“That’s fucked,” Yak mutters.
You can say that again, I think bitterly.
“And you’re sure there is no way to get out of it without losing everything?” Eagle asks.
“Yes, it’s airtight. He knew what he was doing,” Meek says.
“Are you going to go through with it?” Wolf asks.
Taking a deep breath, I think it over even though I already know my answer.
It’s not that I dislike Rain. Hell, if she weren’t a brother’s daughter, I probably would have gone after her years ago, before things got so messed up between us. She’s beautiful and feisty as hell, exactly my type, and Mustang knew it.
Mustang also knew I had no intention of ever claiming a woman. That I have no interest in getting married. Just like Rain.
Could I really let her lose it all, though? Her childhood home?
“If she agrees, I’d do it,” I tell them without a second thought.
“Really?” Eagle asks skeptically.
“Yeah, but only if she agrees. I won’t force her to do this. It’s her decision.”
“You’re a good man,” Panther says as he slaps my shoulder.
As the conversation shifts around me, my mind stays on her.
Is she okay? Will she ever forgive him? Forgive me?
Which leads to the biggest question of all. Why do I care so much about what she thinks?
CHAPTER
FOUR
Rain
As I come awake,my head is pounding, and my mouth tastes like what I’d imagine a rat’s ass tastes like.
My stomach rolls as I sit up. I am only just barely able to stumble to the bathroom before I empty my stomach.
Why did I drink so much?
Oh, yeah. My father hates me, and my betrothed is a complete asshole.
I wait until the feeling of nausea fades before I wipe my mouth with toilet paper and flush it all down the drain. Then I manage to get myself to my feet and hover over the sink as I use my finger to spread toothpaste in my mouth. Once done, I wash my hands, then splash water on my face.
The woman looking back at me looks rough. She looks like she has been through hell and back.
I ignore my reflection and head back out into the living room, where Aspen and Maggie are sitting up with coffee in their hands.
“Do you want some?” Maggie asks softly.
I nod, but then wince as my head pounds harder from the movement.
She gets up as I take a seat next to Aspen, resting my head on her shoulder.
“You’re feeling it this morning, huh?” she asks.