My Darling Bride(60)

Ha. I’ve heard that before, but his eyes aren’t bloodshot, and he does seem calm. But appearances can be deceiving. My dad would be easy one minute, then turn into a monster the next.

“Are you seriously going to listen to him?” Jane asks, her tone incredulous.

Yes, I’m curious. Plus, a ton of people are outside, milling around on the sidewalk. It’s not like I’ll be alone with him. And if he knows anything real about me and Graham, then I need to know so I can protect Graham.

“I’m watching from the window,” she calls out as I follow him to the door, “and if he so much as looks at you wrong, I’m coming out with an axe.”

What’s scary is we do have an axe in the kitchen, next to the fire extinguisher. It’s not big, but it could do some damage.

Kian holds the door for me, and we exit the store. He takes a seat on a bench that faces the window and sends a wry wave to Jane, who simply glowers. I sit next to him and wait for that tingle of attraction, for the tug I used to feel, but there’s nothing but the bitter taste of regret.

He leans down and puts his elbows on his knees as a long exhale comes from his lips. “I really messed things up with you this time.”

“Yes.”

He gives me a glum look. “I put a tracker on your phone because I was fucking around on you.”

As I suspected. My intuition is rarely wrong. I grew up with mistrust and fear and learned early on to be hyperaware.

“I hurt you, then chased you across the desert to convince you to come back to me.”

“All true.”

A few beats of silence pass as he mulls over what to say next.

“I’m a real asshole, Emmy, and I’m sorry.”

Sincerity is in his tone, true, and I appreciate it, but . . . “Leaving bouquets of lilies won’t fix anything, Kian.”

Then his next words make me flinch.

“Missy admitted she called you and told you that I was coming to your motel. You must have been desperate to get away. You stole Graham Harlan’s car to escape me.” He cocks an eye at me, studying my reaction.

“Me? Hardly.” I blink innocently.

“Here’s the thing. This guy came around to my place and started asking questions about you and Graham. He claimed to be a reporter, but I know a PI when I see one. I saw your engagement post, by the way. Congrats. It’s created quite a stir in football world. ‘Kian Adams’s ex set to marry Graham Harlan.’ But whatever. I didn’t deserve you, and I fucked it up royally. Too much drinking. Too much money. Fame. I’ve hit some rough patches in my career, and I was lashing out.”

I tense. “There’s no excuse for what you did.”

His mouth twists.

“You’re responsible for your actions,” I add. “You caused harm. Don’t do it to someone else. Don’t hurt Missy.”

“Forget her. You look beautiful,” he says, his gaze caressing me.

My lips press together as I say nothing.

He inches closer. “Anyway, I thought you should know that this guy told me you stole Graham’s car. He also asked me about your parents. That’s why I came. I know how private you are and wanted to warn you.”

Graham mentioned that he didn’t file a report about me, just that his car was stolen, so the PI must have talked to the clerk at the front desk.

He makes a noise in his throat, a pained sound. “Tell me, Emmy, was it love at first sight—with Graham?”

I stare down at my beaded shoes. “Yes.”

I feel him glancing at the ring on my finger.

“We were just over, and I thought you’d be more upset or at least wait awhile before going out with someone. I’m hurt that he’s someone I know.” He hangs his head. “Did you plan on meeting him at the motel in the desert?”

I glance at Jane in the window. She’s holding the axe. Jesus.

The less I tell him, the better. “I never cheated on you, Kian. Sometimes it takes meeting the wrong person to find the right one.”

He stands to his feet as he drinks in my features. “Baby. That bullshit doesn’t sound like you. We had something good.”

I narrow my eyes. “We weren’t right for each other, or you wouldn’t have been tracking my phone. You would have had more respect for me. And you never would have choked me. Also, don’t leave flowers here. Don’t be following me down the street. We’re over. You know it. I know it. Graham knows it.”

“I still love you, baby. Don’t marry him,” he says fervently as he takes my hand. I jerk back at the zap of fear that dances up my spine. I guess it will always be there when I encounter him.

Jane exits the store, axe in hand. “Let her go, motherfucker.”

“I do love you. I really do!” He gives me one last longing look, then drops my hand and stalks away.

She slides in next to me, both of us watching his back as he turns the corner.

Jane sighs. “I’m mad at you right now for even talking to him.”

“Hopefully not enough to axe me?”

Her shoulders release the tension she was carrying. “Meh. I guess not. It is your wedding day, and I’d hate to get blood on that dress; plus, you did give me a steady job. I’m actually really hungry. How about a cookie before you tie yourself to Graham?”