Page 107 of The Photograph

As the couple of event planners wander further in the high-ceilinged room, Aelin shifts to face me and I drink in the sight of her. “I’m sorry for taking over, it’s your house and your decision. Would you like to use the main bedroom?”

Yes. And take you in every corner of it. “No, I agree with you.”

Her eyes soften, and my whole body strains toward hers. “Thank you.”

Twenty minutes later, Joan and Kirk shake my hand and Aelin’s after promising to send a detailed schedule the next day. Their car starts leaving Aelin and I face to face in the foyer.

Aelin checks her cell. “I have to go. Cara’s picking me up soon.” She makes her way to the front door. “I’ll see you on Friday.”

“Are you sleeping with him?”

The skirt of her dress swirls as she wheels back to me. “John? No.”

Her eyes widen as I stalk to her. “You let him kiss you.”

She tucks her hair behind her ear. “I didn’t, but Gabe, this is really none of your business.”

I wrap my hand around her nape. “The hell, it isn’t—”

“Gabe—”

“Yoo-hoo. Oh, Gabriel, it’s marvelous, exactly like in the pictures.”

You have got to be shitting me.I whip my eyes to Vanessa. Her loose, long, blonde hair waves around her as she twirls slowly in a studied spin to take in the renovated décor while her high heels clack on the sleek marble.

While my ex-fiancée flashes a bright smile, Aelin steps back.

“Gabriel, darling, I couldn’t wait until Friday to see your mother’s house, she would be so proud—”

Aelin gasps, and whips wounded eyes to mine. “Holloway is your childhood home?”

“Baby—”

Vanessa flashes her gaze to Aelin “Oh, you didn’t know? When Gabriel told me he bought Holloway, I couldn’t resist a sneak peek. You’ve wanted this for such a long time, darling, I’m so proud of you.”

For fuck’s sake. “Vanessa—”

“Congratulations and to you, too, Elaine, you’ve done a wonderful job.”

Aelin nods slowly. “I’m glad you like it.” She glances at the front door. “I think my ride is here. Gabe, I’ll see you on Friday. Actually, I’ll see both of you on Friday.”

“Bye, dear,” Vanessa sing songs. She waves her long fingers and raises her eyes to mine. “Isn’t she just wonderful?”

This shit has to stop.

When I lock my eyes onto hers, she pales and her mouth drops.

“Darling, what?”

“Vanessa, I don’t know what you’re playing at, but stop that shit or you’ll never set foot in Holloway.”

She pinches her lips and stomps to the door.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Aelin

Cara bends down to peer through my window at whatever is happening on the doorstep while I slam the door of her car shut. “What happened?”

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