Page 62 of Haden

I think back on that weekend and then gasp.

Haden lifts a brow. “Ring a bell?”

“Yes. There was a bartender named Lenny. He did buy me drinks. He was hitting on me. I did not encourage him in any way. I had a few sips of one drink. My girlfriends drank the rest.”

“Is there any chance you left with him or drank more than you thought or even that he roofied one of your drinks?”

“No.” My head is going to hurt if I don’t stop shaking it.

Luckily, Haden has his hands resting on my shoulders, his fingers threaded in my hair. He’s not letting me turn so far that I get dizzy.

“He’s lying.”

“Okay.” Haden seems relieved. His shoulders and face relax a bit.

“You have to believe me,” I sob. More tears fall. How could that asshole come here and fuck things up with the man I love?

“Emilia, look at me,” Haden orders.

I sniffle, trying to focus on his eyes.

“Good girl. Now listen to me.”

I nod. “Yes, Sir.” It seems important to obey him more now than ever.

He smiles. “I believe you, Emilia. If you say it didn’t happen, it didn’t happen.”

“My girlfriends could confirm it. We were together the entire weekend. We had a pact not to let any of us leave anywhere with someone else. It was kind of a joke. We teased that we were returning to Texas not married to a stranger.”

Haden chuckles. “Okay, baby.”

“What about this?” I hold up the paper.

“Easily forged. I’ll get to the bottom of it, don’t worry.” He bends his knees a bit so he can look me in the eyes. “I want you to go to our room and get ready for bed. I’ll be up in a bit. Can you do that?”

“Yes, Sir.”

He kisses my forehead. “Good girl.” He lifts me from the golf cart and turns me toward the house. “Go.”

I don’t hesitate. If there were ever a time I needed to obey him, it’s now.

Chapter 23

Haden

* * *

I’m furious. This asshole is going to prison. Does he have any idea how serious of a crime forgery is?

I’m exhausted and still stomping angry when the three of us finally get back to the mansion. I’m also grateful that the women are not around, undoubtedly sent upstairs by Ryder and Tiago who are waiting for us on the porch.

The five of us move to Ryder’s office without exchanging a word until the door closes behind us.

“I saw the patrol lights down there,” Tiago says. “I assume you called the sheriff.”

I nod, hands on my hips, pacing. “Yes.”

We’re all standing. The testosterone is thick in the air. I can see on all their faces that they’re furious. Good. Because motherfucker.