I look through the viewfinder and my heart drops to my toes when I see Hayes Rivers standing there.
I gasp, my heart racing and jump back from the door like it’s on fire.
What in the world does he want? Maybe I can pretend I’m not here. He knocks again, more insistent this time.
“One second,” I call out and run to shut the bedroom door, then scan the room for any signs of Stone’s presence. Seeing none, I take a steadying breath, and open the door.
Hayes Rivers is an entire mood. He looms large and imposing in my doorframe, smiling pleasantly, but his eyes tell an entirely different story. They’re cold and intent and his severe brows give his handsome face an austerity that is intimidating.
“This is a surprise. I expected you to be keeping the new Mrs. Rivers company,” I say in a lighthearted tone that is as transparent as his disapproval. I draw my robe tighter around me.
“Yes, my wife told me that you were responsible for her having her hair done. I wanted to thank you.” His smile is nothing close to grateful, and my chest tightens.
“You’re welcome and it was my pleasure. But you didn’t have to come all this way to tell me that.” I give him a tight smile.
“Actually, I did.” His pleasant smile falls away.
“Oh?” I raise an expectant brow.
“We’re having a post wedding brunch. Confidence thought since Remi wasn’t able to make it, and you just happen to be here, it would be nice if you came.”
I jerk backward and frown. “Wait, you were expecting Remi? Don’t you know he left town without a word?” I’m surprised because they became good friends last year; Bringing a very public end to the rivalry between our families.
His inscrutable gaze flickers with surprise before he looks away like something down the hall caught his attention. I stick my head out; there’s nothing there. But that would mean…he’s nervous. Hayes Rivers and nervousness don’t go together. Ever.
He narrows his eyes as if he’s trying to remember. “No. I didn’t, I guess. I just, it’s been a crazy couple of months and Confidence being pregnant and Gigi getting shot and recouping, you know. So, I have no idea what’s up with Remi. We sent him an invite, but…yeah, no.”
None of that makes any sense. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. He sounds like a guilty man talking to the police
What in the world is going on?
I narrow my eyes at him.
“And your wife, who works for him, didn’t mention that she hasn’t seen your best friend in two months?”
He shrugs. “She doesn’t work for him anymore. “
The rush of resentment I feel toward him is unwarranted
“Your wife was aglow with love for you. Don’t force her to give up on her dreams, so she can be your perfect little trophy. Trust me when I say that if you do, one day, you will regret it.”
He leans away as if I slapped him and then his expression darkens. “I don’t appreciate the insinuation, Regan. I can assure you that I can’t force Confidence to do anything.”
I flush. “I see, sorry. I’m projecting. Bad habit.”
He ignores me and glances over my shoulder, looking into the suite. My heart leaps in my throat.
“Can I help you?” I ask, moving to block his view.
He turns his intelligent eyes back to me, an almost charming smile on his face.
“I thought I saw something.”
“Well, it’s just me.”
He bites his lip, and nods his head, as if agreeing.
“Sorry. It’s a bad habit. In fact, I was just telling my brother, Stone, how easy it is to see things that aren’t there. He’s spent his whole life working toward this opportunity that’s waiting for him in Houston. But an illusion is about to ruin it all. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen.” He looks perfectly civil…but he’s making his point in a ruthlessly deliberate way.
He knows.
My throat constricts and I take an involuntary step away from him. “Well, good luck with that,” I manage to croak out.
He nods. “I’ll let Confidence know you had other plans and couldn’t join us for brunch.” His smile is all grace and charm, but his eyes glimmer with a satisfaction that makes me want to punch him in the nose.
If he was hoping to intimidate or shame me, he failed.
I give him a smile that’s laced with pure venom “Oh no,