Forbidden Fate (Crowne Point 3)

“I’m so sorry, Lynette,” Tansy said. “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling. I promise we’ll figure this out.” Except Tansy rolled her lips, obviously filled with joy.

Her number one threat had just been taken out by West.

“There’s nothing to figure out,” West said. “We’re married.”

Everyone flinched.

Tansy led Mrs. du Lac out of the foyer, Beryl following.

It was just me, West, Lottie, and Grayson.

“What is wrong with you?” Lottie all but breathed.

“Story and I have a history together, sis,” West said. “I’ve loved her since I was a teenager. We’re soulmates.”

My back itched when he said soulmate.

Lottie narrowed her eyes, but on me, not her brother. “I’ve never heard you mention her.”

I swallowed. “He…he was my first love.”

A stale silence passed.

Finally Gray spoke. “Is that what you’re calling it now?”

My eyes snapped to his, but the click-clack of Tansy’s heels drew all our attention away.

“Lynette is lying down before dinner,” she said. “All the excitement tired her out.”

“Of course,” West said. “I’ll be sure to check in on her some other time.” West’s grip tightened on my waist. Gray zeroed on that, the muscle in his jaw flexing again. He tilted his head, the muscle in his neck feathering.

“You’re not leaving, are you?” Lottie asked.

“We were only coming to announce the good news.”

“Stay for dinner,” Lottie said, glaring at me. “I insist. I mean—” She turned to Tansy. “If that’s all right.”

“We’re heading to Asheville. Tonight. You know, it’s the honeymoon, sis.”

Gray flexed his fist until the knuckles whitened. I focused on anything else.

I had one condition when I married West du Lac: get me out of Crowne Point.

Away from Grayson Crowne.

Away from feelings I can’t control.

“Oh…you haven’t heard?” Lottie asked.

“Heard what?”

“It’s destroyed,” Gray supplied, voice like gravel.

“Destroyed?” I gasped.

His eyes snapped to mine. Lottie and West started talking about the events, but the voices faded as I faded into Gray’s blue eyes.

There was so much I wanted to say to him, but it was impossible with an audience. I tried to with my eyes. I was mad. Mad he’d pushed me into this. Mad I’d had no choice. Mad at myself for fucking doing this.