Page 2 of The Mech Who Loved Me
He looked down insurprise.
"Stop ruining my moment. Take your scowling elsewhere. Cinderella lives happily ever after and I will not accept a differentconclusion."
"You like weddings," he accused, his dark brows drawing together as if he'd only just realizedthisfact.
It wasn't as though she was ever going to have one herself, so she might as well enjoy others. "Yes, I likeweddings."
"You want to be married," he said, and Ava's insideswentcold.
"Blood and steel," she hissed. "Who doesn't? Surely everyone dreams of a lovinglifetimewith—"
"Marriage doesn't mean one enjoys a happy life. I've known plenty of unhappymarriages."
"You'reimpossible."
"At least I tell the bloody truth," he snapped backather.
Ingrid gave the crowd her back, and moved her arm. Ava shot Kincaid a fierce glower. "Well, you're the only man whothinks—"
Something came ather.Fast.
Ava threw up her hands, catching whatever it was, and found herself in possession of a bunch offlowers.
The room stopped dead. Heads turned, people moved, and suddenly Ava found herself the center ofattention.
She andKincaid.
Who finally jerked his hand off her back, thewretch.
"Best of luck, Ava," Ingrid called, blowing herakiss.
The room erupted. Clapping echoed and Ava froze. Then the rest of the guests were moving on to the wedding toast, finally letting her fade back intoobscurity.
She could almostfeelhis eyesonher.
"Do. Not. Say a word," she ground out through grittedteeth.
"I—"
"I mean it." Slapping the bouquet against his chest, she pushed away from him. "The flowers are allyours."
Then she left Kincaid with Ingrid's bouquet, gathered her skirts, and slipped fromtheroom.
* * *
"They're aboutto serve the wedding breakfast," said a low feminine voice behind her. "Are youcomingin?"
Perry. She was one of Ava's best friends. They'd worked together for years at the Nighthawks—a guild of thief catchers and hunters—and shared a common history. Perry was also the only person who might see straightthroughher.
Ava took a deep breath, putting another smile in place as she turned away from the gardens. "Oh, are they? I just wanted some fresh air and it's been so long since we had a sunny day like this." Being alone also made her feel like she didn't have to keep the charade in place. It was oddly restful to let hersmilefade.
Perry shot her an odd look, but leaned on the balustrade beside her as they looked out over the gardens. "You'reupset."
Damn it.Ava's shoulders slumped. "No. I'm happy for them, trulyIam."
"You cared forByrnes."
"I also care for Ingrid. She suits him. And... I guess seeing them together makes me realize what Byrnes and Ineverhad."
