Page 109 of Wreck Me

‘Sorry, I’m just so excited for you. I can’t believe it.’

Rosa appears at the sliding doors at the rear of the house. ‘An Avery Williams is here to see Scarlett,’ she says quietly.

‘What a surprise!’ Scarlett beams at Rosa. ‘Send her out, please’

I couldn't allow Scarlett to go out with Avery, not until Killian confirms our plan for Declan O’Connor has been executed, but I did arrange for Avery to come here.

‘Is that Scarlett I can hear in the background?’ Approval taints my mother’s tone.

‘It is. She’s moved in.’ Satisfaction rumbles through my ribcage.

‘What?’ My mother’s joy is probably audible in County Cork. I only wish my father felt the same way. I haven't heard from him since his outburst in my office earlier in the week. He may actually keel over when he hears I’ve asked Scarlett to be my wife.

‘I hope it’s what I think it is!’ my mother coos.

‘We’ll see you at eight.’

‘Don’t worry about your father. Leave him to me. You know he’s a teddy bear underneath that grizzly exterior.’

I’m not convinced.

I end the call before she can ask any further questions.

Avery appears at the door wearing more clothes than I’ve ever seen her wearing before. Wide eyes scan the area in awe before homing in on her best friend in the pool.

‘Avery!’ Scarlett beams at her friend. ‘I can lend you swimwear if you want to get in?’

‘No need! I’m wearing some.’ She lifts her top and I look away, regardless of the fact all the patrons of the Luxor Lounge have seen it before.

I won’t be seeing it again though.

I’ve cancelled my membership. I refuse to give Christopher Cole another cent. It’s bad enough what he tried to do to Scarlett, but then, it turns out, he was the one who ratted her out to my father.

And besides, I’ve signed me and my fiancée up to another type of club. One where we can explore all our kinks, safely, anonymously, and in total luxury. I can’t wait to take her there and see what other desires she might have hiding beneath that innocent exterior.

‘Hurry up.’ Scarlett lifts her hand out of the water, motioning for her friend to get in. The sun dances from the five-carat diamond, the penetrative rays refracting and sending a spectrum of vibrant colours dispersing over the surface of the water.

‘Holy fucking shit balls!’ Avery screeches. ‘Is that a rock on your left hand or an engagement ring?’ Her jaw almost hits the floor as she scrambles out her clothes.

With as much grace as an elephant, she dive bombs into the deep end next to Scarlett. Water cascades in every direction. I glance down at my Gucci loafers and shake my head.

Scarlett’s answering laughter fills the air like the sweetest melody. My heart swells in my chest.

Avery bursts up from beneath the surface and squeals with delight for her friend as Rosa reappears with a chilled bottle of Bollinger and two champagne flutes.

‘I can’t believe it!’ Avery shrieks, snatching Scarlett’s hand and thrusting it under her nose. ‘Oh. My. God.’

‘Will you be my bridesmaid?’ Scarlett drops her hand to Avery’s bare shoulder.

‘Hell, yes!’ Avery whoops, yanking Scarlett into a bear hug that pulls them both under the water for a brief second.

‘Easy,’ I warn playfully. ‘That’s my wife you’re almost drowning.’

‘Don’t worry, Beckett. I won’t let anything happen to her,’ Avery promises. ‘You’re not the only one who adores her.’

‘So when is the wedding? And where is it? And most importantly, who’s the best man?’ Avery glances between us, bobbing around like an excited Labrador. ‘You know as bridesmaid, it will be my official duty to shag the best man. Please make sure he’s hot and rich and has a massive…’

‘Okay, Avery, I get the gist.’ I raise my hand up. I’ve heard enough.

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