Page 2 of Contrition

He stared at my reflection with me, sadness in his gaze, before he said, “I told him.”

Dread immediately pulled in my stomach as my head whipped to face him directly. Today was not the day for him to pull a stunt, and if it was the stunt that I thought he pulled, I would be out for blood in the next six seconds. “Who? You told who,what?”

“Zack. I told him about that night.”

My words came out slow and filled with malice. “What night?”

Six…five…four…

“Oh, you’re going to make me spell it out for you? I told him about the night I got shit-faced-drunk and kissed you. And then tried to convince you to leave him for me. Do you feel better now? Should I shout it for all of your guests next?”

And skip a few numbers toone.

I blinked once.

Then twice.

“You’re such a fuckingdick!” The words flew out of me with no caution, and I was unbelievably grateful that my mother wasn’t in the room to chastise me. Those were words to have a sandal thrown directly at my head. Even if it was my wedding day.

Theo swallowed roughly. “He deserved to know.”

“Oh, fuck you. Is my husband-to-be still here after you told him that one? You know, while our friends and family sit just downstairs, ready to watch us say ourvows?”

“Of course he is. Do you really think Zack would leave you on your wedding day? I’m the asshole here—not him. But I couldn’t let him get married without knowing, anyways. He’s still my brother.”

“You kissed me!” I nearly shouted the words. “I didn’t do anything wrong.Youmade a move onme. Do not get it twisted. Do not even phrase it as anything differently. Do not paint me as the bad guy here, like you’re ‘saving’ your brother from being married to aputa!”

His blue eyes narrowed into a squint as he crossed his arms. His toned, heavily tattooed arms that bulged way too nicely underneath the black dress-shirt. “I didn’t.”

That made the alarm bells in my head dim slightly. “You…you didn’t?”

“No. I only told him my actions and feelings. You never told me yours, and therefore I did not place words in your mouth. Though, I would appreciate it if you would stop doing things like gawking at my arms while this conversation, of all topics, is happening. It only makes me want you more, princess.”

Princess.

If only murder wasn’t a crime punishable for years upon years.

Would a court side in my favor in the case of a man overstepping on a day that was meant to be the best of your life? That should have been in a handbook somewhere.

My words landed with an exasperated chuckle. “I am marrying your brother in ten minutes. Your brother is the love of my life. Zack is my best friend. You were drunk. Maybe you’re drunk right now! Whatever the hell it was—is—drop it. Capeesh?”

Theo took one step toward me. And then another one, until he stood directly above me.

I gulped.

He didn’t stop there, though. He placed his hands on either side of my head, effectively trapping me against the mirror. I refused to look down or away from him—refused to show him any sign of nervousness—and instead forced our gazes to clash. “I can assure you, princess, that I am not drunk. And I say this with my whole chest now before I probably won’t have the chance to do so again. Are you listening?”

I only glared.

The motherfucker had some nerve.

He laughed. “Such abrat. Just listen closely, okay? I am in love with you. I love my brother more than life itself, and I’m filled with nothing but joy over the career we’re leading ourselves to, but I would love nothing more than to kick his ass at the altar if it meant I got to keep you for myself. If you weremine.I would turn him black and blue for the chance.Capeesh?”

A scoff marred my words. “You don’t even know me like that,estúpido.”

“Oh? I don’t?”

“No, you don’t.”

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