tugs my hand, and now we’re on the move.
Frustration floods my even-more-disjointed system as I’m led through the maze of hallways outside to where everyone is gathered in a gazebo by a massive swimming pool. The red and white rose-covered gazebo is breathtaking. Derek’s mother is beaming with joy. Once we climb the two steps, Grace grabs Derek’s free hand and Jonah reaches for mine and me, along with the Steele family, surround Michael, Shannon, and the officiant.
And it’s like none of us are even here as Michael and Shannon Steele renew their vows. They recite them staring at one another with so much emotion in their eyes it’s as if they’re alone and ready to tear one another’s clothes off. It’s like they’re getting married for the first time and it’s so vividly emotional, I forget my predicament for a couple of minutes, unaware until they’re finished kissing that Derek is holding my hand to his mouth, kissing it, watching me have the reaction as if I’ve watched a beautiful romantic movie.
While I shake off the stupor, Carson appears with a tray of champagne flutes.
The women seem to be giving me a wide berth, likely trying to avoid me asking for help again. Not that I’m about to. They’ve made themselves clear and this moment is about the renewal of vows between two people who’ve chosen to spend their life together, as messed up as the fruits of their union might seem to my eyes.
“Time to go,” Derek whispers in my ear before announcing it for all the other ears around. He kisses his mother on the cheek, and she looks at me with a strange look in her eyes as she reaches for my hand.
I hesitantly accept it. She gives me an almost maternal squeeze and smile.
“It was lovely having you here for such a special family moment, Chloe. We’ll talk. I’ll set up your press preparation appointment and then we’ll discuss your wedding.”
“Don’t bother,” Derek tells her. “I’ll take care of that. All of that.”
“But…” His mother starts but then lets it hang, looking at him strangely.
His father leans in and kisses my cheek. “Lovely to meet you, Chloe. See you both on Saturday night.” He stares at Derek and their eyes meet. “Please allow your mother to help,” he requests.
Derek’s eyes skim his father’s face and then settle on his mother’s hopeful one.
“Okay,” he concedes.
I stare blankly for a second, and then decide to shoot my shot one more time. “Happy Anniversary. Thank you for your hospitality today, but I’m going to do my absolute best to not be there next week. I really think you all need to sign Derek in for psychiatric help. Since Derek’s sisters and mother didn’t listen to my pleas, I hope you will.” I eye Derek’s father who is staring at me with an unreadable expression. “I’m here under duress. He’s made threats and has been relentlessly stalking me and derailing my life while manipulating me.”
“We’ll see you all Saturday,” Derek says casually, grabbing my hand.
I look over my shoulder as he leads me away and they all watch. Saying nothing.
Eli sips his champagne.
Ash looks like he finds this funny.
Jonah, though, looks at me with concern.
Our eyes connect.
“Please,” I mouth.
Derek tugs my hand a little more forcefully as Jonah jerks his chin in acknowledgement.
“Naughty girls get punishments, Chloe,” Derek says into my hair and picks up his pace.
I burst into tears and am audibly sobbing by the time we get to his car.
The valet hands him keys and looks at me with concern.
“Help?” I ask the valet.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
Derek crowds the valet with an intimidating expression. The young guy swallows and looks away.
