Page 30 of Kiss Marry Kill
Kobe snorted a laugh. “Let’s see a show of hands. Who here actually thinks Janelle and Archie are in love?”
The crowd murmured uneasily.
“Come on. Come on. Don’t be shy.” Kobe cackled. “It’s okay to tell the truth.”
“Sit down,” someone yelled from the group.
Kobe turned his head to see who it was and almost toppled off the chair. He grabbed the back of the chair with one hand, swearing. Once he seemed semi-stable, he straightened. “I’ll tell you whatIthink.” He cleared his throat.
“No one cares what you think,” the same guy yelled. “Sit down.”
“Fuck off,” Kobe responded.
“Make me,” the guy bellowed.
“I’ll deal with you later.” Kobe gave a dismissive wave. “Now, where was I? Oh, yeah, who here thinks Archie married Janelle for her money?” Kobe raised his hand, sneering. “I sure as hell do.”
Janelle let out a gasp, and Archie looked ready to kill.
“I used to date Janelle.” Kobe glanced toward the bride. “Isn’t that right, baby?”
“Sit down, Kobe.” Janelle’s bottom lip trembled, and she looked like she was about to burst into tears. “Why are you doing this?”
“Why?” he growled. “Because I love you, and he’susingyou.”
Archie stood, shoulders bunched. “Shut your mouth, asshole. You used to beat her. How is that love?”
“Oh, God.” Janelle covered her face.
“Yeah, well… I’ve been going to counseling, so there.” Kobe jabbed his finger toward Archie. “You’ve been bragging all over town about how you’re going to live the easy life now that you’ve bagged Janelle.”
“You fuckingliar,” raged Archie.
Twisting his face, Kobe said, “No, you’re the liar. You’re a con man. A user.”
“And you’re a drug addict loser,” yelled Archie. “You had your chance with Janelle, but you blew it. You’re not half the man I am.”
“Come over here and say that, you pussy,” slurred Kobe.
“Okay, that’s it. This is escalating.” Royce stood.
“Wait.” I grabbed for his arm but missed, and he strode toward Kobe, looking determined.
Crap.
Janelle shot up, knocking over her chair. Face red, she screamed, “Thanks for ruining my wedding day, Kobe!” Sobbing, she stumbled over her dress, heading for the nearest exit.
Royce yanked Kobe down off the chair. Unfortunately, the father of the bride, Michael, also joined them, and Royce had to get between them. Other men hurried over to help Royce, and when I looked around, both Janelle and Archie were nowhere to be seen.
“What a horrible man,” Penelope muttered, coming to stand beside me.
“He’s a good reminder of why drinking too much is a bad idea,” Lucas said from behind me.
I glanced over my shoulder at him, relieved to see River wasn’t with him. “Very true.”
Penelope clutched her pearl necklace. “Do you think it’s true Kobe abused Janelle?”
“Maybe,” I said. “He seems unstable. I’d say he definitely has anger issues.”
