Page 12 of Tarnished Vow

“Because rings are an easy conversation starter. If a woman asks who gave them to you, and you answer me. She would read it the wrong way.” Dropping them on the bedside table.

“And why is a woman suddenly making useless small talk with me?”

It was overdue for him to be talking to other women other than just me. If anything, I had been selfish the last few years, obnoxiously taking all his time.

Instead of explaining it, I shrugged, grabbing my phone off the bed. The same knot in my stomach when I saw a message from Noah.

“So, which one are you going to choose?”

He had his hands in his pockets, still procrastinating. Shaking my head, I walked into the wardrobe getting his jacket off the hanger.

“This whole time, I thought Ivan, but Noah is…” I handed him the jacket. “Persistent. I know it’s his ego. The man just hates being told no. That’s what is turning me off. There is a thin line between possessive and controlling.” Shaking my head, “Do you hear how much I’m overthinking this?”

He just stared at me. I know I’ve gotten bad when he doesn’t even have an opinion.

“Alright, I’m leaving. Are you coming too, or do you want to take twenty minutes to put on your shoes?”

My phone buzzed again. Another message from Noah. How did this man not see that this type of behavior was scaring me away? Unlocking my phone. Vince was finally ready to leave, walking down the stairs beside me.

Maybe I had overreacted. Noah had only sent the pictures of us from the other evening. We did look good together.

Stepping outside, Vince closed the front door after us.

“I can drop you off home on the way,”

“And leave my car here?” I smiled. Geez, he might do just about anything not to go tonight. Running my hands over his jacket. “You look good, incredible even.” Stepping back. God help the other men there tonight. “Goodnight Vinny.”

He pulled me back, hugging me. I’d miss this. More than I should. More than I had a right to.

“Good night, Madeline.” He let go of me.

Turning quickly, I looked down at my phone, holding back the tears. It was easier to pretend that it wouldn’t be the last time we hugged like that.

How many times had he told me he only saw me as a friend? I’ve accepted it. But our friendship was never normal.

Now, though, it had to be.

CHAPTER 7

Vince

The faster I ran, the tighter the feelings were choking me. I just couldn’t understand it. I had ran the full compound and still felt frustrated.

I pushed myself harder as I went through the gates to my house. Rounding the bend, Luca was sitting on my front steps.

First Bastion attempted to join me for my run, only to fake an injury before we reached Rome’s house, and now Luca is waiting for me. Had I forgotten something?

He tossed me a bottle of water. That look on his face was similar to when he had to tell Cecilia her cat was dead.

If I had a cat, I’d be worried.

My breathing was still heavy as I watched Nikolai's car pull into my driveway.

Right. Something had happened. A visit from the oldest and the youngest brothers.

Finishing the water, Nik stepped out of the car with two coffees. Really? When did my intake of fluids become their concern?

Leaning against the pillar, “What’s this?” I gestured between the two of them, just getting my breathing under control.

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