Chapter 25 Alex stond m a black dress shirt and matching suit his demeanine calm and refined .
He glanced freen at faint , almost seductive smile .
Iroer momentarily , staring at him my trond You … why are you Tonuldnt even hanh my sentener .
My mouth want kerjan had rained a scene at the charity auction earlier to match Austins anger didit concem me as much as the fact that I had embarrassed the Herrera family I har atreaty brand yurt for humer coining I just hadnt expected Ales to sher over me , calm yet unreadable , and a chollaan own my spior .
Wabent a mad .
Alex lifted the set eyes still carried that halamal , almost soothing smile like a warm spring her But to me , it felt anything but reassuring .
Something was unsettling about it , though the alcohol duled my fear tagid courage really want Not that I was even the timist type .
It was just that , standing before Alex , I always had this strange feeling like Tears Then how else could be always know exactly where to strike ! The enclosed space was e was filled a the faint , woody scent of his cologne , crisp and cool .
It was oddly comforting , muking the tension in my That went had a way of pulling people in .
Hefore I knew it , my eyes drafted shut again .
The car had barely come to a stop when I shoved the door open and bolted .
I barely made it to the nearest Blower bed before thrown everything in my stomach .
My head spun , eyes stinging as heaved until I felt like I was going to spit out my soul over someone e elses mistakes .
Never drinking on an empty stomach again .
And definitely not punishing myself over The moment I was done , my head cleared just enough for me to catch my breath .
Pressing my fingers to my temple .
I turned- Austin was walking toward me , his face unreadable , his steps quick .
Instinctively , I took a step back Laurel , are you okay Austin asked anxiously .
His hand reached out , hesitation flickering in his eyes .
Come on , stop this .
What happened tom -lets just put it behind us .
Tomorrow , well go get the marriage certificate , and after that , well visit Morn at the hospital Okay I stilled , completely caught off guard .
It had only been a few hours , and now he was apologizing ! Over the past six years , wed had our fair share of arguments .
At first , Austin would still try to smooth things over , but at some point , he stopped bothering Stopped explaining And I adjusted .
Everyone around me made sure I did .
They said , Laurel , youre twenty five .
Austins a good man dont be stupid , just murry him already Every marriage has problems .
You cant be so naive .
As long as its not something major , just let it go ? 1 had wanted a home of my own .
Coming from a brokeri family , I longed for something stable , something real Even if his parents didnt like me .
Even if Rosemary was always hovering around him .
I had convinced myself that marriage would change e things .
That his family would warm up to me over time .
That Rosemary y would finally back on .
I had clung to those hopes , even when Austin hit me for the first time because Rosemary had attempted suicide , and somehow , that was my fault had still hoped , right up until the moment Austin brought Rosemary along when we were supposed to get our marriage certificate And when Austin laid hands on me again , because of Rosemarys lies , whatever hope I had left shattered .
Austin , dont come any closer .
I think we should keep some distance , I said warily , my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me .
Laurel , your moms still in the hospital .
I promised her wed get married today .
If not today , then tomorrose , okay ? Austin said Austin ignored my warning , stepping forward and grabbing my arm like he thought I had come here looking for him .
I just couldnt understand why Austin wasnt angry at all after I caused such a sornet Dud he really think we can just go back to the way things weret Before I could say anything , a deep , cool voice cut through the night .
Let her go Austin Htiffened .
Turning around , his eyes flashed with something close to disbelief .
Unclef : Then I jerked my arm free , exhaling quietly as I took a step back 1/2 Chapter 25 Ales had bern Iraning casually against his car , cigarette between his fingers , washing the whole scepe unfold .
He only stepped in when Austin grabbed me probably because he had no choice .
After all , no one in the Herrera family knew about our marriage plans .
If they had , it wouldve already caused an uproar Was that why he was intervening ? To keep this hidden ? But something was off .
If Alex wanted a secret marriage , he could choose anyone .
Why met Austin swallowed , his expression uneasy .
Uncle … why are you still in Nifelheim Cary ? Alex didnt even look at him , his eyes steady on me , his voice unhurried .
Austin , Laurel already ended things with you .
Dont make this harder than Austins head snapped up .
He retorted , We were just fighting ! We didnt break up Oh ! Is that so Alex raised an eyebrow before shifting his gaze to me , waiting What a joke .
Like Id risk my life crossing him a third time .
He couldt possibly think that I still had a different kind of relationship with Austinu could be ! Austin , I already told you when I left for Harbor City were done , I said , my voice firm .
Without hesitation , I stepped behind Alex Austin stood there , thrown off balance .
He opened his mouth like he wanted to argue , but Alex shut him down with a single glance .
Figure out hu youre going to tell the family yourself , Alex said coolly , Dont expect her to cover for you Then Alex turned to me .
Ill have my driver take you home ? I nodded immediately .
As I slid into the car .
I stole a glance at the Bluestar Hotel in the distance , a sudden wave of regret washing over me Shouldve slept a little longer .
When else was I ever going to stay in the biggest penthouse suite ?
