“Yeah. Don’t worry, we’ll get through this together,” he reminds me, then we get out of the car and walk toward the entrance.
Tyler glances over at me and tilts his lips up. “Just in case no one has told you today, you look beautiful.”
Heat rises from my core, and I tuck my bottom lip into my mouth as Tyler opens the door for me. When our eyes meet, the intensity is enough to steal my breath away, and it only reinforces my decision not to marry Robert.
Chapter Seven
TYLER
I’m not sure what I should expect when we walk inside. The waiters wear ties and dress shirts, and each table is drinking wine in crystal glasses. It’s the type of place you take a date with the expectation of getting fucked afterward. I can’t even imagine how expensive the meals are, but it’s not any of my worry because Robert’s paying. Perhaps I’ll order the most expensive dinner I can.
When Gemma moves toward the host stand, I can tell she’s uncomfortable.
It’s reserved seating only, so she gives them Robert’s name. Moments later, they’re escorting us through the dining area to a semi-private room in the back. As we pass tables, I feel as if there’s a spotlight on me and everyone knows I don’t belong. It’s times like this when I’m convinced I have the word convict tattooed on my forehead. We continue and are finally brought to a secluded area where Robert’s sitting at a table with a blonde. The way he creepily studies the woman, who I can only see from behind, is disgusting. It’s as if he’s undressing her with his perverted eyes.
Gemma glances over at me, and I flash her a wink of comfort. It’s enough to make her lips turn up as we move closer. Robert stands to greet and kiss Gemma’s cheek, but she takes a step back. When I step forward, the woman turns her head. The room briefly fades and goes black as the shock of who’s in Lawton Ridge settles.
“What the hell?” My voice booms as I zero in on her—Victoria O’Leary.
Her plump lips turn up into a sneer as she finds joy in my expression, and I can barely control my temper.
“Oh, fantastic.” Victoria crosses her legs, showing off her bare thighs. “How lovely to see you again, Tyler. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?. About…five years?” She forces out a malicious chuckle as I narrow my eyes and ball my hands into fists.
Gemma looks between us. “You know her?”
I glare at Robert and Victoria. “That’s the bitch who framed me and got me locked up.”
Victoria’s hand flies to her chest, and she cackles so loud it pierces my ears. “You got exactly what you deserved.”
“Did you know about this, Robert?” Gemma asks in an accusing tone, crossing her arms over her chest. “This is low, even for you.”
The room is tense as hell, and I gently grab Gemma’s arm and pull her back so she’s not too close to Victoria.
“I had no idea,” he claims, huffing as if he’s insulted she’d even ask.
I move closer, putting space between him and Gemma. “Cut the shit, Robert. You knew exactly who she was. Fuck you.”
“And fuck you too,” I say, turning to Victoria.
“We’re not staying here.” I grab Gemma’s hand to lead her out of here, knowing exactly how dangerous it is for us to be around Victoria. Seconds later, Gemma is being jerked away. Our hands break, and Robert has her pulled close to his body.
“Let me go!” she shouts.
“I didn’t know, Gemma.” Robert pleads with his eyes.
“Bullshit,” I say.
“I didn’t!” He raises his voice, and I catch sight of Victoria watching us with amusement. We argue back and forth before Victoria walks over to us with her wine glass in hand.
“He really didn’t know,” she admits, drinking her alcohol as if she’s having the best time.
“And why should I trust a goddamn word that comes out of your mouth? I learned my lesson already.” I scowl.
She flashes her million-dollar smile. “Believe what you want, Tyler. I wanted to find you after I saw your name on that witness list. Which was far too easy, by the way. I knew we’d meet again, though honestly I didn’t think it would be this early in the game. It’s a nice surprise, even more so that it involves some weird love triangle.” Victoria’s obviously proud of herself as she arches a brow with a cunning smirk.
“Mission fucking accomplished,” I throw her way, blocking Gemma from both of them. Victoria’s dangerous and so is Robert.
“My previous sentiment still stands,” I say. “Fuck off.”
Gemma and I move toward the door as Robert follows us, begging her to stay like a little bitch. He continues to mutter Gemma’s name under his breath as the exit of the restaurant comes into view. Once we’re outside, he cries for her to stop. Gemma sucks in a deep breath and breaks away from my hold.