Page 21 of Fake Fiancé, Real Wedding
He watches her go, and yeah, there’s the definition of goo-goo eyes right there. My God, they are disgusting. I’m jealous.
Jared swings back to me. “You know she’s going to make you go tell Lachlan how you feel, right?”
“I do.” I laugh out another sigh. “And I want to. It’s absurd to love someone so much so quickly.”
“So why am I sensing abuthere?”
Slumping forward, I rest my chin on my arms and huff into my hair. “But what if he reallywasjust using me so he could buy this place?”
“But, Del?” Jared asks. “What if he reallywasn’t?”
I frown at him. Frown at the annoying possibility that Lachlan had merely used me. Frown at the view of the valley. “I want to believe in love at first sight, Jar,” I murmur, shaking my head. “I really do. But what if it?—”
“You need to leave her the hell alone,” Lachlan growls, swooping into my vision from my right, a towering, tattooed giant with a murderous glare locked on Jared. He slams his palms on the table, invading Jared’s space, almost nose to nose.Danger radiates off him, like a panther coiled to attack. “If you don’t, I’ll?—”
“What thehell, Lachlan?” I leap to my feet.
Lachlan swings a frown at me. “Keeping you safe from?—”
“My cousin’s fiancé?” I snap.
Movement in the corner of my eye tells me Jared has straightened from his chair. He’s not as tall as Lachlan, nor as massive, but he’s damn close. He dips his head in a slow nod, arms crossed over his broad chest, stare locked on Lachlan. Everything about him screamsIf we’ve got a problem here, I’m happy to fix it.“G’day, mate.”
Lachlan’s jaw knots. A guarded tension falls over him. “He’snotyour stalker?”
Bursting out a strangled laugh, I throw my hands in the air. “Stalker? This is Jared. He’s marrying Stevie tomorrow!” I’m furious. And yet…strangely touched.
Stop it.
“And,” I continue, my pulse stabbing in my ears, “Iwastelling him I think I’ve fallen in love with you but I’m worried you’re only using me so you could buy this place.”
“What?” Lachlan’s eyes widen. His Adam’s apple jerks up and down his throat. “Del, that’s not at?—”
“But then you go and pull this macho caveman bullshit,” I cut him off, waving my arms up and down. “Like I’m your property. Or are you pissed I wasn’t there to play your submissive, adoring fiancée?”
“That’s not?—”
“Y’know what?” I shake my head. “I was right. Loveisstupid. I’m out. Done. Good luck with the purchase. I’m sure you and the resort will be very happy together.”
And, without another word, I spin on my heel and stomp away.
Done. Done. Done.
Chapter Fifteen
Lachlan
A strong hand on my biceps stops me from following her.
Turning, I meet Jared’s gaze. There’s an unspoken challenge in his eyes. I’ve broken a man’s clavicle for less.
“Not a good idea, mate,” he states on a chuckle. A vein of steel ribbons through his voice. “I know Del well. You go after her now, while she’s pissed…” He snorts, dropping his hand but not his stare. “You’re big, but notthatbig.”
I rub at the back of my neck, watching Del stomp away, furious with me.
I should have told her last night that I think she’s amazing, that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. That what I feel for her issignificantdespite only just meeting her. Instead, I’d hidden my dread she’d think I’m an idiot behind more incredible, bone-melting sex and then fallen asleep.
“I fucked up,” I mutter. “I’ve upset her. Hurt her. I never meant to make her feel anything less than worshipped and protected and loved.”
