Page 117 of Wicked Lord

Iwouldn’t.

The girl of my dreams had admitted that she wanted me, but that was just it. The Cordelia I wanted only existed in my dreams. I’d built up our relationship and worshiped the ground she walked on, only to realize it hadn’t been as deep as I’d thought.

As it turned out, my relationship with Cordi had been fake, while the farce Lorelei and I had concocted became the most honest thing I’d ever had.

Fuck me.

I loved Lorelei Battenberg.

“No, Cordi, I wouldn’t break up with Lorelei for you.” I put the stick down and slowly closed the distance between us, giving her time to back away. “I think we missed our chance. Even if we had gotten together, I think we eventually would’ve realized we were better as friends.”

She angrily swiped at the tear leaking down her cheek. “I’m such a dumbass for not grabbing you when I could.”

I rested my hands on her shoulders. “You’re not a dumbass. You were just scared.”

She sniffled as pain flickered across her expression. “And now, I’m going to end up alone or trapped in some bland, loveless arranged marriage.”

“You’ll find someone tough enough to break all those steel walls protecting your heart.” I pulled her into my chest, inhaling her sweet perfume. It didn't give me the same high as Lorelei’s scent. “You’re an amazing girl, and one day, someone’s going to fight tooth and nail to win you over.”

Cordelia pulled back, chewing on her trembling bottom lip. “I’m sorry I treated you like shit, Ax. You deserve so much better, and I hope Lorelei knows how damn lucky she is.”

A lazy smile pulled at my mouth. “I’m pretty sure she knows.”

“I’ll kick her ass if she hurts you.” Cordi poked my chest. “Make sure you tell her that.”

“I will.”

If someone had told me a few months ago I’d reject Cordelia Chesson for Lorelei Battenberg, I would have called them insane. But blondie had stolen my heart, and I hadn’t realized it until it was almost too late. I was crazy about her, and I’d do everything in my power to keep her.

Brock didn’t stand a chance. If I had to use my connections within the Serpents & Daggers to make sure that asshole stayed away from Lorelei, I would.

Angry flames lit my blood when his sneer flashed through my mind. Murder wasn’t off the table. I’d outright kill him if I had to.

CHAPTER 48

IT’S YOU

Lorelei

Ugh, gawd, not her. So much for an hour away to get my mind off things. Namely, my fake boyfriend turned real love of my life spending the afternoon with his ex to discover how he really felt.

Fantastic idea, Lore.

I tipped my visor down, pretending to focus on the little white ball a few inches from the tips of my last-season golf shoes while I strangled the club in my hands.

“Lorelei is that you?” A sugary sweet voice reached across the putting green.

Shit. Busted.

Forcing on that plastic smile, I straightened and faced my best frenemy. “Oh, hi, Tate. I didn’t see you there.”

She strutted closer swinging her hips so her cute tennis skirt swished high up across her perfectly waxed thighs. “I haven’t seen you around the country club lately.”

“Yeah, I’ve been super busy.” I waved a nonchalant hand.

The truth was that Dad’s membership had been revoked due to failure of payment. I was currently attending Copper Cove’s most elite golf club on Axel’s family membership. He’d dropped me off earlier so I could spend the day and relax. But there was no way in hell I’d ever spill that little tidbit of embarrassing information.

“Oh really? Like what? I haven’t seen you at any of the fundraisers lately. In fact, I haven’t even seen you around the sorority.”