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I told you never to bring that up again

Jordan

Right. But I’m just saying, you hate parties. So if you do need help, I’m more than happy to pitch in.

A low growl rumbled in my chest.

I did hate parties, but I’d agreed to be the best man. I wasn’t going to pawn my duties off on someone else, no matter how much I loathed the task.

Thankfully, Jordan was laid-back when it came to parties. Give him a strong drink and good music, and he was happy. It was one of his best qualities. Despite his wealthy background, there wasn’t a pretentious bone in his body.

Ask me if I need help again and I’ll change our plans to camping. With bears.

Jordan

…

Jordan

You’re on top of it. Got it. No more questions from me.

I set my phone aside and tried to refocus, but now that the bachelor party and, by extension, the wedding were on my mind, I couldn’t get them out.

Jordan and Ayana.

Ayana and Jordan.

The walls of my office closed in. Pressure suffocated my chest, and I suddenly couldn’t stand to be inside anymore.

I logged out of my computer, grabbed my jacket from the back of my chair, and stalked out of my office.

My staff fell silent as I passed, their wide eyes tracking my path to the elevator like they were afraid I might snap if they took their attention off me.

The elevator doors opened. Two junior marketers were already inside, but when they saw me, they leapt out as if it were on fire.

“Sorry, Mr. Markovic,” one of them said. “It’s all yours.” He stared a bit too long at my scar before his friend elbowed him. He quickly looked away, his face crimson.

I stepped into the elevator without replying. It stopped at two more floors on the way to the lobby, but no one else entered.

Outside, the city teetered on the brink of another thunderstorm. Rain had shrouded the streets in gray the past few days, and despite a promising morning of sunshine and blue skies, today was proving to be no exception.

I breathed in the fresh air, letting it calm the flames licking at the insides of my stomach. Sean would lose his mind if he saw me out in the open like this amidst the Brotherhood threat, but I’d never hid from anything or anyone in my life. I wasn’t about to start now.

I had taken care to wear Kevlar-reinforced clothing and carry a concealed weapon with me, but I knew the Brothers wouldn’t take me out with a quick bullet in public. They’d want something more personal.

Five minutes later, I found myself in front of a familiar storefront. According to one of Ayana’s interviews, it was her favorite juice bar in the city.

I hadn’t planned to come here—I hated juice—but my feet had a mind of their own.

Or…My pulse sped up when the door opened and a stunning brunette stepped out.The universe has its own plans.

What were the odds I’d show up at the exact same time Ayana was leaving?

She stopped short in front of me. She carried a green juice in one hand and her phone in the other. “First the café, now the juicery.” Her eyes gleamed with surprise. “Mr. Markovic, are you following me?”

No. My answer came out terser than intended.My office is nearby. I’m on my lunch break.

“I know. I was joking.” Ayana pocketed her phone and hitched the strap of her bag higher on her shoulder.