Page 81 of The Road Less Traveled By

I know that my number one to-do is to find Ralph and beat the shit out of him for all he’s done to Bree. This fucker can’t hide forever. He’ll slip up, and Nico and I will catch his mistake.

All I want to do is be able to show Bree that I’m not just beside her because it’s my job. I genuinely like being around her, and I can’t imagine a life without her being in it.

I’d give her everything I was able to if she’d let me. If she asked me to stay after all this was over, I’d say yes in a heartbeat.

But for now, my main priority is to protect her with everything I can. Because Ralph is still breathing, and that means Bree is still in danger. I won’t rest until she feels safe, even if it kills me.

“Do you want me to get you some water?” I ask, breaking the silence that engulfs the room.

“Yes, please,” she says with a smile.

Fuck.How does one word affect me so much?Please. The moment she says that word, I’m gone. Six letters is all it takes for her to crumble all my walls.

Please, Vince.

Anything you want, angel.

I get out of my seat and grab a water from the table across the room, and just as I’m about to sit down, Connie walks in.

“Sorry to keep you guys waiting. It’s been a hectic day,” she says as she sits across from us. “How was the mountains?”

I hand Bree her water, and my fingers graze hers. Fuck, just that small touch, and I’m losing focus.Get it together, Vince. “It was much needed, especially after everything that has happened.”

“Good. Now, down to business, if that’s okay.” Connie looks at me, and I nod in agreement. “Let’s start with Ellie. I think you should release a statement. It’s short and simple, basically stating that you did not condone any of the things she said and that you’re handling it with her in private.”

“Okay. That’s fine with me, but I don't have to talk to her, do I? Because I don't think she’ll like what I haveto say.”

Connie shakes her head. “No. I’ll be handling all correspondence with her team.”

“Good. What next?”

“Alex and the contract, I’m afraid.”

“What about it?” Bree asks. She told me before this that she was going to try and see if she could get out of the contract, since he’s basically been cheating on her in public for weeks, and I hope she can because that fucker never impressed me.

It’s obvious he’s still in love with that one girl or whatever, and I hate what he’s doing to Bree, even if their relationship is fake.

“Well, I’m sorry to say you have to see it through. And before you yell at me, there’s technically only one fake date left. I can schedule it for after your event since we don't want any bad publicity attracted to it, but since it’s the last one, his team and I agreed you two should be seen one last time together, for good measure. We’ll leak that you both have agreed to remain friends and wish each other the best after you separate due to busy schedules. He’ll go back to California, and that’s that.”

I hear Bree sigh heavily as she plays with the end of the bow. I swear, they keep getting bigger and longer, but it matches her outfit, and she always looks amazing in whatever she wears. I don't understand fashion, but anything Bree wears, she pulls off.

“Fine, but triple-check that he’s not on the guest list for my event. He’s ruining everything else, and I’ll be damned if he ruins this too.”

Connie nods her head and jots down a few notes, and then she looks at me. “How’s security coming, Vince?”

“It’s all set. I sent the plans over yesterday, so they should be in your inbox.”

“Wonderful, I’ll look at them later, but I’m sure it’s perfect.” Connie rifles through her stack of papers before she looks back at Bree. “I’ll have the finalized guest list sent to you within the week. I added allyour last-minute invites while you were gone, and I finalized the seating chart.”

“Thank you, Connie. I wish I could’ve done it myself, but—”

Connie cuts her off. “Sweetie, don't. I’m just glad you’re okay and got some well-deserved rest. You deserved it, but now it’s back to work.”

Bree only nods her head, and a few seconds of silence later, she stands from her chair. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go meet my sister.”

Connie crosses the room and engulfs Bree in a hug.

“Angel is getting ready to go. We’ll be down in five. Get the car ready.”

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