Page 44 of Unmasking Secrets
He smiles as they approach. The train of her gown is bunched up in the back. I’m sure it’ll make it easier for her to dance.
“Beautiful service.”
“It was long.” Tabitha laughs.
“Fuck yeah.” I sigh before chuckling.
“Ryan, this is Archie. He’s my oldest and best friend in the entire world. Archie, meet Ryan. He’s my… husband.” She scrunches up her nose. “That sounds weird, but nice.” She smiles up at Ryan.
He smiles back, but it barely meets his eyes.
Weird.
“I’ve heard a lot about you.” Ryan turns to me and puts his hand out. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” I shake his hand and feel it tighten.
Ryan gestures to my uniform as our hands drop back down to our sides. “Thank you for your service.”
I nod.
Tabitha squeals. “This is my jam! I’ll be back.” She dances her way over to the dance floor to line dance with the crowd forming.
“Best friend, not husband.” Ryan’s face hardens as I try to look at him.
What the fuck kind of thing to say? “You better treat her right,” I threaten.
Ryan’s smile is bitter as it crosses over his face. “Enjoy the reception. I know I’m going to enjoy the honeymoon.”
I’ve never wanted to punch a guy so hard. I can’t cause a scene, not when this is supposed to be about her. My hands fist at my side as Ryan walks away. I move to find James and Brian.
“What do we know about Ryan?” I blurt out quietly.
“I don’t like him.” Marcus walks over and crosses his arms, but he keeps a smile on his face.
That doesn’t seem right. Had he not voiced his concerns to Tabitha? He’s her father, she always listens to him.
“She seems happier than ever.” James glances at the dance floor. “Ryan comes from old money. A lot of politicians and connections in the family. We couldn’t dig up anything, and trust me—we tried. If there’s something there, it’s been buried or wiped.”
“That bad?” I huff. There’s something off about this guy. Why can’t she see it?
“Her old man looked into the whole family, as did yours. We used every resource we had. Tab insists she loves him. It’s new for her, but we all know how she is—she loves with her whole fucking heart.” Brian ticks.
Her happiness is all that matters. It’s not like I have anything to offer her. She’s always been too god for me. If she were truly happy, this would have to be good enough.
Even if I don’t like it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
TABITHA
The beat drops and I turn my head. My head slowly leans in until my lips are inches from Luke’s before the beat drops and we both look away. Another beat and I’m staring at the camera with a smirk as his eyes are on me.
“Ah, that’s so good!” Jill shouts from the other side of the lights.
Luke moves to take his phone from the stand and we watch it back. “The perfect tease.” He grins.
“Yeah.” I nod in agreement.
