Page 78 of Temporary Vows

Four months stand between me and the finish line. There is no challenge I can’t best, but this one will give me a run for my money. Marrying Elodie Harper will not be an easy task.

I’m different with her. I may as well admit it. Everyone who’s seen me with her knows that. It won’t be something I can hide, not even from myself. And that’s the thing that worries me.

It made me wonder if I shouldn’t have gone with one of the girls from Levi’s list. But every time I think that, my reasons for choosing Elodie take over. None of which have anything to do with how different I am with her.

I want her because being with her works forme. It’s that simple.

I feel eyes on me as Dad moves on, announcing the new strategy appointments.

It’s Parker.

I turn and look right back at him, and we exchange a silent stare-off.

The one thing that’s always bothered me about my cousin is, I’ve never been able to figure him out. People say I have the same cool demeanor as a psycho, but Parker Vale takes that to another level.

He’s like Hannibal Lecter and the fucking Joker rolled into one.

Maybe he thinks the same of me. People can’t figure me out, either, so they avoid me. But Parker tries to fight me at every turn.

We’ve been the same since we were kids. It was worse back then because of my parents’ divorce. My father thought it would be a good idea to send us to England to live with our grandparents for a while—which turned into years.

It was a good break away from the nasty rift between my parents for everyone, except me. Because of Parker.

He took every opportunity to taunt me, and at that time, it was no secret that my mother abused us. Parker used every mark on my body as a target, whether it came from my mother or not.

He’d come from a loving home with both parents, who did everything for him. His father—Uncle Richard, Dad’s second-youngest brother—had always handed Parker everything on a silver platter. Instead of being fucking grateful, he threw that in my face.

His cruelty went on for years until I beat the shit out of him so badly, he ended up in the hospital for a week. I could handle his idiotic comments, but when he started picking on Levi and Locke, I lost my shit and nearly killed him. Though I was labeled the rebel and his family to this day loathe me, those with sense understood my actions and knew he deserved what he got.

What the fuck is he thinking about now?

Is he imagining himself in my office again?

Fuck him.

Parker’s jaw tightens as if he can hear my thoughts, and he sharpens his gaze before breaking eye contact and returning his attention to my father.

I look away and try to rebalance my thoughts. My plans are in motion. That is all I need to worry about.

The meeting continues, and time drags like nails across a chalkboard, but eventually, it comes to an end.

As everyone files out, I hang back. Knox cuts me a glance before he leaves. I’ll catch up with him later.

Dad is already watching me when I face him. He’s standing, so I rise, too.

“Can I have a word, please, Dad?” I keep my voice steady, making it clear I have something important to say.

“Of course.” He looks at me with anticipation, but his eyes remain guarded. Prepared for a fight.

We may have one. He won’t be happy when he hears who my chosen wife-to-be is. Nothing against Elodie; it’s about her being a Harper.

“I’ve made my choice for a wife.” I grin.

His eyes widen, and the guard drops from his expression. “Have you?”

“I have.”

“Well, don’t keep me in suspense. Who’s the lucky lady?” He looks intrigued and, admittedly, relieved.