Chapter 8
After Emelia had Macy fetch a few of the most expensive handbags, she tugged on Nathan’s sleeve. “I have a wedding dress fitting today. Will you come with me?”
They were already walking through the yard as she spoke.
Just outside the open gate stood Katie, her skin as pale as snow. Like a cat, she slipped nimbly into a lavender–pink convertible, and to Nathan’s surprise, Zane was already sitting in the passenger seat.
Nathan narrowed his eyes. He distinctly remembered instructing security that no one from the Renner family was allowed on the property. He was about to call the head of security to chew him out when Emelia interrupted, “Nathan, are you even listening to me?”
Following Nathan’s gaze, Emelia spotted Katie–and the man beside her, whose closeness was impossible to miss.
After a brief silence, Nathan tore his eyes away. “I have things to take care of. I’ll have the driver take you.”
He turned to leave.
But Emelia called out to Katie, hoping to rope her in. “Katie, be my bridesmaid, will you?”
Katie turned her head, keeping the bright smile meant for Zane. But anyone who knew her could see the distance in her eyes, the impatience. She was just about to refuse when Zane placed a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s go together.”
Katie hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
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Chapter 8
Emelia was thrilled. She didn’t care what was going on between Katie and this man. As long as she could keep Katie close, she’d have more chances. to flaunt her intimacy with Nathan, to rub their sweetness and flirtation in Katie’s face. That was exactly what she wanted–to throw Katic off
balance.
The more rattled Katie became, the more Nathan would resent her, and the more secure Emelia’s own position would be.
So she pressed on, “You and Nathan have always been so close. You’re the perfect choice for my bridesmaid.”
J
Katie tensed for a split second. Ever since she’d confessed her feelings three years ago and been rejected–publicly and harshly–no one dared mention the Morley siblings‘ relationship. Everyone tiptoed around it, afraid of upsetting Nathan.
For three years, she hadn’t heard anyone mention anything about it. The
words felt both distant and surreal.
“What’s wrong? Is Emelia not persuasive enough? Do I need to ask you myself?” Nathan had doubled back and now stood beside Emelia, his gaze dark and unyielding, as if ready to pounce the moment Katic refused.
“We’ll go,” Zane answered for her before Katie could speak.
Katie had a million reasons to say no, but with Zane standing firm beside her, she couldn’t find the words.
Nathan shot the two of them a cold look, then turned and led Emelia.
away.
Katie watched their car disappear down the drive, her smile crumbling. “I’m sorry, Zane. I really don’t want to go.”
Zane placed his large hand gently on her head, ruffling her hair in
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comfort. “Thank you for being so honest with me, Katie. That means a lot.”
The moment she looked up, tears were already slipping down her chin. She broke down, sobbing–ashamed of her own weakness and even more at the realization that someone still cared about her.
Zane pulled her into his arms, shielding his own raw tenderness and love from her eyes. “Katie, I know you’re not ready yet.
“But trust me, you’re about to see quite a show.”
Katie had no interest in any drama, but there was something light and mischievous in Zane’s voice that drew her in. She hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long, long time, and she couldn’t help but be swept along by it.
By the time she realized what was happening. Zane had already settled her into the passenger seat,
