The Rivals - Dylan Allen Page 0,358

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, there’s nowhere I’d rather be this afternoon. Please let her know that I’ll be there.”

Anger flares in his hazel gaze, and he closes them for the space of a heartbeat. When he looks back at me, they’re ice cold. “I see,” his voice is grave and low.

“Glad you do. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a hot stone… treatment waiting for me.” I allow myself a second to enjoy the indignation on his face before I shut the door

And then, I start to panic. My scalp tingles and my whole-body flushes hot. God, he could tell Marcel. And then I’d lose my children. My heart constricts. I make it to the toilet right before I throw up.

I strip, turn on the shower, and climb in. I sit on the floor, my knees drawn up to my chin, and let the hard pricks of cold water soothe me. As the water heats up and my pulse slows down, my panic turns to frustration. When I can breathe again, I force myself to think.

There’s only one way Hayes knows about us, and he’s snoring in my bed.

Whether he told him or said enough so Hayes could guess, doesn’t matter.

I was deluding myself thinking we could carry on any semblance of a relationship after we left this resort. Even if I leave Marcel, there’s too much shit in our way. And friendship…is laughable.

I’d been heartsick when I saw him laughing