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I reluctantly shoot off a quick reply, letting him know I’m on my way. As much as I loathe being tied to the Gallaghers more than I already am, I need to ensure Jaclyn’s safety.
Chris’ clothes are long gone, and while I love the idea of leaving him with nothing to wear, I'll enjoy him not fitting in my clothes more. I take out a fresh pair of shorts, boxer briefs, and a tee, then strip out of my clothes I went running in to take the fastest shower of my life.
Once I’m showered and dressed, I grab my phone and scroll through my contacts.How do I not have her number?Taking a quick glance around, I spot a small pad of paper and a pen with the resort logo. I rush across the room and pull the cap off with my teeth.
I meant what I said, princess. You’re mine. If you need anything, I’ll take care of it.
346-555-1234
I bring the pen to the cap that’s still between my teeth, then toss it onto the table. Ripping the paper from the pad, I begin to fold it, but I do a double take of the logo. At second glance, there’s a small snake wrapped around the palm trees.
Snake?
It’s odd for Hawaii. Shaking away the thought, I fold the paper and tuck it in my pocket. With a final survey of the room, I walk out, finding Jaclyn sitting rigidly at the table, her ankles crossed, and it’s as if all the warmth I’ve come to love about her has left. She looks ready for a job interview, not like a wife enjoying coffee with her husband. I shake my head with a small chuckle as I move closer.
Chris’ voice is low, and I’m unable to make out what he’s saying by lip reading, but his eyes are pained. Hope fills my chest that she’s not forgiving him for what he did, as if I could be so lucky.
“Hey, pri—Jaclyn, I seem to have misplaced my ereader. Have you seen it?” I pull the paper out of my pocket, keeping it hidden in my palm.
“Is it in the car?” Jaclyn asks curiously. “I think you took it on the waterfall tour.”
We didn’t see the waterfalls; that was on today’s agenda. Perhaps my little wife has more fight in her than I give her credit for. Without waiting for a reply, she stands and rushes into the kitchen. I’m able to discreetly slide the paper into her hand as she passes me. Jaclyn squeezes mine for a fraction of a second before releasing me, taking the note and pocketing it as she grabs the car keys.
“I’ll be right back,” she announces.
As soon as the door closes, I growl at Chris, “If you dare cheat on her again, you’ll find yourself in anotheraccident.”
“Is that a threat?” he laughs, making his way into the kitchen to dump his coffee in the sink. While he’s generally getting around okay, there’s a bit of a limp.
“A fucking promise. She’s too good for you.” My voice booms enough to echo through the villa. “She’s Mozart and you’re… Well, you’re a four-year-old with a keyboard. You’ll ruin her.”
“Aw, do you have a crush on my wife? I can’t say I blame you; she’s beautiful.”
“She’smy wifemore than she’s yours,” I spit. “I stood at the altar with her, swearing to love, protect, and cherish that perfect woman until my last breath. I’m a man of my word. If you hurt her, I’ll fucking end you. I don’t give a fuck that we’re family.”
“And how do you intend to do that?”
I cock an eyebrow and reply, “Who do you think cleaned up your accident? Mickey will be all too happy to take care of a second one.” His eyes widen. I may have hopped across the aisle, but the Gallagher brothers have no issue with politicians on both sides in their pocket. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Jaclyn safe from him. No matter the cost.
My phone vibrates, and I check it, keeping one eye on Chris.
Unknown
If I’m Wolfgang, you’re my Constanze.
I try my hardest not to laugh at Jaclyn’s eavesdropping as I stuff it in my pocket.
“You’re right about one thing,” I tell Chris loudly enough that she’ll hear, “I care about Jaclyn. Get your shit together and make her happy.” I bite my lip as a smirk tugs at the corner of my mouth. “Or I will.”
The front door opens, and both of us turn to the sound. My brother’s behavior has my blood boiling, but the mere sight of her grounds me. “Sorry, Alex. No sign of the ereader. Maybe we left it somewhere here, or on a hiking trail somewhere? If we find it, I’ll mail it to you.”
“Thanks for checking. Don’t worry about replacing it; I’m sure I can buy a new one somewhere before my flight. I was in the middle of a memoir that I was enjoying a bit too much.” Jaclyn draws her lips into her mouth for a moment, stifling a laugh. “Well, I best be off.”
This is it. This is where I lose her.
At least for now…
I take the wallet with the fake ID and credit cards in my name, even though I still have my own, and swallow thickly. My heart is already aching for her, and I haven’t even left. I was always supposed to walk away, but was foolish to think it would be easy.
