Avenging Angel (Pounding Hearts 5)

I’ve already lost everything. What more do I have to lose?

“Okay, fine,” I say, making my decision. I’ll probably regret this, but I’ll just add it to the pile with all the other regrets. “I’ll prove it.”

Turning around, I spot Tristan and my father still standing together where I left them. Only now a small crowd of people have gathered around them.

Perfect.

Without waiting to see if Ashley is following me or not, I make my way over to them.

“There you are,” my father says with an irritated look as I walk up. “I was beginning to think you got lost and was about to send someone after you.”

“Sorry,” I say, but truly I’m not sorry in the least. “I ran into Ashley.”

Talking to the man beside him, Tristan falters for a split second before he recovers.

I grin, turning toward him. “She was just telling me how she and Tristan fucked in the limo on the way here.”

There are a few gasps, the loudest and most notable one coming from Ashley as she finally catches up to me.

My father’s face turns beet red while all the color drains from Tristan’s face.

“Aubrey,” my father says sternly. “What is the—”

I cut him off, not letting him take control of the situation. “She also told me they’ve been fucking for the past three years behind my back.”

“What the fuck, Ashley?” Tristan snarls, some of his color coming back.

“Well, it’s true!” Ashley cries out in her defense and then real tears appear in her eyes.

Looking between Ashley and Tristan, my father seems to be at a loss for words. His mouth keeps opening and closing.

Knowing his speechlessness is only temporary, I push on, determined to get this all out.

“She was worried about us marrying, given what’s been going on between her and Tristan, but I’ve assured her I have no desire to marry Tristan. Never have and never will.”

“Now that’s enough, Aubrey,” my father says sharply, finally finding his voice.

Ignoring him, I step up to Tristan. He stiffens and a tendril of satisfaction curls through me to see him looking so uncomfortable and uneasy.

“She insisted I prove that I don’t want to marry you. Prove it by saying it to your face.”

Jaw tightening, Tristan looks down at me as I bore my eyes into his eyes.

“I don’t want to marry you, Tristan. I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on earth. I’d rather set myself on fire. I’d rather jump off a cliff. I’d rather eat shit and die. You’re a lying, cheating, despicable piece of shit who likes to hurt women and little boys!”

I slap Tristan so hard across the face he rears back.

“I said that’s enough!” my father roars and grabs me by the arm, physically dragging me away from Tristan.

Face as red as my father’s now and hands clenching into fists, Tristan tries to follow me only to have Ashley jump in front of him.

“Let her go, Tristan!” Ashley wails and pushes at his chest.

Satisfied now that I’ve spoken my piece, I try to jerk my arm free of my father’s grip. “Let me go, I’m leaving.”

“The hell you are,” he growls, his fingers tightening as he drags me across the room.

A few heads turn our way, but he ignores them. After dragging me almost to the exit, he finds a secluded corner and finally releases me by giving me a little push.