Page 145 of The True Garza

Tillie:Because I like nice things and nice things are expensive. Mind your own business.

Torin: I’ll cover for Tillie. And myself.

Tripp: Well shit…

Lexi: The devil hath entered the chat.*devil face emoji* *pitch fork emoji* *fire emoji* *smoke emoji*

Lyra:You spelled “god” wrong, Lexi boo. *crown emoji* *clouds emoji*

Tillie: OMG, thanks, big bro! What says you?

Torin: He’ll marry her.

CHAPTER Thirty-Six

“Conditions accepted.”

Lonny

He’s a dream in atux. It fits every square inch of him like a servant submitted to its master. He’s divine. My heart sings sweet melodies for him.

He’s the “vibe” and “energy” everyone relies on, so he keeps getting pulled away from me. It’s gawky moving around on crutches in a sea of graceful, beautiful people, so instead of being dragged around with him, I’ve taken a seat. But no matter which direction he’s swept in, his eyes find me andstayon me, as if at any moment he expects a hawk to swoop down, sink its claws into my shoulders, and steal me away.

Being the center of attention of the man with next-to-no attention span is a heady feeling.

Torin and Lyra’s reception is at Barefoot Runaway Bed & Breakfast—which I’ve only just learned is co-owned by Lexi and True. Lexi runs the show, however, as True’s apparently “not interested in running a business.” He listed at least eight establishments, including the Salt Room Marina, that he’s a silent partner in. Which shocked me, because he’s, well, fucking loaded, yet he lives so normal.

The reception is in the large, beautiful back garden, amidst tall, well-groomed trees, lush, green lawns, and vibrant flowers. It’s small—close friends and family only—but everything else is grand. The cake, the decor, the meals, the bride’s dress—well,dresses,since she’s changed twice already. There was even a white horse at one point. But Lyra’s supposedly a billionaire heiress, so I get it.

Jules skitters over to me.

“Hey, hun.” She kisses me on both cheeks. “You okay?”

“Yeah. Just resting.” I gesture to the crutches. “These are annoying.”

“I can imagine.” She sips her champagne. “I saw you talking with Tor earlier. That’s a good thing.”

“Is it?”

“He’s kind of a misanthrope,” she says. “He doesn’t like most people. And even when he talks to people hedoeslike, it’s with the smallest amount of words possible. So annoying.”

“Well, he just came over and asked how I was recovering and said he hopes I stay on with Red Cage.”

“Yeah,hecame over to you. That’s a big deal.”

I shrug. “I guess.”

Truth be told, I don’t remember a word I said to that man. The entire time, I was anxious for him to leave me alone because,holy shit,he’s intimidating. Not his words or stance, but his aura. It justdemandsreverence. Daunting. Formidable. Unnerving.Kingly. With a hard green stare that made me feel like he could see all my deepest, darkest secrets. Not many people or situations can rattle or fluster me. But no matter how bold, brazen, and defiant you are, sometimes you’ll come across certain people who you justknowshould not be fucked with, whose very presence inspires fear. And Torin Garza is one of those people. If that man never deigns to speak to me ever again, I’d appreciate it.

“So, are you going to….” Jules’s words trails off as her eyes widen a fraction, then narrow to where True, Reuben, and Tripp are in conversation.

A gorgeous Asian woman walks up to them, rests her hand on True’s shoulder, and leans in to whisper in his ear.

Tripp grins behind his champagne flute and glances in our direction.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Jules hisses.

“What is it?”