Page 11 of Set In Stone

“So you’ve told me,” Krystina replied with chuckle. “I could talk to her about the program I’d like to launch at the women’s shelter. She might be able to help me brainstorm ideas for helping the rape victims who come to Stone’s Hope. That should keep her busy enough. Unless, of course, you already gave her something todo.”

“Actually, I did. I told her to start researching wedding planners, locations, and florists. It’s something I should’ve thought of sooner. Party planning is what she does best, plus it will get the ball rolling forus.”

“Alex, we haven’t even settled on a date yet, or the type of wedding wewant.”

I pursed my lips in annoyance as I stared at the traffic on the road ahead. I wanted to point out that the only reason we didn’t have a date was because she wouldn’t set one, but then I thought better of it. I didn’t want her to get riled up, so I maintained a neutraltone.

“The wedding can’t be anything extravagant, Krystina,” I stated firmly. “Don’t overthink it. Simple isbest.”

“What if I want a big fancy wedding?” she asked quietly. Her tone was subdued, but I could sense the challenge in her question at the sametime.

I turned to look at her, only to find that her brows were furrowed. I fought the urge to reach out and smooth the creases between hereyes.

“Is that what you want? A big wedding?” I asked, hoping her answer would be no. A big wedding was simply out of thequestion.

Shefrowned.

“No, notreally.”

I breathed a sigh ofrelief.

“Good, because it’s not an option. Less media attention is better. I’ve had my fill of warding off the press as of late. They’ve been like vultures ever since the accident, and Charlie’s trial has them chomping at the bit,” I spat out loathsomely. “Justine understands that, and she’ll communicate it with whomever she chooses as a weddingplanner.”

“Oh. SoJustineandherchosen wedding planner are going to decide on it allthen?”

Her quiet tone was gone, replaced by one that was extremely sarcastic. The emphasis she placed on my sister’s name wasn’t lost on me. When she pulled away the hand that had still been resting on my knee, I could almost hear the warning bells gooff.

Careful,Stone…

“I told her to get with you on the details, angel. Don’t worry,” Iplacated.

“I see…” she trailed off, quiet and distant oncemore.

She was clearly upset over something I said. I pressed my lips into a thin line, trying to figure out what it was. We continued to drive in silence, the tension crackling in the air betweenus.

I slowed the car as we approached the building that held Tumblin’s office. After maneuvering into a parking space, I overrode the automatic power down of the Tesla by pressing the emergency brake, effectively killing the ignition. I then turned to face Krystina. The lighting from the street lamps cast shadows over her face and emphasized the dark circles under hereyes.

“Are you sure about this, angel? You look reallytired.”

There was a lengthy pause before sheresponded.

“Alex, you know I’m sure. It’s you thatisn’t.”

The bitterness in her voice made me grimace. Her uncanny ability to read through me never failed to beunnerving.

“Krystina –.”

“Let’s just go in, Alex. We’re going to be late,” she interrupted. And with that, she didn’t bother to wait for me to come around and open the car door for her. Instead, she opened it herself and gotout.

I slammed my palms against the steeringwheel.

Fuck!

Her abrupt exit from the car was infuriating. However, as I watched her make her way toward the building, my stomach felt like it had lead in it. I was reminded of the last time she exited the car without me; it was the day Krystina left me at Club O. I thought I lost her, and it was a moment in time I never wanted torepeat.

I rubbed my hands over my face, and took a deep and calming breath to rein in my mounting temper. Resigned to another round of psychological warfare, I climbed out of the car and followed herinside.

5

---