Page 148 of The Sweetest Devotion

“This is psychotic,” I bit out as I snatched my phone.

Cain arched a brow, taking a curious stance. “How so?”

I couldn’t call Keith. Not with Cain standing in front of me. So, reluctantly, I pressed the contact for Jadyn’s number and called her as Cain watched me while my hand shook.

“I hate you,” I uttered as the line rang.

“That’s an interesting response,” Cain marveled as he stuffed his hands into his pockets.

Hatewas such a strong word. And I had every right to feel that way about Cain.

“Hello?” Jadyn picked on her end and I wished it were Keith I was talking to instead. Keith who was about to be stood up. Keith who didn’t deserve to worry over why I didn’t show up.

“Hey, listen, my mom’s throwing me a private engagement dinner here at the house. She wants to invite you over,” I explained. “My warden would like to meet you.”

Jadyn snickered. “I really don’t know what to say to that, K.”

“Well, it’s too late to vet the guy, but it would benicefor you to meet,” I tried to make a joke of it but my mood wouldn’t lift. My heart was pounding in my ears and I couldn’t stop thinking about what I was giving up by staying and having dinner here.

“Got you. I’m on my way,” Jadyn promised before hanging up.

With that squared away I had no choice but to relinquish my phone as Cain held his hand out expectantly.

“I’m not a child, you know,” I said through gritted teeth.

Cain tucked my phone away. “This is a night for family, and friends. Why would you need to be on your phone?”

I glowered at him. “Because it’smine.”

Really, I’d never been a violent person in my life, and all I wanted to do was strangle him with his stupid tie. And then I took in his Tom Ford jacket. My mother wanted it off so he’d be more at home.

Rolling my eyes, I held out my Saint Laurent open between us. “Your jacket. My mom said to take it off. I don’t know about you, but it’s not good dinner etiquette to have guns out at the table.”

Cain thought about my offer for all of a moment before he slowly removed his jacket. He set it on the table near the stairs and then removed his gun and holster.

“Thank you,” he said.

Cain gathered his jacket and slung it over his arm. “Try to have a good night, Wife.”

With him and my parents holding me hostage? I wouldn’t.

Jadyn arrived at the same time as the catering was delivered. My mother had ordered from The Sheridan, making me at least anticipate the food. Except, I was naturally expected to sit next to my fiancé instead of my best friend.

“Jay, this is my fiancé, Cain Carter. Cain, this is my best friend, Jadyn,” I said by way of introduction of the two.

Cain reached out and shook hands with Jadyn, offering his version of a kind smile.

It worked. Jadyn had gushed over his photographs. In person she was doing a double take at Cain’s good looks.

Perhaps I was an anomaly for not being affected by my fiancé.

“Very nice to meet you,” Cain said smoothly. “I’ve heard great things.”

Jadyn peeked at me. In her eyes I could see the question of,Is he really that bad?

Focus, my gaze said back.

“Likewise,” Jadyn responded to Cain before going and taking her seat.

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