Page 80 of Igniting Sparks

I look at him and shake my head, but he makes a cutting motion across his throat.

He scans the table, measuring every expression. “I’m sorryfor upsetting you. For disappointing you. Mina deserves to be adored, not trampled on. She’s the epitome of sunshine, and I took it for granted. I tookherfor granted. So hate me, but don’t hold it against her.”

“Braden, no.” I cover my mouth with my hands as he falls on his sword.

With a final smack of the chair, he turns on his heel and stalks out of the room.

Bitsy places a cool hand over my trembling one. “I’m sorry it came to that, but I’m so glad I could stop it before it went any further.”

I want to vomit.

My aunt is back to her poised self as she takes a sip of coffee and motions to Leo. “I’m sure you two can find something to do today. After all, you have such chemistry between you—something to explore further, I would think.”

The rage, long simmering deep in my belly, explodes outward as I bang my fists against the table, making the silverware dance. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Excuse me? I’m protecting you.”

“No, you’re playing a game, and I’m your pawn. Why? Why not Vanessa’s fiancé?” I make air quotes, my fingers trembling with a mix of fury and disbelief. “Why not aim your loaded questions and snide accusations at him? Why Braden?”

“Because he’s not good enough for us.”

I shake my head and wipe the tears brimming in my eyes. “Don’t you meanme?”

With a sigh, I push myself to standing.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m leaving.”

Bitsy scoffs. “I paid for the entire weekend, young lady.”

“Then I’ll pay you back. This weekend is done, and so am I.”

Chapter 18

The Sacrificial Lamb

Braden

Ineed to punch something. Hard.

My first choice? That bitch Bitsy—but there’s no way I’m going to jail for her.

My fists clench and unclench at my sides as I stride down the hotel hallway toward the room.

I release a strangled growl as I fling open the door and grab my suitcase from the closet, tossing it on the bed.

The way she gloated about her “find.” The way she lorded it over me. How I was a terrible excuse for a man—and an even worse idea for Mina.

The worst part? I didn’t do a damn thing wrong.

Yes, I kissed the woman in the picture. In fact, I fooled around with her in my truck.

I. Was. A. Single. Guy.

This was weeks before Mina and I were anything but casual acquaintances, waving to one another as we passed by on our way to work.

But Bitsy had to dig into my past and find something—anything—to mark me as unfit.