Making sure my gun is strapped to my shoulder holster, I shrug on the jacket and pick up my keys. My mobile phone is off. My wallet in my pocket, I head out to the car. It’s only a few blocks away, but I will need to get away from the mansion as quickly as possible.
In the driver’s seat, I start the engine and pull out onto the road toward the house. When I reach the spot I marked out days ago, I come to a stop and sit watching the guests make their way inside.
Excitement churns in my gut, a reminder that soon I’ll be reunited with the memories, the truth, and the admission that comes with what I’m about to say. A limo pulls up, and as the back door opens, she gets out. Her black dress is evidence that she’s not happy about the union.
I knew she wouldn’t be. And she would’ve made it known.
I exit my own car and make my way around the house. I blend in as I move through the crowd of guests and up the stairs. Lycan would be in his office by now, talking to Kahn about security.
Nobody would seek me out.
Nobody would even bother asking who I am.
There are so many strangers here today. I’m just one of the many faces. I’ve ensured my hair has been cropped short from the ponytail I usually sport. My beard has been shaved, and my hazel eyes are now dark brown from the contacts. I look nothing like Darius Shaw.
I hear them usher the guests to the garden, but I quickly race up the steps onto the landing and take a right toward her room—my brother’s fiancée. The door opens, and out comes her best friend, Aelin.
I’ve had to learn all about the pretty blonde when I was doing my research. The moment she sees me, her eyes widen. “Who are you?”
“Who are you?” I throw back, offering her a smirk which seems to have the effect I need.
She grins. “I’m the bride’s best friend, Aelin.” She holds out a dainty hand, which I accept, bringing her knuckles to my lips and pressing a kiss to the smooth skin.
“Well, it’s lovely to meet you,” I tell her before releasing her. I keep her stare, holding her hostage with a mere glance. “I trust you’ll enjoy the show.” I straighten and leave her staring at my back as I step into the bathroom not far from Scarlett’s bedroom.
I wait inside listening to the music change, and when they play the bridal march, I step out of the bathroom and find Scarlett in the hallway. The darkness enveloping her from the dim light of the interior of the house.
She spins on her heel when she hears the door click, and her gaze widens when she takes me in. I can see the wheels spinning in her head. She’s trying to place me, but she won’t recognize me. I know she won’t.
“Scarlett,” I greet with a bow. “It’s so lovely to see you.”
Confusion creases her brows. “I’m sorry. I don’t think we’ve met.”
Nodding, I gift her a lie. “I’m one of Lycan’s acquaintances. An old friend, so to speak.” For a moment, I’m almost certain she’s going to scream, but I would happily shut her up with a hand to her throat, but when she nods, I ease the tension in my shoulders.
“It would be an honor to escort the bride to the aisle,” I tell her with a charming grin plastered on my face. I offer her my elbow, and she slowly but gratefully accepts with a smile.
“Thank you. I can’t find anyone,” she tells me with a soft, gentle tone that makes the blood in my veins boil with anger.
I shouldn’t hate her.
It’s not her fault.
We walk out onto the landing and take the steps down to the foyer. Turning left, I lead her toward the patio doors. The moment we step out onto the soft grass, I glance up and grin at Lycan, who looks like he’s ready to kill.
Walking down the aisle is surreal as I hold onto Scarlett’s hand. The gun in my shoulder holster feeling heavier with every step. We’re almost at the end of our march when I reach into my jacket, flashing the metal at my brother, whose eyes widen.
A gasp of guests from behind me doesn’t deter me. That’s when I hear feet shuffling and a few of the women screaming. I don’t turn. My focus is laser sharp. He puts his body between the gun and Scarlett, but he doesn’t need to worry. I won’t hurt her.
When I first heard he’d signed the agreement for her hand, I thought it was a lie. I figured he was doing it merely for revenge. But now I see he does have feelings for her because he steps forward, taking her hand in his. He tugs her toward him, and he leans in. The whisper he gifts her with causes her to flick her gaze toward me, which is evidence that he’s just told her who I am.