Devoured - Cathryn Fox Page 0,64
the airport, but still can’t figure out where we are. It’s not until we land in customs that I realize I’m in Italy.
Italy!
Where Roman’s family lives.
Oh, hell no!
“I’m getting back on the plane,” I blurt out.
Cason takes my hand and tugs. “You said you trusted me.”
“Cason, why are we here?” I don’t want to see Roman. We’re done. But I can’t tell him that because he never knew what we were doing behind closed doors.
“There is something I want to show you, then we can turn around and head right back to the States.”
My stomach cramps. “I don’t get it. What about the bachelorette party?”
He gives me an exasperated sigh. “Do you have to question everything?”
“Yes.”
“Fine. I’ll explain everything shortly. Right now, I need you to trust me.”
With my stomach in tight knots, we go through customs and outside there is a limo waiting for us. We all pile in and I put my travel bag by my feet. I have no idea what my brother is up to. All I know is that I do trust him and if he wants to show me something, I’m not going to say no. If it has something to do with Roman—and how could it not—I’m going to kill him.
As we drive, a cold chill moves through me despite the warm temperatures outside, and I dig into my carry-on duffel bag to see if Carly packed me a sweater.
“What the heck?” I ask, when I pull pair after pair of sexy underwear from the bag. “You didn’t pack me any clothes.”
She looks away, avoiding my gaze, and once again I can’t help but think she’s acting strange. “I didn’t think you were going to need them,” she says.
“Why on earth wouldn’t I need clothes for a bachelorette party?” I snort. “Then again, I guess we’re not really going to Gemma’s party. I still don’t understand all the underwear, though.”
“To answer your earlier question, Peyton,” Cason says, “Londyn and Carly are here because we are going to a wedding. Just not Gemma’s.”
“Then I do need clothes.” Maybe I’d better lay off the wine, because nothing is making sense. The car comes to a stop and we all climb out. I glance around at the big open field, which goes on as far as the eye can see. “Where are we? Whose wedding?”
I take a step forward and go completely still when I spot Roman cresting a hill, walking toward me. But he’s not alone—behind him I spot his entire family.
My legs go weak and Cason puts his arm around me. “Cason...”
“You two need to talk.”
I glare at him. “You were behind this?”
“Yes,” he says, a calmness in his voice that does little to soothe me.
“Why?”
“All I ever wanted in my entire life was to make sure you were safe and loved, Peyton. But you’re grown up now, and it’s time to stand on your own two feet and make your own decisions. A conversation I shared with someone very wise opened my eyes to that.”
I gasp. “Really?”
“Roman and I talked, for hours. Now it’s your turn to talk to him. What happens next is up to you. He’s a good man, Peyton. In fact, he’s the best, and if there was ever a man I wanted in your life, it’s him. I know you’ll make the right choice.”
“You don’t understand.”
“I think you’re the one who doesn’t understand.”
He gives me a little nudge until my legs are moving and the next thing I know, Roman and I are standing alone in a wide expanse of field, our family and friends in the distance.
“What’s going on, Roman?”
“I’m sorry about tricking you into coming.”
I cross my arms. “Say whatever it is you have to say.”
“We have a problem.”
I try to keep my breathing steady, but his proximity is seriously messing with my body and brain. “What kind of problem?”
“You see, I hurt you, Peyton, after I swore I never would. But you have to know I didn’t do it on purpose. I’d never do it on purpose.” I blink up at him, and he continues with, “I love you, Peyton. I’ve always loved you. I never thought you could be mine, but now, well, I’m going to do everything in my power to make that happen.”
My throat dries. “You...love me?”
He laughs and shakes his head. “Is that what I said?”
I stiffen. Oh God, did he not mean it? “Yes, that’s what you just said.”
His smile falls, his face completely sober, when he says, “Then that’s what