I am never talking to you again, she seethed. You hear me? Never again.
I opened my mouth to respond, but she was on a rol . What is this exactly? she said, gesturing up and down my body.
Eh, clothing? I responded, looking down to make sure her and I were seeing the same thing.
Wel , its hideous and utterly inappropriate for the second biggest night of your existence. Her hands were bouncing on her hips”she was reaching her upper agitation limit. Once the foot-tapping accompanied the peaked brows, wide eyes, flushed skin, and hip holding, it was downhil from there. Where, might I ask, is the vintage Chanel evening gown I had over-nighted from Paris the day after I found out you would be Betrothed so it could be painstakingly hand-tailored for you?
Shed put a lot of effort, thought, time, and likely money into the dress I hadnt even bothered to take a look at. I immediately regretted my decision to not at least have taken a peek at the gown”I owed her that. Let me offer you a heartfelt ˜Im sorry before I answer that, I said, putting my words together careful y because Coras silk wrapped frame was nearing its eruption point.
Where. Is. It? The words seeped between her clenched teeth.
I winced preemptively. Back in my room? I was incapable of making a reply without ending it with a question mark when Cora was like this.
I am going to go get that dress right now. She bobbed her finger to the beat of her words. And you are going to wear it. End of story.
Man, Ive got good timing. Im not sure if Patrick had crept up behind me by teleporting or using his own two legs because Id been too caught up in Coras one sided cat fight. End of story with this conversation”he pointed between the two of us before gesturing between me and him”beginning of story for our conversation. Without another word, Patrick clasped my hand in his, pul ing me away from Cora without apology.
I am not done with her, Patrick Hayward, Cora cal ed out after us.
Without slowing or looking back, Patrick answered, Give it a rest, Cora. Ive got something of actual importance I need to discuss with Bryn.
Im not sure if Cora had a response for that”but I guessed she did and it wasnt cordial”because Patrick pul ed me down the narrow canvas hal way leading into the outdoor tent equivalent of a coat closet.
Whats going on? I asked like I had no clue, although I had a rather large one.
He didnt answer, he just kept marching forward until we were swimming in an ocean of varying shades of dark-colored wool and silk jackets.
Enough with the drama already, Patrick, I snapped, pul ing my hand away from his, although the death-grip he had it in didnt loosen, but he stopped. Youre freaking me out.
He spun around, his face as intense as Id ever seen it. Super, this night had just gone from the outside to the inside ring of hel . Sorry. Im not trying to freak you out, he said, letting go of my hand to run it through his perfectly straight hair. Ive been trying to get a minute with you al day, but since youve done an exemplary job of avoiding me”his eyes accused me in unison with his tone”I had to resort to extreme measures because Ive run out of time. Ive got to say this to you before or else youre never going to believe me, he finished, peering up at me like he was scared to make eye contact.
Before what exactly? I had no problem making eye contact with him, glaring my warning his way.
He blew out a long puff of air. Before were Betrothed.
CHAPTER SIX
MRS. (FILL IN THE BLANK) HAYWARD
I took a step back, my glare fal ing to the floor. I dont know what youre talking about. Wil iam and I are being Betrothed tonight.
Patrick let out a single note of laughter. Sure, honey. Keep tel ing yourself that. Too bad youre going to be crashing back down to reality in about thirty minutes.
I took another step back, crashing into a rack of coats. Patrick righted me, then the rack, before both spil ed to the ground. Im warning you right now, Patrick, I said, snapping my arm back from his grip.
Oh, shut up, Bryn, Patrick said, squeezing his eyes closed. You might be able to pul this demanding crap on my brother, but youve met your match in me.
Dont do this, I begged.
Patrick continued, I need you to stay quiet for one minute, sixty seconds, so I can get this out. Think you can manage that?
No, Im certain I cant manage that, I said, doing my best impersonation of looking tough. Especial y if what you want to say to me has anything to do with the crazy talk you prior mentioned.
He rol ed his eyes, unaffected at my best attempts at toughness. Youre not going to stay silent and listen to what I have to say?
No. You have some sort of handicap that prevents you from comprehending no the first time? My tone was toxic, but stil , Patrick remained undeterred.
Fine, if you wont cooperate, Il have to help you in experiencing the whole silence is golden motto.
I turned to leave, sure I couldnt handle another word from him, when he suddenly appeared in my path, this time aided by teleportation without a doubt. Without warning, his hand covered my mouth, effectively silencing my rebuttal. Im sorry I have to do this, but I have to say this to you first or else youl never believe me after the fact.
If I wouldnt have been so surprised by his hand clamping over my mouth and his words, I would have been able to come up with some snarky comment to throw in his face, but it was when his forehead lined the way Id never seen it before that I knew I was in trouble.
Theres no roundabout way to say this, he said, staring without blinking into my eyes. I love you, alright? Now before you go al femme fatale on me, hear me out.
I wouldnt have been more shocked if hed just confessed a life of monk-like celibacy was for him. I wanted to break free and run away, forget this whole thing had happened, but Patricks vulnerability was magnetic.