Page 130 of Let Me Keep You

He sucks in a deep breath as we walk to my car. “I’m letting you make the decisions here, but if you want me to punch his face in, just say the word.” He cracks his knuckles, making me laugh.

“Thank you. It means a lot,” I say honestly as we get inside and drive to Everleigh’s.

Tyler showers and changes clothes but not because Robert demanded it. It’s his daily routine since he’s covered in grease and sweat. Tyler’s always handsome, even filthy from work, but he also dresses up really nice. He’s wearing sleek black slacks and a dark blue button-up.

As we head across town to Fancies, I notice how tight Tyler’s jaw clenches and know he’s not happy about this situation. I’m not either, and I’m half-tempted to turn around, but I know that’d only stir shit up more. And I have a point to prove. I’m not afraid of Robert as long as Tyler’s with me. Robert will get his perfect business dinner with the rich client, and I’ll return his ring. Then it’ll all finally be over.

“We should all be thankful Jerry walked in when he did. Otherwise, Robert would’ve been eating my fist,” Tyler finally says.

“You can’t. He wants you to hit him so he can make you out as the bad guy, and considering your past, Robert wouldn’t have to try very hard. I don’t want you to get into any trouble because of me. He’s just not worth it. Trust me,” I say.

“Maybe not but breaking his big ass nose would give me so much satisfaction.” He flashes me a smirk.

I roll my eyes. “You say that now.”

We pull into the parking lot of the restaurant, and I turn off the engine. Sucking in a deep breath, I lean back on the headrest and close my eyes. Being at this restaurant brings back bad memories.

“You’re sure about this?” he asks again.

“It could be a huge mistake, but I’m glad I won’t have to pretend everything is fine because he wants me to. You have no idea how much it means to me that you came with,” I admit, already feeling overwhelmed. I just want to get this over with and make it known to everyone that the relationship is over.

He takes my hand in his, brings my knuckles to his lips, and presses a soft kiss on them. “I promise I’ll do whatever I can to help and to make sure you’re safe. Even if it means going to a bougie ass restaurant and wishing I were somewhere else. But I’ll go anywhere with you, Gemma.”

His words have my heart melting. “It seems upscale, but the food actually sucks, especially compared to yours.” I smirk, then check the time. “I guess we should put our game faces on and go inside.”

“Yeah. Don’t worry, we’ll get through this together,” he reminds me, then we get out of the car and walk toward the entrance.

Tyler glances at me with a smile. “Just in case no one has told you today, you look beautiful.”

Heat rises from my core, and I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth as Tyler opens the door for me. When our eyes meet, the intensity is enough to steal my breath away, and it only reinforces that I made the right decision by deciding not to marry Robert.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

TYLER

I’m not sure what I should expect when we walk inside. The waiters wear dress shirts with ties and the customers drink wine from crystal glasses. It’s the type of place you take a date with the expectation of getting fucked afterward. I can’t even imagine how expensive the food is, but it’s not any of my concern since Robert’s paying.

Perhaps I’ll order the most expensive dinner I can.

When Gemma walks to the host stand, I can tell she’s uncomfortable.

It’s reserved seating only, so she gives them Robert’s name. Moments later, they’re escorting us through the dining area to a semi-private room in the back.

As we pass the tables, I feel as if there’s a spotlight on me and everyone knows I don’t belong. At times like this, I’m convinced I have the word convict tattooed on my forehead. We continue and are finally brought to a secluded area where Robert’s sitting at a table with a blonde. The way he creepily studies the woman, who I can only see from behind, is disgusting. It’s as if he’s undressing her with his perverted eyes.

Gemma glances at me, and I shoot her a wink. It’s enough to make her lips turn up as we move closer. Robert stands to greet and kiss Gemma’s cheek, but she takes a step back. When I step forward, the woman turns her head. The room briefly fades and goes black as the shock of who’s in Lawton Ridge settles.

“What the hell?” My voice booms as I zero in on her—Victoria O’Leary.

Her plump lips turn up into a sneer as she finds joy in my expression, and I can barely control my temper.

“Oh, fantastic.” Victoria crosses her legs, showing off her bare thighs. “How lovely to see you again, Tyler. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? About…five years?” She forces out a malicious chuckle as I narrow my eyes and ball my hands into fists.

Gemma looks back and forth between us. “You know her?”

I glare at Robert and Victoria. “That’s the bitch who framed me and got me locked up.”

Victoria’s hand flies to her chest, and she cackles so loud it pierces my ears. “You got exactly what you deserved.”