Page 36

Chapter Ten

“No. Absolutely not,”Veer challenged Jacinta. “I am not going to be used to make Devin jealous.”

“Oh, come on.” Jacinta crossed her arms. “It’s a fabulous idea. It was Sam who put the idea in my head.”

“No. He already sees red every time I’m anywhere near you, his baby sister. How do you think he’ll react if you fuck with him when it comes to Sam?”

I frowned. “Care to explain that comment?”

“Sam, he thinks I’m competition for your affections.” He stared at me as if I’d asked a stupid question.

“Wait. What? I though your mutual dislike had to do with my secret marriage and not being public with our relationship.”

“Well, you thought wrong,” Jacinta interjected. “When I told Dev the list of people who were joining us on the riverboat and came to Veer’s name, he growled. The always-poised, never-reveal-his-true-feelings Judge Devin James Camden growled. I loved it.”

“You can’t be serious. That’s just gross.” I scrunched up my nose. “I think I just threw up a little in my mouth. V, you’re hot and all, but no.”

“Feeling’s mutual.” He glared at Jacinta, who tried to ignore him.

I was not going to be a party to this. My life was complicated enough.

“Aren’t you the one who said not to poke the angry bear? Dev and I are trying to fix our marriage, not destroy it with no hope of repair.”

“My plan will work in your favor.”

“How?”

“Veer is your dad’s version of a wet-dream son-in-law. He is the son of a business partner, well educated, a war hero, and most importantly, shares your cultural background.”

“No!” I shouted as a tinge of anger flared to life. “And that’s final. I’m fighting all the people who’ve tried to control me my entire life and now you want me to do something to manipulate Dev. I can’t believe you would suggest something like this.”

Her eyes grew big, telling me she realized she’d crossed a line.

“Sorry, Sam. Forget it. I just want Dev to see that he could lose you if he doesn’t change the way things are going. I love the both of you so much. You’re my family and I want it to remain that way.”

My irritation evaporated. “I know, Jaci, but you have to let Dev and me fix the mess we created.” A line formed between her brows and she opened her mouth to argue, but I spoke again. “I’m as much at fault as he is, no matter what either of you believe. I’ve thought about it. I accepted this fucked-up marriage because I love him more than anyone ever could and because…” I trailed off.

Was I ready to admit something I hadn’t verbalized but knew was true?

“And because?” Jacinta probed.

I looked out the window and noticed the group of reporters and “Hot Stuff” fans waiting outside of the driveway leading to Jacinta’s house.

“Saved from answering the question we all know the answer to by the relentless media,” Jacinta muttered.

I covered my face with my hands. “They followed me here from Seattle? Why won’t they leave me alone?”

Another look passed between Veer and Jacinta.

“Want to tell her, or should I?” Jacinta asked.

“Tell me what?”

“You do the honors. She’s your best friend.”

“If you two are done talking about me, I’d appreciate an answer to my question.”

“Sam, your secret is out. The Bassett Hound announced you were already married and he couldn’t set you up anymore.”