In the Crease (Assassins Book 11)

by Toni Aleo

  He scoffed. “Excuse me for not thinking that through, but I was a bit shocked.”

  “Still, you were a dick.”

  “What do you expect, Wren? I can see right through this shit, and what’s killing me is you have Jensen believing it’s real.”

  “Who says it isn’t?” she snapped back. “I’m pregnant with his child. Yeah, I ran and hid it, but it’s real.”

  “Don’t fucking lie to me. You got knocked up by some scumbag, and you’re using our best friend. Damn it, Wren, the money isn’t worth it.”

  “You’re wrong, and I wouldn’t do that.”

  “Yeah, you would. You’ve needed this money since college. It’s all you’ve ever talked about, getting it for us. I don’t even want it if this is how you have to get it.”

  Rolling her eyes, she bit out, “I don’t even know why I’m talking to you. I’ve got a big day. We’re getting married in a matter of—”

  “You’re doing that today? Are you serious?”

  “Yes, he wants to get married before we go home and see his parents.”

  “Oh my God, Wren, what are you doing?”

  “Trying to give my kid a good life with his father, mind you.”

  “You’ve never in your life wanted to get married or have kids. This is all mind-blowing to me.”

  “Well, I’m sorry, but things change. I’m older—”

  “You know I see through you, right? You got knocked up, didn’t know how to find a husband since the scumbag wouldn’t have you, and you decided to ask the nicest guy on earth because you knew he wouldn’t say no.”

  “That’s not true,” she tried, but her voice broke, her eyes filling with tears. “I care for him.”

  Wells scoffed. “You care for him. Wow, Wren, you can’t even lie and say you love him? Jesus, you’re going to ruin his life.”

  “I am not!”

  “Yes, you are. Because he isn’t like you. He does have a soul, and he is a good guy—”

  “I mean, fuck, Wells, I’m your sister, and that’s what you think of me?”

  “Wren, you’re the one who always says you don’t have a soul because you don’t care about anyone but yourself. I see that clearly now.”

  “Wow, thanks.”

  “Hey, if the shoe fits.”

  “Fuck you, Wells, you know nothing.”

  Her brother laughed. “I know you both, and let me tell you something. I love you. I love you so much, I do—”

  “Yeah, like I believe that after what you just said.”

  He exhaled through the phone as her tears started to fall down her cheeks. “I do, Wren, really. You’re my world, my baby sister. But this is low, and if you hurt him, I don’t know how I’ll ever look at you again.”

  Her heart fell, her lips trembling as her tears fell faster. “What about me? What happens if he hurts me?”

  “He wouldn’t do that.”

  “How do you know? You can’t tell the fucking future!”

  “Because I know Jensen. I bet when you told him you were pregnant and needed a dad for the baby, he jumped at the chance. Because not only is he a good dude, but he’s loved you his whole damn life, but he didn’t think he was good enough for you because he couldn’t give you kids!”

  She snapped her lips shut, almost dropping the phone. “You’re lying. He doesn’t love me.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me? Wren, he thinks you fart glitter and make the world turn.”

  She was speechless. Surely, Wells was lying. This couldn’t be. She would have known. Wouldn’t she? Did she really not pay attention? It just seemed so foreign to her. It didn’t seem right. No, she would have known. “Stop. You’re just trying to make me feel bad for something I’m not even doing.”

  “No, you know it’s true. Everyone knows he’s had a thing for you.”

  “I didn’t know that!”

  “Because you’re too consumed with yourself. I’m so mad at you, I could scream. I can’t believe you’re using his feelings to get ahead, for some money? Money doesn’t make you happy, Wren, love does. Jensen knows that, but I know you don’t.”

  Shaking her head, she closed her eyes. “Wow, you’re really being an asshole, Wells.”

  “Someone has to be. Someone has to tell you the truth and protect the people they love. I can’t believe you.”

  “I can’t believe you’re coming at me like this. You’re my brother. Why aren’t you being supportive?”

  “Because it’s all a lie.”

  “It’s not! We’re having a baby, he wants to get married, and yeah, maybe I didn’t want that, but I need to be. Maybe that’s why I agreed, but my intentions aren’t malicious, Wells. I care for him.”

  “Yeah, they may not be malicious, Wren, because you’re not a malicious person, but that doesn’t mean you won’t break his heart when you decide to end it after you have your money. Because you won’t need him then.”

  She shook her head, her tears coming faster down her face. “So that’s what you think of me?”

  “It’s what I know, and as much as it hurts to say it, I have to protect my friend and my niece or nephew because it will cause ill will between you two.”

  “What about protecting your sister? Did you have this conversation with him?”

  “I don’t have to.”

  Silence stretched between them as Wren wiped her face. She understood that Wells was very opinionated and maybe a little harsh sometimes, but usually, he was right. This time was no different, except she didn’t feel she was using Jensen in a vicious way. She didn’t intend to hurt him; it was the last thing she wanted. She was worried she’d be the one to get hurt. But apparently, everyone had already pegged her for the heartbreaker. What else was new? She was never good enough for anyone.

  “I won’t hurt him.”

  “Then don’t marry him.”

  “That’s happening.”

  “Then there is nothing else to say.”

  “Guess not.”

  “Whatever.”

  “Yeah, whatever.”

  Shaking her head, she slammed the phone down before dropping her face in her hands and letting out a sob that filled her office. “What a fucking jerk.”

  He had just crossed the line. There were no two ways about it, he did. She didn’t care that he was trying to be there for Jensen, or he was protective or whatever, because he was a jerk. God, she hated crying. It made her feel weak, pathetic, but her brother’s words stung. They stung so badly she swore she felt the burn on her skin as if it were real. She didn’t get it. Why was she always the bad guy? Because she liked to fuck around? Because she wasn’t emotionally attached to anyone but Wells and her parents? Why was she like that? The answer was clear. Because she was never good enough.

  Growing up, it was always Wells who was the center of attention. He was the next Winston Lemiere on the ice. And at the time, Wells and their dad were best friends. Then Vaughn came along, and everyone loved him. Then Jensen, the golden boy. Wren was always on the back burner. She didn’t play hockey, she didn’t do sports, and she sure as hell didn’t bake, so what did her parents have to talk to her about? They didn’t care about the things she did, the books she read, or the movies she watched. No, she was just there. Existing. Even so, she knew they loved her. She did… But she never felt she mattered. She didn’t have purpose in their eyes.

  They didn’t love her for who she was; they loved her because they had to.

  Or at least, that’s how she felt.

  Which was shitty, and the therapist part of her knew she probably needed to investigate it a bit more, but hadn’t she done that enough? When she thought about it too much, she’d usually get annoyed and then go find someone to love her for the night. The problem with that method was that, whoever the lucky guy was, he usually turned out to be a Grade A jackass. Nasty cycle. Disgusting. And one that was going to stop.

  At least for six months.

  Which really meant a year.

  Which, really, mea
nt she had to learn to cope.

  Right?

  Was she grasping at straws?

  Hmm. Putting that thought on the back burner, she looked out at her empty office and wiped her face. She couldn’t believe the way Wells had acted, and she almost called her mom to tell on him. But knowing her mom, she’d probably question her the same. Who knew? Fucking hell, this was a mess.

  When her phone started ringing, she jumped in surprise before she realized it was her cell. Rifling through the papers cluttering her desk since the ringtone indicated it wasn’t any of her family, she found her cell beside her pen cup and saw that it was Jensen.

  Crap on a cracker.

  Clearing her throat, she wiped her face once more and answered, “Hey!”

  He paused. “What’s wrong?”

  She made a face at the complete emptiness of her office that matched her soul, apparently. “Huh? Nothing.”

  “Liar, you don’t answer the phone like that. Are you standing me up?”

  Her shoulders fell. “Not at all. Promise.”

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  Her lip wobbled, and she let out a small sob. “My brother is a jerk.”

  He didn’t even hesitate. “Do you want me to come to the office?”

  “No, it’s fine. He’s just a douche.”

  “What did he say?”

  “What didn’t he say?” she cried, wiping her face as she shook her head. “I’m seriously okay. I’m just overemotional, and he hurt my feelings.”

  “Want me to kick his ass?”

  That made her smile. “Will you?”

  “Sure will. Deck him right in the chest.”

  “You’re too sweet.”

  “Say the word.”

  She was tempted. “No, it’s fine.”

  “Okay, well, stop crying. Don’t let it ruin the day, okay?”

  She swallowed hard. Ruin the day, because they were getting married, and that was supposed to be happy. Her tears came faster. “Okay.”

  “Good, are you sure you’re okay?”

  She nodded, though he obviously couldn’t see her. “Yeah, I’m fine. Promise.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay. Are you okay? Are you standing me up?”

  He laughed, and she could just imagine him shaking his head, his mouth turned up in a charming grin. “Never. I was actually calling to see what you were wearing so that I could match you.”

  She made a face as she looked down. “I’m wearing a yellow tunic and jeans.”

  “Jeans?”

  She paused. “Yes.”

  “Jeans make sense,” he said, but he sounded very annoyed. “We’re not getting married or anything.”

  She bit her lip. “I can see now that the jeans were a bad choice.”

  “Just a bit, but it’s fine. My mom won’t care.”

  “Yes, she will.”

  “She will, but it’s cool. I mean, you’re at work, it’s fine.”

  It wasn’t fine at all, not even a little bit. God, she was a bitch. A soulless fucking bitch. “I’ll stop by… Okay, wait. I can’t stop…shit,” she said when she pulled up her schedule.

  “It’s fine, Wren, I’ll see you in a bit, okay?”

  Yup, she was scum. She heard it in his voice. And then she heard Wells taunting her the way he did when he was right, back when they were younger. Like a dog with its tail between her legs, she muttered, “Okay.”

  “Oh, did your doorman say if the movers showed up?”

  She closed her eyes since that was another thing that had come as a shock. “Yeah, they did, and I told you not to pay for that.”

  “I want to, okay?”

  “Fine. I don’t like it, though.”

  “Noted, see you soon.”

  “Bye,” she said, hanging up and then shaking her head. “I’m complete shit. Wells is right, and I’m dumb. Damn it.”

  Clicking through her schedule, her heart was in her throat as she got madder and madder with each passing second. She didn’t want to be what Wells had said. She wasn’t using Jensen; she wouldn’t do that. She wasn’t that person. She had made it clear what her intentions were at the beginning, Jensen was the one who made it more, but she couldn’t tell Wells that. God, Wells made her so angry! But what if she was what he said? She almost turned the movers away that morning. She hadn’t even thought to get dressed up for her wedding day. All Jensen wanted was a nice picture for his mom, and he’d even offered to beat up her brother.

  Dammit. She was everything Wells had said.

  “No, I’m fucking not.”

  Reaching for her phone, she called Leah. “Hello?”

  “Hey, do me a huge favor.”

  “Okay?”

  “I need you to go to Macy’s and pick me out something I can get married in. Something pretty, I don’t care how much it costs. Put it on the company card—”

  “I’m sorry, what? Get married in?”

  “Yeah, and make sure it’s maternity, size fourteen. Or large. Or maybe extra large, my butt is getting a tad bit bigger than I expected,” she said, annoyed. “And then cancel my afternoon. Reschedule for Friday.”

  “Whoa, whoa, Wren. I’m sorry. I’m completely confused right now.”

  “With what? What did you miss?”

  “Everything! You’re pregnant and getting married?”

  “Yeah, at two, so I need this all done kind of fast. I’ll take the next client, so that gives you an hour to get my dress.”

  “What in the world?”

  “Are we good?”

  “I mean, I guess.”

  “Cool,” she said, hanging up and then reaching for her cell phone.

  Wren: Leah is going to go get me a dress. Not sure what the color is, but wear that light gray suit you wore to the gala. It will go with anything she chooses, and I like your eyes in that suit.

  His response was immediate.

  Jensen: Done.

  Wren: Cool.

  Jensen: And thanks.

  Sitting back in her chair, she exhaled heavily as she grasped her belly. “Well, kiddo, I’m going to fucking try, okay? But I can’t guarantee anything. I’m a fucking mess and I really shouldn’t say fucking to my kid, but I am because I’m a mess, and I love you. I don’t only love myself, I love you, okay? And you’ll always know that. So let’s go get married. You’ll love Jensen, and he’ll definitely love you. Okay?”

  When her little kiddo kicked hard, the bump surprising her against her hand, a big grin covered her face.

  She was doing this.

  She was still scared to the point where she might puke.

  But she was doing it.

  Wren looked beautiful.

  Jensen thought that of her daily, but staring into her green eyes, a silk flower crown on her head as her long dark hair fell onto her shoulders, he swore she rattled his soul. The dress she wore was completely unlike her, and he knew she hated it, but boy, did he love it. It hugged every single curve on her body, her belly on full display as the top ruffled over, revealing her sexy shoulders. She had redone her makeup softer than usual, and the only reason he knew that was because she had been late. Blamed it on that, but he didn’t care.

  She looked like a goddess.

  Inhaling shakily, he was lost in her eyes as they both repeated what the hired pastor was saying. The room they stood in was so small, he was surprised that they, the pastor, and Vaughn and Brie all fit. But it was nice to be just them, because he couldn’t look at anything but her. His body vibrated with his love and need for her. She looked like a deer in headlights, but she repeated every word of the vows. When it was time for her to slide his ring down his finger, she was shaking so badly, but he hid it by holding his hand over hers. The way she looked up at him, almost like he had saved her, took his breath away.

  “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Wren looked up at Jensen expectantly, but he hadn’t taken his eyes off her since the moment
they planted themselves in that spot. Reaching out, he took her face in his hands, his thumbs gliding along her cheeks as he slowly dropped his mouth to hers. Her eyes slowly shut as she leaned into him, and he basked in the look of peace on her face before he closed his own eyes. He wasn’t sure how in the hell he was supposed to get used to the feeling of her against his lips, but in a way, he hoped he never did. He loved the fluttering feeling it gave him deep inside. As her fingers dug into his bicep, she clung to him as he deepened the kiss. It felt like a dream.

  “Get a room,” Vaughn called out.

  “For a fake marriage, this sure does seem like a real kiss.” Brie must have thought she whispered, but Jensen heard her clearly as he slowly pulled away, opening his eyes to find Wren blinking up at him.

  Swallowing hard, she asked, “We did it?”

  “We did,” he whispered, brushing his thumbs along her cheeks, not wanting to ever move from that moment for the rest of his life.

  But then Vaughn was loud and trying to pay the pastor. And Brie was dragging them outside for pictures because the lighting was better. All Jensen wanted was to hold his wife.

  Wren. Wren was his wife.

  “Are you sure I don’t look fat in this dress? I swear, Leah is such a little thing and doesn’t think like a big girl—”

  “You look gorgeous,” he said, cutting her off before he wrapped his arms around her from behind, bringing her against him. Her ass fit perfectly against his groin, and that was bad. Very bad.

  “Oh, yes! This is perfect,” Brie called out, trying to hold her phone, his phone, Vaughn’s, and Wren’s. Why they didn’t take one picture with one phone and text it to everyone else was beyond him. But whatever, he was holding Wren.

  Nothing mattered when he was doing that, he realized.

  “Should I push my shoulders back? Do my boobs look good? I feel like they look saggy. I couldn’t wear a bra with this dress,” Wren admitted, moving against him and driving him absolutely crazy. His cock came alive within seconds, and he wished like hell he’d worn his blue suit. It had thicker pants. “And what about my face? I don’t have a double chin, do I?”

  Closing his eyes since he was trying to keep it together, Jensen let out a harsh breath before reaching for her chin and tipping it up to him. “You look fucking perfect, okay?”