Page 54 of A Ruthless Arrangement
While I’ve never really been able to make sense of the nickname, it now makes me feel sick. “Yeah. Fine.”
“You don’t look fine,” he says quietly as his free hand reaches out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. It feels like everything he’s doing is revolting to me with what I’ve learned.
I take in a deep breath, trying not to let my emotions get the best of me. “You shouldn’t do that.”
He arches a brow. “Do what?”
I bite the inside of my cheek harshly, letting the pain steady me. “You shouldn’t try to trick someone by acting like you care.” The words slip from my lips before I can stop them.
I turn, pulling my hand away from his as I walk towards the table, sitting down across from Jack and Liam and trying to put on a brave face. Behind them, Alasdair still stands where I left him, an expression of shock and confusion written on his face.
I disregard them and turn my attention back to the other two gentlemen at the table. “Are you guys having a good day?”
Oblivious of what just happened, both Liam and Jack smile at me. Jack nods as Camden brings out more drinks for us before quickly disappearing back to the kitchens. “Lovely day. I mean, how could we not be enjoying ourselves? We’re out on the water, the weather is great, we had a fun day shopping, and now we’re seeing an iconic landmark at sunset. Not to mention the company is merry.” Jack grins and clinks his glass with mine. “Cheers.”
Alasdair slowly rounds the table and sits down next to me, his face slightly pale. He doesn’t say anything as he takes a long sip of his drink, until it’s half gone. My heart clenches at how distraught he looks, but I shake off the feeling. He doesn’t deserve my sympathy, and I’m sure he’s more upset that he’s not able to manipulate me more than anything else. He’s mad that his plan isn’t working.Maybe it's good for him to sit with those feelings.
I focus more on trying to have fun with Liam and Jack as the day winds down and the sun slowly sets. We have a delicious dinner out on the water, and although most of this feels hollow, I try to make the most of it and enjoy myself nonetheless.
Alasdair barely talks for the rest of the night, and Liam and Jack notice, shooting glances at him every few minutes. I keep my eyes locked on everything and anythingbutAlasdair, and I think Jack and Liam pick up on that, too. Not that I particularly care what they think of me.
When we return to the docks and disembark, I’m relieved. It’s one step closer to returning to the hotel, being alone, and not having to deal with any of this bullshit anymore.
I’m done giving people more chances out of empathy and not trusting my gut. Alasdair doesn’t love me, and he never will. Nothing more will happen between us beyond a business transaction.
26
Kerry
Something’s gone terrible wrong. In the short time that Amy went to get a breather, she’s returned with a bitter coldness towards me, as if she discovered I killed someone she loved.
I pause for a moment.I didn’t kill someone she loved, right?As far as I knew, no.
So then, what happened? As we get inside another car that’ll shuttle us back to the hotel, Amy sits stiff beside me in the middle seat between Liam and I. Jack has gotten in the front seat. I decided to bring Jack and Liam with us now that Amy is more comfortable with them. And they serve as a buffer between Amy and I.
I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone, opening it to see the conversation with my aunt still up. There’s another text from her.
Kerry? No response, really? Since when are you so immature?
I sigh and quickly type out a response.
My apologies. I got busy.
Busy trying to understand the sweet but aloof woman next to me. My Aunt Marjorie is a direct and straightforward woman, saying what she means and meaning what she says. I’ve always admired that about her. The thing is, even in her directness, sometimes she can be confusing.
Amy reminds me a lot of Marjorie. I think my aunt will really like her when they inevitably meet, as long as I can fix Marjorie’s perception of Amy before that. I need to undo the damage I’ve done, both with my aunt and whatever happened with Amy.
I can’t believe I’ve fucked things up even worse than I already had.
The ride back to the hotel is painfully quiet, and it takes everything within me not to turn to Amy and pester her with questions.Give it time. Patience. In a few short minutes, you can speak freely when you’re alone.
When the car pulls up to the curb outside of the hotel, I get out first, holding my hand out for Amy to take. But she’s already scooting to get out of the car on the opposite side with Liam. I blink in confusion.
She’s mad. More than mad, I think she’s fuming. And I have no idea why.
The four of us walk into the hotel lobby, and Jack and Liam say their goodnights, heading to the hotel bar since they’re acting like they’re off duty now. I give them both nods, knowing that they’re going to carry out the plan we discussed earlier, laying the groundwork for our little trap.
That slimy little Swede is never going to see us coming.
