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If I could walk away, I would’ve years ago.
With a sigh, I groan, “Since you won’t give me an honest answer, what now?”
Chris reaches across the table, offering me his hand. I reluctantly take it, curious about what will happen if I play along with whatever he thinks is happening. “You want honesty? I need you, Jackie. We’re going to make me the next President Blake.”
I inwardly cringe at the nickname, keeping my expression neutral. “And if you lose? What will happen then?”
“I won’t lose.” A cocky grin appears, and I want to slap it off his smug face. If he went up against Alex, there is no way he would win, but I doubt I could convince him to run against Chris.
The sliding glass door opens, and we both turn to find Alex carrying a bouquet of cornflower blue roses. I suck in a breath—they aren’t a generic bouquet of a dozen red roses you’d find at a supermarket. There’s also beautiful, lush green filler…and not a hint of lavender in sight. Stunning, in comparison to my wedding flowers. My heart swells as tears threaten to fall, and I quickly blink them away.
Alex closes the door behind him, only taking a single step before he spots Chris. Stopping in his tracks, he glances between Chris and me, his surprised expression quickly shifting to a glower directed at his brother. “Christopher. When did you get here?”
With Chris’ attention focused on Alex, I give Alex a quick shake of my head, afraid of what might happen ifhe shows me the slightest bit of affection. Heeding my warning, he sets the flowers on the kitchen counter and casually leans against it, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
How can he remain so calm when I’m a damn ball of emotion?
Chris doesn’t answer Alex’s question, not that I would expect the King of Deflection to. “Thank you again for standing in for me on my big day, but I’ve got it from here,” he sneers, squeezing my hand tightly. I hiss, and Alex pushes off the counter.
“He’s right,” I rush out, and Alex freezes. Keeping my tone even, my heart breaks into a million pieces as I add, “You’ve been so helpful in ensuring everything went smoothly. I appreciate all that you’ve done for us.” A stray tear escapes my eye, and I refuse to let a second fall—I don’t want to give Alex a reason to worry, or Chris the satisfaction.
Chris releases my hand and tosses his wallet on the table with a sly smirk. “Here. You can have your identity back. There’s a ticket at the airline counter in your name for a flight that leaves in a few hours. You should be able to make it if you pack quickly.”
“Don’t you think it would be a bit suspicious to fly to and from Hawaii in twenty-four hours?” Alex grits out.
“I landed yesterday,” Chris finally answers Alex’s initial question and sits back in his seat, entirely too proud of himself.Has he been spying on us?My eyes widenbriefly, but I quickly school my expression. “You can tell them you came to visit your brother—since you missed our wedding—and there’s urgent business back home.”
“The story isIwas in an accident!” Alex’s arms fly wide. “How am I supposed to explain traveling so soon?”
“There’s a wheelchair in the back of the rental.” Chris throws his car keys at Alex, who catches them with ease.
Alex pins Chris with an icy glare. “Are you fucking kidding me? And what about Jaclyn?”
“You meanmy wife?” Chris chuckles darkly, and bile rises in my throat at the label. “I’m sure you’ve done quite enough.” He gestures with a nod toward the flowers. “I suppose I don’t have to worry much about you two getting close. Her favorite color is red, not blue.”
Alex contains his smile, but the twinkle in his eyes betrays him. “Is that so? Well, it’s a good thing her husband is here to set things straight. Here I was, trying to be a good friend.” Calling me his friend stings more than Chris insisting I’m his wife. Alex shrugs and walks toward the bedroom, calling over his shoulder, “Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be out of your hair.”
Chapter 24
Alex
Closing the bedroom door behind me, I lean against it and blow out a long breath. I suppose I should be grateful he’s here; I’m falling for her harder by the minute. If I stay for the rest of the trip, I’ll never give her up. Just seeing him here has me wanting to steal her away, never looking back.
What am I saying? I’ll never give up Jaclyn.
She may remain legally married to him, but she’s my wife.
Fuck. This.
As I’m about to storm into the room and tell my brother to give up the woman I love, a slew of vibrations in my pocket stop me. Taking out my phone, I find several messages from Finn Gallagher.
Finn Gallagher
As you have discovered, your brother decided to pay you a visit.
Get back to Washington so we can hash out the details.
Mickey is fucking pissed.
