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I try to tug out of his arm, which only makes him hold me tighter against him. Sweat begins to trickle over my temples and down my back, and I pull on the high neckline of my gown.
“Rowan,” I whisper into his ear.
He turns from the conversation he’s having with Gunn to me and his brow furrows. “What’s wrong?”
Everything! Everything is wrong and you’re too close.
“I have to use the restroom.”
His gaze trails over me as if he doesn’t believe me. “Diana,” he says. “Would you mind going with her to the bathroom?”
She gives him a smile that says it’s a stupid question. “Come on, Lulu. I’ll help you.”
I sway into her as she wraps an arm around my shoulders. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
The second we enter the ladies’, I go to the sink and splash water on my cheeks and forehead.
Mom rubs my back. “It’s going to be all right,” she repeats what she said after she walked me down the aisle.
“It doesn’t feel like everything is going to be all right.” I press my palms on the sink and drop my head, taking deep breaths.
“I know it doesn’t now. But one day you’ll look back on this, and you’ll realize I was right.”
I lift my head and look at her through the mirror. Her eyes are so hopeful that I want to believe her, if only for her benefit.
“So what you’re saying is that this too shall pass?”
“Exactly.”
Straightening, I inhale deeply and let it out slowly. “I wish it would pass much faster.”
Mom places her hands on my shoulders. “Regardless, you are Louisa Duran. You can do anything.”
“You’re right. A little marriage to the man I hate is just a bump in the road.”
She grins. “That’s what I said.”
Frowning, I ask, “You said that about Papá? But you’ve been married for thirty years.”
“I know.”
I groan. “You give the worst a pep talks, Mom.”
“But I’m here for you anyway.”
When we exit the restroom, Declan is standing just outside, waiting. “Mrs. Kane, your car is waiting. Rowan is ready to leave.
“Thank you.” I attempt to move past him with my mother, but he thrusts out a hand. “What are you doing?”
“Mrs. Duran will be riding back to the house with us.”
“Where am I going?” I ask, digging my heels in when he tries to escort me away from Mom.
“I’m not certain. Rowan did not say and it’s not my place to ask.”
Frowning, I look at the large, strong man. “Aren’t you his second-in-command? That means it’s literally your job to ask questions.”
“Not when it pertains to you, apparently.” The last is said with a sort of sneer, and for just a moment, his façade of control slips.
