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"You don't know him like I do. He's not as bad as you think. And besides, I can take care of myself."
Cindy shakes her head, her expression softening slightly. "Look, Marissa. I get it. You care about him. But you need to be careful. Bryce has a way of getting under your skin, and making you think he's something he's not. Just don't let your guard down around him, okay?"
"I won't. I promise."
I know Cindy is only saying all of this because she cares about me. I'm scared of plunging into this, but I have to do it. It's the only way to help Bryce dispel the gossip ruining his reputation.
"You have to be careful. Anyway, I have to be somewhere in a few minutes, so I'm leaving. Just make sure you take your time to really think about this."
I don't say anything because I don't exactly know how to respond. Sensing that the conversation is over, Cindy turns to leave, and I follow her down the stairs.
"Thanks for stopping by," I say, offering her a weak smile.
"No problem. Just remember what I said. Be careful."
I nod, grateful that she's looking out for me, even if her overprotective nature can be a bit much at times.
I watch Cindy walk down the steps and onto the sidewalk. Just then, the front door across the way swings open, and Bryce strides out. Cindy and I both startle at his sudden appearance. Talk about perfect timing.
Great.
He offers us a casual wave and a friendly greeting.
"Hey, ladies. What's up?"
"Bryce," I mutter, my voice coming out as little more than a whisper as I glance up at him. He flashes me a warm smile, his eyes glinting like a troublemaker, but Cindy's icy glare cuts through the air like a knife.
"Hi, Bryce," she says, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Fancy seeing you here."
He chuckles, unfazed by her hostility, as he steps closer. "Hey, sis. Long time no see."
Cindy rolls her eyes, her lips twisting into a scowl. "Cut it. I know what you're up to, and I won't stand for it. Marissa is my bestfriend, and if you so much as think about hurting her in any way, you'll have me to answer to."
"Relax, Mama Bear. It's all just an act. Marissa and I are just playing our parts."
I didn't need another reminder, but thank you very much.
No matter how much I may wish otherwise, Bryce will never see me as anything more than his sister's best friend. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but one I've come to accept.
"Right," I mutter, forcing a smile onto my face as I meet his gaze. "Just an act."
But as Bryce flashes me a knowing grin, butterflies erupt in my stomach. Living with Bryce and trying to pretend that I'm not insanely attracted to him will be the most difficult thing I've ever had to do.
Chapter 16
Bryce
The fluorescent lights overhead make everything seem a bit too bright, a bit too sterile. I glance around the small courtroom, taking in the unassuming decor and the bored expressions of the few spectators scattered throughout the wooden benches.
My fingers fidget with the buttons on my jacket, a nervous habit I can't seem to stop. Marissa stands beside me, her hand warm in mine, her eyes fixed on the judge at the front of the room.
I clear my throat, trying to push down the sudden lump that's formed there. This whole thing is a farce, a charade we're putting on for the sake of appearances. I feel a twinge of something in my chest. Maybe it's nerves. Maybe it's something else entirely.
As the judge turns to me, I take a deep breath, trying to push aside the jumble of clashing emotions churning inside me. "I,Bryce Alston, take you, Marissa Hansley, to be my lawfully wedded wife," I recite, my voice steady despite the upheaval within. "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part."
The words hang heavy in the air, their weight pressing down on me. I steal a glance at Marissa, searching for some sign of what she's feeling, but her expression gives nothing away. It's like she's locked away behind a mask, her true emotions hidden from view.
"I, Marissa Hansley, take you, Bryce Alston, to be my lawfully wedded husband," she says, her words hesitant but determined. "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part."