Page 26

“Baz,” I said softly, hoping to bring the tension down in the room. “I didn’t mean for things to turn out this way, but I knew if I expressed my concerns, you still would have pressured me to follow through with the plan.”

He inclined his head to the side. “Is that supposed to be an apology?”

Brooks chuckled beside me, and I shot him a death glare. “After what you and her father put her through, I’d say it’s more of an explanation than you deserve.”

Baz flicked his gaze to Brooks, his eyes scanning him from head to toe.

He was aware of our history. I never hid that from him.

He always knew what Brooks was to me and never liked the idea that another man owned my heart.

Not that he wanted it for himself. He simply didn’t like anyone or anything standing in his way.

His frustration was obvious with how he shoved his hand through his hair. “Your father is furious. We had an agreement.”

“I realize that, but I did us both a favor. We weren’t marrying for the right reasons.”

He looked away like he didn’t want to admit that I was right. “And yet you still said yes when I asked you.”

I hung my head because he had a point. But knowing it and accepting it were two different things. When I woke up that morning, it finally dawned on me what my future would look like, so I ran.

Straight down the church steps, where hundreds of guests were waiting inside.

“I did say yes, but then I realized I was being exploited, and I didn’t want to be a pawn in whatever sick, twisted game our fathers were playing. I wanted more for myself.”

“Harlow, don’t stand here and play the victim card. You knew the rules when you agreed to the terms.”

He tried to step closer, but Brooks stopped him. “I don’t think so, pal.”

My ex shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “This is fast, even for you, Harlow.”

I winced because, yeah, that last one got me. “I didn’t plan this. It just happened.”

He scoffed. “That’s all you have to say?”

I rubbed my temples. This was an absolute nightmare, and I was standing right in the middle of it.

“I didn’t leave you standing at the altar so I could run straight back to him. That’s not what happened. I ran from the church because it felt wrong and I couldn’t go through with it.”

He dragged a hand down his face. “You should have been an adult and talked to me. We could have figured something else out. Marrying me wasn’t supposed to feel like a death sentence.”

“I felt trapped.”

“Do you think I was thrilled about this arrangement? I didn’t ask for this either, but I was willing to suck it up, because I needed that marriage to happen.”

I blinked. “Wow. I’m flattered.”

He sighed. “I’m not trying to be an ass, but I did my part. I lived up to my end of the deal.”

“Do you hear yourself? This was nothing more than a business deal.”

He rolled his eyes. “All you had to do was smile for the cameras and make me look good, and you would have been set for life.”

I exhaled sharply. “I haven’t busted my ass to make a name for myself in the business world, just to settle and be a piece of arm candy.”

Baz would never understand my reasons because the plan worked for him. He never cared about the cost to me. I was merely the tape that held it all together.

“So, what you're saying is you busted your ass, walked away from millions to live in bumfuck nowhere and play house in the woods?”

Brooks tensed beside me. “Watch your mouth.”

“My family’s reputation took a hit. You embarrassed me, and for what? Because you got cold feet? We had everything lined up. It was the perfect partnership. You could have had it all. Instead, you decided to blow it up.”

“I get that you’re mad, but I don’t want that life.”

His face darkened. “You needed it enough when you agreed to marry me.”

I thought I needed it until I looked at myself in the mirror while wearing that dress. I felt more like a prisoner on a perp walk than a bride ready to walk down the aisle.

“My priorities have changed.”

Baz let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. “Please. You’re just trading one arrangement for another. You want the house, and being married is the only way you’re going to get it.”

My breath caught, and Brooks tensed beside me. “You’re right. I do want my mother’s house, but that’s not the whole story. Brooks isn’t some replacement or means to an end. I loved him long before you and I made that arrangement.”

“You are making a huge mistake. I hope the house is worth it.”

I shook my head. “No. I made a mistake five years ago that nearly cost me my happiness. I will not make that same mistake again.”

He grabbed the house key out of his pocket and threw it on the table. “Good luck to you, Harlow, because when this little charade blows up in your face, don’t come crawling back to me.”

“That will never happen.”

“No one makes a fool out of me and gets away with it.”

Brooks’ hand touched my back in silent support. “Stop threatening and trying to scare her. She is my fiancée and, quite frankly, I’m done listening to this shit. You were nothing more than a choice she made for all the wrong reasons.”

His hand tightened around the door. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. I have the power to destroy you. All it would take is one phone call, and I could make your little hometown construction business collapse.”

Brooks didn’t flinch. Not even a blink. “I dare you to try.”

Baz let out a humorous laugh. “It’s hilarious that you think you can go up against me?”

Brooks tilted his head to the side. “I know your type. You threaten and intimidate to get your way. You think by throwing money around that people will bend to your will. News flash, buddy, I don’t bend for anybody.”

Baz placed his hands on his hips. “This is your last chance, Harlow. Come home with me now, and we can smooth this whole thing over. You can tell them you had a breakdown and needed rest. I can have a statement prepared by morning.”

I couldn’t believe he thought that was even a possibility.

Brooks moved closer to me. “There is no chance of that happening. My ring is on her finger. She has made it perfectly clear what she wants, and it’s not you.”

Baz kept his face blank, but I could tell the lack of control of the situation was killing him. He was used to getting what he wanted, and he knew he wasn’t going to win this one.

“Whatever. I’m done here.” He brushed a piece of imaginary lint off his chest. “By the way, you might want to change the locks in case someone tries to break in again.”

The door clicked behind him, and I let out a slow exhale.

Was that a warning or a threat? Whatever it was, it didn’t sit right with me.

Brooks came over and wrapped his arms around me. “Are you okay?”

I lifted my head and nodded. “I think so.”

That had gone worse than I expected. I should be thrilled that we got that conversation over with.

But something told me that wasn’t the last we’d seen of Baz Zimmerman.

I would be calling a locksmith tomorrow to change the locks.

I didn’t feel like I was in physical danger, but he wasn’t the type to let things go. I wasn’t taking any chances.