“It will,” she whispers. “I should let you go, though.”
“Okay, baby, please be safe. I love you,” I say.
“Love you more.”
The call ends, and I blow out a relaxed breath, trying to put all the pieces together. If this doesn’t work out, it could piss Robert off even more and then who knows what he’d do to get back at Gemma. But if we play our cards right, Robert would get a dose of his own manipulative medicine, something I would pay my life savings to see. He needs to be knocked down a few pegs, and I think we’ve found a way to beat the bastard at his own game. Now, I just need to call Eric and get him on board.
* * *
SEVEN DAYS EARLIER
It’s been twelve days since Gemma and I came up with our plan. In only two days, she’ll walk down the aisle and marry that stupid fucker. While I know it’s not real, it bothers me to no end that it’s not us getting the beautiful ceremony. Though after we filed the paperwork at the courthouse last Monday, I painted my lips across hers as if it might be the last time. Even though it wasn’t, it would be until this was all over.
We’ve kept up the act that we’re not together since the whole town is invited to the “wedding of the century.” Even when we aren’t in public, we’ve kept our distance. Neither of us trust that Robert wouldn’t have us followed again. It was better to play it safe, but it still doesn’t make it easy—especially seeing her every day at work.
Jerry has been in a bad mood over it all because Gemma told him she was marrying Robert despite him telling her not to. Everyone except him and her two best friends think they’re truly in love. They know about his ultimatum but not about our plan to pull the rug out from under him. We’re keeping it a secret just between us so there’s no chance of him finding out. Assuming everything goes smooth, we’ll share the news with them after it’s all done.
Each day I see her at work and can’t kiss her pisses me off. Finally, just when we managed to find our way back together and be happy, this bastard barges in and takes it away from us. What he doesn’t realize is it will just make our reunion that much sweeter.
It’s surreal not to feel threatened by Victoria for the first time in years. All the pieces are finally starting to snap together, and I can’t wait to spend time with the love of my life once this is over. After that night, Eric flew back to Vegas to take care of some work stuff, but will be back tomorrow to start preparing for his meeting with Robert next week. He’s been texting with Gemma on how to fool Robert into thinking he’s a multi-billionaire interested in dozens of acres of land for development. It’s quite comical when I think about all those meeting Robert dragged Gemma to, and now she’s going to use it against him in the biggest fucking way. I can’t wait to see the look on his smug ass face.
No one will suspect a thing either because hardly anyone knew Eric came to town or what he’d done. Fortunately, the case was filed as a triple homicide just as he thought it’d be. Everleigh’s witness testimony also helped since she never saw Eric or me. The O’Leary family was completely outraged by the sheriff’s lack of investigation, but Todd’s a lazy asshole. He’ll close anything up to avoid more paperwork. Regardless, it’s no longer my problem, and it’s finally over. Right now, all I can focus on is getting through this next week and ensuring Gemma gets that deed. After my training session at the gym, I get a text from her.
Gemma: Robert just added a stipulation to our agreement. Two days before the wedding! I’m so furious, I can’t even think straight.
Tyler: I hate him more every day. What is it now?
Her text bubble pops up and disappears, and it takes her almost two minutes to send it.
Gemma: You’re not gonna like it. Hell, I fucking hate it.
Tyler: Just tell me, baby.
Gemma: He says he won’t sign the deed unless we consummate our marriage on the wedding night. If I do, he’ll sign it Monday morning, but if I don’t, he won’t sign until