Forde turned to the interloper. “Go ahead, Holly, but make it fast.”
She sent a sneer in my direction. “I watched you when you started hanging around. I mean, sure you’re pretty, but you weren’t anything special.”
I wanted to laugh because her insult was really pretty lame, but I continued looking at her with a bland expression. I could tell that Tye was furious, because he was vibrating beside me. In addition, I was worried that Ramsay was going to launch herself across the room to tackle Holly.
“Then whenever I talked to Jenn, it was Billie this and Billie that. It was like you all welcomed her without a thought. You didn’t know anything about her, but you let her in,” she said, her tone filled with acid, and then she started to pace. “I looked into her background and found my first red flag. She’d changed her name two years ago. So I had to work on that, and then I read everything about her so-called abduction.”
I reached out and put a hand on Ramsay arm. I knew she was barely holding on to her anger.
“Holly,” Tony’s voice was deep and cutting.
“Well, there are conflicting accounts about her involvement with her abductor.” She looked right at me. “I talked to his widow, and she had a lot to say about you. How you wormed your way into their social group, so that you could get close to him. How you never brought a date around until the end, because he was losing interest in you.”
“Jesus Christ,” Tye gritted out between his teeth.
I let the words roll off my back. I’d heard most of this before. Mrs. Shields had tried to float this story repeatedly, but she’d had no evidence because it was all untrue.
Holly moved a little closer to us and pointed her finger at me. “First, you took that man from his family, and then sullied his name so much he was charged and jailed, which led to his death. Now, when his family needs money to survive, you won’t cooperate.”
“Bitch, you have no idea what you’re talking about.” Ramsay lunged, but Osi came out of nowhere and wrapped his arm around her belly, stopping her progress.
Ramsay struggled in his hold. “You don’t understand. I was there, after. She was broken.” Again, she tried to pull free of his arms. “She was broken.” Her voice cracked and started to cry.
Osi spoke quietly in her ear, and whatever he said seemed to calm her. She stopped struggling, but he didn’t release her. Instead, he pulled her to his chest.
“Holly...” I waited until she looked at me. “I told them all of that. It’s no secret that Mrs. Shields tried to float that story. The problem is, it’s not true.”
Holly let out a disgusted breath, and then turned to focus on Tye. “And you,” she pointed her finger at him. “You’re supposed to be so smart, and yet you fell for her. I can’t wait until the press hears about her past, and how she’s used men. How’s that going to make you feel, lover boy? You just proposed to a bitch. Jesus, you got played by a woman—again.”
I swear it seemed like the last word echoed through the space.
Tye didn’t flinch. He just kept looking at Holly with such distaste on his face.
I didn’t even realize I’d moved. I wanted to punch her in the mouth, and then knock her on her ass. How dare she say such hurtful things to Tye. I must have telegraphed my intent, because his arm was around my waist, and I was plastered to his front. “You fucking bitch,” I screeched out the words. “How dare you say that to him?” God, I wanted to do some real damage to her for trying to upset Tye.
Forde spoke, “Get her out of here.” He moved toward Holly. “You, too, Jenn. Get out.”
Rick joined Forde in grabbing hold of Holly’s arms. “You aren’t welcome here, or anywhere near anybody I call family.” Jenn followed them to the door.
Forde paused as Jenn gathered their coats. “Holly, you know what I can do. Now, look around this room and imagine what we will do to you as a united effort.”
Rick’s low voice thundered, “You crossed the line messing with family. You should have stayed gone.” He opened the door and led the women out.
Forde shut the door quietly behind them. He turned slowly and offered calmly, “Champagne and cigars?”
I think it was his son and Layla that let out the first whoop.
Soon, there were toasts, kisses, and hugs. The ugly scene forgotten, for now.
We were in bed, on our backs. My head was resting on Tye’s shoulder. I was admiring my ring and smiling. I couldn’t help myself. It was absolutely stunning and perfect.
“So, I should start calling you my fiancée now.” He folded his other arm behind his head.
“I guess we should talk about plans for the wedding.” I rolled onto my side facing him and propped my head up on my arm. “Honestly, I’d be fine with going to the courthouse tomorrow or the next day.”
“Oh,” Tye sounded, and even more so, looked disappointed.
I started to giggle.
“What?” He eyed me suspiciously.
“Oh. My. God,” I said when I could speak. “You want a big wedding, don’t you?” I should have guessed.
He scowled. “Don’t you? I thought every woman wanted the dress, lots of flowers, and a big cake.”
“You want the whole production!” I shook my head. “After last night’s party, I should have known.”
“It’s a big deal, okay? I mean I’m only going to do it this one time, so I figure we should make it memorable.” He shrugged trying to look like this didn’t mean a lot to him.
I smiled at my man. “Tye, I would marry you tomorrow in a little shabby office or in a huge church with a thousand guests. I just want to be tied to you forever.”
He turned so that we were touching from our chests on down. “You mean that?”
“I do.” I kissed him. “See? I’m already practicing.”
That earned me one of Tye’s smiles that I secretly labeled as “mine.” His eye crinkled, and I swear his white teeth sparkled. “I promise to give you my best, always.”
God, he was so sweet. “Me too, honey. Whatever type of wedding you want, it’s okay with me. I volunteer Ramsay to help.”
“I love you, Billie. It’s unshakeable, and I know its forever.”
The End for Now.
Perception- Book 4 in the Change Series will be available in September 2017
Brian and Crecida’s Story with a little bit of Tye and Billie.
I appreciate the services of the following vendors, who helped me with this book
(Melanie Jayne, May 2017)
Professional Services Used:
Publicist: http://rockstarlit.com/
Cover Art: http://pandngraphics.com
Editor: http://www.delilahdevlin.com/editorial-services/
Proofreader: Susan Panak
Medical Advisor: Joy Smoll-Adams
Check out the other books in the Change Series
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