Chapter 14
Kara
The sight in front of me had me imagining car explosions in the driveway like I’d seen in the movies filmed here.
I wore a black shirt and black pants to check out the casino as it was the closest thing I had to sophisticated lady clothes for this trip. And I walked next to a man who had a black tuxedo in his backpack.
We were clearly from different worlds.
I’d packed jeans and flats for my trip, and never once thought to myself “what if I go to a gala?”
I glanced around. The casino had palace walls and double story archways just as I’d seen play out in movie scenes. At side tables, I imagined fictional characters sitting and playing poker at tables with the people in those seats right now. I had no time to dwell when we crossed the floor and headed to the shops.
The clothing store was charming. I didn’t research the Euro enough, but I understood the numbers; the clothes were pricy, but I could afford one. It’s not like I was spending a dime so far on this trip.
Quentin picked out a red number. I chose a black and then I picked up an olive green that had white and yellow flowers embedded in the bottom that flared like a mermaid style dress.
I first put on the black and wiggled it off. Too much of a work dress.
The red dress was… Christmas. I took it off as well. I wasn’t sure the olive green worked, but then I saw how it made my face lighter and didn’t turn me green at all. The material was soft and flattered my curves.
I twirled in the dressing room and came out with a smile on my face as I let the material swing. “Does this dress scream Bond girl?”
He winked. “Absolutely. It’s a winner.” He told the clerk, “Let me pay.”
I’d lost the heart to argue. I folded my clothes and wore the dress out of the store like I was some diva who wore diamonds in the bathtub.
As if he read my mind, Quentin wrapped a necklace around my neck.
He must have bought this when my back was turned. I had no idea, but the glittering diamonds and yellow citrine made the dress pop.
He handed me the earrings, and I swear I glimpsed a ring he’d tucked back in his wallet.
My heart stilled as I put the earrings on. “What’s this?”
He took it out of his wallet and handed it to me. “My grandmother’s engagement ring. Been in the family as long as the casino’s been operating.”
This ring screamed family heirloom and wealth. I held it firmly, but it was like a magnet to my skin. “That’s a long history.”
I forced myself to give it back. My hand still had pins and needles from holding it like it was mine.
That was impossible. I was going home, and he didn’t love me. He’d give that to the right woman, one day. He tucked it in his wallet and said, “Doesn’t matter. It dies with me.”
Quentin was too sweet to stay single. “You’re never marrying again?”
“Not unless you say yes.” He winked.
Was that a joke? My hand pressed to my heart, but I shook my head. The gleam in his expression wasn’t serious, and I shouldn’t wish for more. I shrugged and batted my eyes. “But you haven’t even asked.”
He traced my back as the store clerk handed me my clothes in a bag. He waited till she was gone and then asked in a low voice, “Do you want to skip the party and find a corner with me?”
Goosebumps erupted all over my body. “Lead the way, Quentin.”
We headed out as he took my hand. “You’ve made my returning home more fun.”
I knew better than to believe in destiny, fate, or whatever it was to hope that we might have a happily ever after. “You did say last night we’d hit the party and find a corner there.”
“We can do that, too.” We walked across the second-floor hall and made it to the stairs that flowed to the first-floor gambling. We needed to go to a ballroom, but Quentin slowed down and pointed at the steps. “Is that your Marlon?”
My mouth flew open and didn’t close right away. I was staring into those blue eyes I’d never wanted to see again, and my hand went to my hip. “Is he joking?”
He joined us, and Quentin held my waist. Marlon was skinnier than I remembered.
“Marlon,” I clipped. “How did you know I was here?”
He loomed over me, though he was shorter than my muscle-bound Quentin. “I used my find my phone app. I needed to see this with my own eyes. You seriously hooked up with this French loser who only wants a passport?”
My shoulders tensed, and my hands began to shake. If I was a man, I’d punch him in the jaw. “Quentin’s a doctor. You’re a data scientist. He owns a vineyard. You own a small house that needs repairs you never have time for.”
Quentin traced my spine and said in a deep hypnotizing voice, “You don’t have to argue with this man, Kara. I’m happy to meet the man who left you available for me.”
Right. He held out his hand to shake, and Marlon stared at it. I widened my eyes as his refusal and then said, “Quentin is a grown-up, Marlon.”
And he’d given me pleasure in a way I’d never experienced. I, however, made choices like the man in front of me. There was no way I was worthy of Quentin for more than a week.
Marlon widened his stance. “He’s using you. I needed time, Kara.”
I held onto Quentin like he was my lifeline. Blood rushed to my brain. “Time? You canceled the wedding.”
Marlon’s voice etched up where it echoed. “I see that was a mistake.”
I took a deep breath. “No, it wasn’t. It hurt at that moment, but we weren’t in love.”
His face turned red, and I inched closer to Quentin who said, “You are different.”
I met Quentin’s gaze and instantly calmed. “I am. I’m happy.”
Marlon then shouted, “You’re a fucking whore! I knew you weren’t a lady.”
Quentin stepped in front of me, straightening his shoulders. “Apologize,” he growled at Marlon.
Marlon’s face contorted. “What the fuck do you have to do with this?”
Quentin’s voice was cool but sharp as his words landed in my soul. “Kara is mine now, and I won’t let anyone insult her.”
If only that were true.
I tapped his arm and sidestepped him. “Quentin, it’s fine. Let’s enjoy our day. He can leave.”
Quentin shifted. “Is that true, Marlon? Are you leaving?”
For a moment I feared they’d break out into a fight, but Marlon took a step back. “I’ll be around.”
I couldn’t get Quentin to move until Marlon was on the bottom step. Then he joined me and said, “If he comes back, let me handle him. He’s clearly not over you.”
No one had ever tried to protect me like that. I mean, my dad when I was a little girl watched out for me, but no one ever fought for me like this. The adrenaline was still running in my veins as I said, “He humiliated me at home. That will never go away. Even if we are only a week, he taught me that I need to protect myself.”
The humiliation he’d showed to everyone I ever met.
Seriously, I was a walking disaster who needed time to clean up her life.
Quentin stilled. “You don’t have to go back right away. You’re welcome to stay with me until you’re ready.”