Page 177 of Ruthless Desires: Vol. Two

“No, we’re not.” Aubrey stands and smooths her skirt. “We can talk to people, drink champagne, laugh, and act like we’re head over heels. But I’m not dancing with you again. You’re horrible at it.”

Ludo jerks his head back like he’s been slapped. It looks like he’s about to fire back a retort, but there’s another knock on the door. One of the Stallard’s friends peeks in—a woman Ludo has been trying to kiss up to the most, I think. If I remember correctly, she’s an influential judge.

“Oh perfect, you’re both in here,” she says as she steps inside. Her pale cheeks are flushed from a night of dancing, but her light brown hair is still pulled back in a sleek French twist. “Am I interrupting something?”

“Bernadette,” Aubrey says delightedly. “Not at all. Are you enjoying yourself?”

“I am, yes. You planned a beautiful reception. And the colors you chose—such a lovely shade of pink, although I can’t say I’m surprised. You have the best taste.”

“That’s such a compliment coming from you.” Aubrey presses a hand to her heart like she’s truly touched. “Thank you. Oh—and where are my manners? Bernadette, this is Wren Taylor, one of my bridesmaids. She’s partners with a few men who regularly work for Ludo.”

“So lovely to meet you,” Bernadette says with a practiced smile. She extends her hand, and we shake briefly. “But unfortunately, I can’t stay. One of my kids got sick, so I have to get going. I just wanted to say goodbye first and congratulate you again. Aubrey, I wish you the best.”

“Oh, thank you so much for coming.” Aubrey draws Bernadette into a hug. “It means a lot.”

“Happy to be here. You’re a beautiful bride, Aubrey.” After a peck on the cheek, Bernadette turns and gives Ludo a smile that’s barely warmer than chilling.

“It was nice meeting you,” Ludo says, holding his arm out for a handshake.

“Yes,” Bernadette says slowly, looking at his hand but not taking it. “It was… something.” Turning back to Aubrey, she beams. “I hope you have a lovely honeymoon, dear. I’m sure I’ll hear all about it from your mother. Take lots of pictures, all right?”

“Oh, we’re actually doing a no-technology honeymoon,” Aubrey says as she gives Ludo a dreamy smile. It’s startlingly convincing. “No phones, no cameras, no anything. Just the two of us with each other for a whole week.”

“That sounds wonderful! I love that idea. Well, we’ll just have to get together some time so you can tell me all about it.” She moves to leave, but at the door, Bernadette turns. Something like concern flickers in her eyes. “Aubrey, dear. If there’sanythingyou ever need from me, I’m just a call away. You know that?”

“Thank you,” Aubrey says. “I’ll keep it in mind.”

Once she’s gone, Ludo works his jaw. “She doesn’t like me.”

“She has an excellent bullshit detector.” As Aubrey says it, she gives him a pointed stare.

“I need her to like me,” he grits out.

“Try actually being likable, then,” she replies sweetly as she links her arm with his. “Now come along. We have people to impress.”

He doesn’t budge when Aubrey pulls him toward the door. “You’re not hearing me,darling. If she doesn’t like me, I’ll have to resort to less-than-savory methods to get what I want. Trust me, you won’t like them.”

My stomach turns. Is he talking about Benny?

Rolling her eyes, Aubrey sighs out, “Fine. We’ll schedule a dinner with her sometime. Us, my parents, and her and her husband. But there’s nothing you can do about it tonight, so come on. Unless you’ve changed your mind about needing to be seen with me.”

After straightening his already-perfect tie, Ludo wipes the scowl off his face and replaces it with a charming smile. “Nice try, but neither of us are getting out of this.”

Aubrey rolls her eyes at me as Ludo tugs her out of the room. As she turns away, I’m just able to catch her slipping on a mask of pure joy. She does it so naturally, and after meeting her parents and the people they associate with, I understand why. Aubrey doesn’t have a choice.

Not until she disappears, anyway.

Plopping back onto the couch, I run my fingers over the makeup bag. Aubrey upheld her end of the deal, and now it’s time for us to do the same. Everything is ready, so at this point, it’s just a waiting game. And then…

I gulp. And then it’s time to end this once and for all.

Chapter seventeen

Rhett

The rest of the reception is a blur. By the time we’re saying goodbye to Aubrey and Ludo and wishing them a happy honeymoon, I can barely focus. Between the pounding music, the flashing lights, and the fact that we’re currently at my sister’s murderer’s wedding, I’m shutting down fast.

The second we step out into the night air, my senses come back to me in phases. First, the cold hits my skin and burns in my throat as I suck in a deep breath. Second, the warmth of Oliver’s hand in mine registers in my brain. When I look over, he’s watching me quietly as we move to Elliot’s SUV. He smiles, and it’s the first truly genuine one of the day.