Forbidden Fate (Crowne Point 3)

Mad he had the audacity to apologize.

He didn’t get to apologize.

Not when we were still living in the consequences.

Something like recognition flickered in his eyes, and his jaw feathered, with shame maybe, or anger more likely; then he looked

away.

“We’ve been dealing with it all morning,” Lottie said. “While you were apparently eloping.”

“I guess we’ll stay in another house.” West looked at me. “How do you feel about Europe?”

I’d only ever been to Europe with Grayson, and the memories rushed through me.

I’m going to mark you everywhere. Would you like that?

It was like Gray knew I was thinking about him, knew he was deep inside me. His blue eyes throbbed and pulsed, leaving me breathless.

I always thought engagement rings were a bit too ephemeral.

His bruise had faded, and now I had a shiny new stone…I covered my wedding band, heart cracking, and his gaze cut to the movement.

I quickly tore my eyes away, back to West. “I love Europe—”

“Don’t bother,” Gray cut me off, voice icy. “We can’t let family stay on the street. Isn’t that what you were saying?” He glanced at Lottie.

Silence oozed like sludge. Everyone hated the idea; it was clear in the stiff silence. The only person Gray watched was me.

“I don’t think we should impose,” I said.

“It’s not an imposition.”

I wasn’t going to stay at Crowne Hall after I just sold my soul to the devil to leave.

“Well, I appreciate the offer,” I said. “But I think Europe is more our speed anyway.” I hoped my icy tone said the words I really wanted to say.

Fuck.

You.

I’d rather eat glass than stay here.

I looked to West, waiting for him to agree, but then Grayson spoke.

“You know the press will have a field day with this. How do you plan on spinning it? The heir of Du Lac industries marries the Cinderella of Crowne Hall.”

Silence drifted as his words settled.

I wanted to scream.

Just let me fucking leave.

“I suppose a few weeks of press wouldn’t be the worst thing,” West said.

“But…” I trailed off.

I could feel the iron bars slamming shut behind me.