I want to ask her why. To understand what the hell she was thinking. Yet I know it’s too soon. If I push too hard, I’ll lose her and while I enjoy a good chase, I don’t think she’s up for that after what she’s endured this evening. “Do you want me to take you out of here?”
Scanning the tables again, her gaze lingers on her parents who argue in muted tones. Almost as bewildered as she is. Certainly the only ones upset except for Antonio’s parents who’ve also disappeared in attempt to find their missing child. They’re worried when really they should be grateful they don’t have to put up with that worthless punk any more.
“I shouldn’t...”
“Fuck what you should or shouldn’t. Do what you want. And if that’s getting the hell out of here, then let’s go.”
An emotion I don’t understand yet flashes in her enormous green eyes before she slowly nods. “Yes please. I…I’d like that.”
“Angel, the pleasure’s all mine.”
I tuck her tightly against me and whisk her out of the ballroom. Past the numerous tables holding tall silver vases with huge bouquets of white flowers. Past the gawking guests who’re curious as to why we’re racing off. Past her wide-eyed father and gasping mother who reaches out as if to stop her when we step off the dance floor onto the carpet.
Macy ignores her too which surprises and impresses me. Not that I’d allow the woman to keep me from her daughter, but I like that Macy chooses me over her mom. From the way Mrs. Shaw has behaved thus far, I can see why my girl would prefer a man like me. Because I really will protect her.
The only person with enough influence to halt our departure is her friend. Who breaks away from chatting with some other bridesmaids and chases after us.
“Wait! Where are you going?”
Macy’s head lifts and uncertain emerald eyes meet mine. Almost as if asking me what we’re doing. Still too soon to tell her that I’m claiming her and making her mine so I just wink. Act nonchalant and amused that I’m literally stealing her away from everyone even though she doesn’t know it yet. “We’re just getting a drink.”
Doubt and worry spin on the ginger’s face as she glances from Macy, to me, and then to Macy again. Jerking her thumb over her shoulder, her face pinches with panic. “But the bar’s back there.”
“But the view is better out here.”
Now I’ve really perplexed her since we’re standing in an empty entryway. Without a bottle or bartender in sight and all of the floor-to-ceiling windows reflecting the lake are found in the room we just left. She shakes her head, ignoring my puzzling explanation, and shifts her attention to her friend. “Don’t leave.”
Despite her pleading tone, I know the most important aspect she’s omitting—don’t leave with him. No one could blame Macy for splitting after her supposed humiliation. But running off with me is a horrible answer. At least to this girl.
My cock jerks again when Macy curls into me, her palm on my stomach. Almost as if ensuring I don’t release her, which will never fucking happen.
“I don’t want to be here anymore.”
“Then come with me. Back to my house or anywhere you want to go.”
She tugs Macy’s arm attempting to pull her out of my clutches. Yet Macy resists just as much as my hold tightens.
“I’ll get Trey. He’ll drive us.”
Macy shakes her head. “I don’t want to face him. I don’t want to face anyone. Please understand. I just want to go.”
Her friend’s fingers slide away and hurt draws down her expression. “I’m not just anyone.”
“I know but I…”
Macy can’t seem to explain something I guess she doesn’t understand herself.
“I’ll call you later, okay?”
An irritated shrug answers her back. “I guess so. I don’t know what you’re doing.”
The disapproval lining her face proves she really does know what Macy’s doing and doesn’t like it. Smart enough not to insult me with me standing right here. My reputation hampers the frustration and concern she’s too afraid to voice. So I answer her questions for her. “I’ll take good care of her. You don’t have to worry.”
She doesn’t seem reassured if the intensity of her gaze boring into Macy is any indication. Attempting to send a silent, urgent message without any words. Yet Macy is oblivious, or at least pretends to be, and keeps her eyes down. And, her hand on me which makes me happy.
“Fine. I guess I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.”
Genuine pain saturates her words, and she spins around. The hem of her long bluish-purple dress flipping from her abrupt turn as she stomps back to the two girls and guy hovering in the doorway. Caring enough to watch but not enough to intervene. No wonder Macy got mixed up with Antonio with friends like them. Good riddance.
She stalls when I take a step, and I have to tap down the asshole in me to jerk her along. This situation requires finesse when I’m usually just a demand and kill kind of man. “Don’t let it bother you. She’ll buff out.”
“Savannah’s my best friend. I didn’t mean to hurt her. I just…”
Her head drops even lower. I take advantage of her guilty distraction and hustle her along, ignoring the other hotel guests along our path who pause to stare at her. Smiling at us like we’re the happy couple celebrating our new marriage. Soon we will be.
Outside, the steamy air still weighs heavy this late in the day and I guide her to my SUV waiting under the broad black awning and protected by my guys. Without a word of protest or defiance, she slips into the passenger seat and straps on her seat belt. No questions or comments. Perfect that her defenses are down because I’m going to be the man who builds her back up again.
Ryker strides next to me as I walk to the driver’s side. Updating me about grandmother since he knows I won’t want to be disturbed for the rest of the evening unless a true emergency occurs.
“Mims is finishing her dinner, and then I’ll have Tennyson and Kleiman drive her home.”
I never take my gaze off of Macy while we move. “Make sure one of the housekeepers is there before the guys leave.”
“Already confirmed. Claudia’s brewing her favorite tea and preparing to settle her in for the night.”
Thank fuck. Now I can give my full attention to my girl, who watches us and then just me once I climb inside. Before she has the chance to ask anything about Ryker or back out of her willingness to accompany me, I clutch her small hand and hit the accelerator. “Had to make sure my grandmother gets home safely. She’s feisty but still needs to be looked after.”
My dedication earns me an approving smile. I’m a bastard about a lot of shit, but I take care of family. At least those who deserve my affection. But I guess I took care of Antonio too, albeit in a different way.
With her a little more relaxed, I dive into one of the two questions I need to know. “Why’d you chose me over your friend?”
Jerking back against the seat from shock, she lets out a surprised laugh. “Wow! You’re direct, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
She seems to mull that over. Staring out the window as we drive to my house. Ironic that she has no clue where I’m taking her except that she wants me to.