Blackstone Ranger Charmer - Alicia Montgomery Page 0,51

The Russel’s lineage has been untainted for generations, and they certainly won’t be allowing someone like you to muddy their bloodline. Not when they have prime Woolworth stock available.”

What was she talking about?

“Oh.” Vicky covered her mouth as she laughed. “I guess you really have no idea.”

“No idea about what?” God, she wished her voice didn’t tremble.

“What’s been in the works for a while now.” Her stiletto heels clicked on the asphalt as she took a step forward. “Gabriel and I are engaged to be married.”

Her blood froze in her veins, and her heart stopped for a second. “Engaged?”

“Yes,” Vicky said. “Sure, we broke up for a while, but it was only because we were both so young. I understand that he needed to get that energy out of his system—sow his wild oats and whatnot—but now it’s time, and our families have come to an agreement.” She bared her teeth, glossy red lips parting. “So, I suggest you get out of the way, or else.”

Temperance stared at the other woman, the seconds ticking by. Then that voice in her head came back.

Of course he’s engaged.

Vicky is who he deserves to be with. Perfect and beautiful.

Gabriel will never want you.

A pit began to form in her stomach. No! she screamed at her inner voice. You can’t control me anymore! Gabriel is my mate!

A lightness, a kind of clarity washed over her. Then, she began to chuckle. Soon it became a full, lengthy, cackling laugh that had her clutching her sides. “M-m-married?” She managed to choke out between giggles. “Oh my God, you’re so pathetic.”

“What—what are you doing? Are you making fun of me?” Vicky screeched, her eyes flashing. “No one makes fun of Vicky Woolworth! Stop it, stop it right now!” She emphasized her orders by stamping her feet.

“Oh God …” She wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. “Listen, you delusional cow,” she began as she managed to get ahold of herself. “Gabriel hates you. You had your chance, but you blew it because you’re vain and insecure, wanting him to prove his love to you all the time. And now he’ll never want you again, and that’s all your fault.”

Vicky’s face turned an alarming shade of purple. “You bitch! You should have left and gone back to Chicago when you had the—”

“Vicky,” came a deadly voice from behind. “I suggest you choose your words carefully. Or not say anything at all.”

The lioness’s face crumpled, and she slowly spun on her heel. “Gabe! Thank God you’re here!” She sauntered over to him, arms reaching out, but stopped when he sent her a warning glare. “Your … your human was threatening me!”

Gabriel’s eyes blazed as he folded his arms over his chest. “That’s not what I heard. Sounds like she was giving you a pill that’s hard to swallow.”

Her shoulders stiffened. “You can’t mean to choose this … this insignificant little human over me? Our families have been friends for years. What would Genevieve say?”

“First of all, Gen has nothing to do with this,” he said. “And second, I’d love to hear her thoughts when she finds out you’ve been spreading rumors about our supposed engagement.”

“It was just a matter of time—”

“Well, it’s the first I heard of it. You know that’s not how it works,” Gabriel said in a warning tone. “And if you think spreading your lies will get you what you want, then perhaps you don’t know Gen at all. She doesn’t like being told what to do.”

Vicky swallowed audibly. “You’ll pay for this, Gabriel Russel.” Her nostrils flared as she fisted her hands at her sides. “You and your stupid little human slut!”

“Vicky,” Gabriel roared.

“You had your chance,” she told Temperance. “Now you’ll regret not taking it.”

“Leave,” Gabriel ordered. “Now, or I swear to God—”

“Fine,” she harrumphed, then turned around, marching all the way back to the bright red BMW a few feet away.

As Vicky’s car roared out of the lot, Gabriel rushed to her side. “Temperance, are you okay? What else did she say to you?” He raked his hands through his hair. “Oh God, I’m sorry. I should have told you … I just didn’t know how. Please, baby,” he begged. “Forgive me.”

“Forgive you?” she asked. “For what? She was the one who was lying.”

“Uh …” Gabriel took a deep breath. “It’s not a one hundred percent lie. I mean … this is going to sound strange, but I hope you’ll hear me out.” Taking her hands, he gathered them into his.

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