Kiwi Bride: Volume 1 (Kiwi Bride Series Book 3)

by Praks, Alexia

  Jayden felt defeated. He also felt like half of him was dying, very slowly and painfully. My God, how he wanted to explain everything to her even though none of it actually made any sense to him.

  Yes, she hated his guts, all right. And yes, she hated him even more now because he wasn’t gay. Shit!

  He spun on his heel, returned to the wheel, and started the engine.

  Their drive back was a solemn and quiet one. Even though they were within arm's reach of each other, their emotional connection felt like it was miles away, perhaps even as far as the distance between New Zealand and the States. The atmosphere was tense and thick.

  Once home, Alex told everyone she had a terrible headache and needed a good rest before dinner. Alone in the bedroom, she lay in bed and thought how stupid she was. She hated herself for falling in love with Jayden. She couldn’t believe she was that weak. How she wished things were different. How she wished Jayden loved her. But that was impossible because he was still in love with Sarah. Never mind, she told herself. The wedding was in a few days’ time. And after that, she’d be gone. Back to New Zealand for her. She would never have to see Jayden ever again.

  The thought didn’t sit well with her, though, and she didn’t forward to that.

  On the other side of the door was Jayden. He knew in his gut that he was the cause of their fallout. He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration.

  Oh, Alex, sweetheart, I didn’t mean to hurt you, he wanted to tell her. Okay, Jayden, the voice at the back of his head said. Just go in and tell her. Tell her everything. Tell her you love her and you’re glad what happened has happened. Tell her you’re glad you found Sarah cheating on you. You’re glad you dumped her. You’re glad Peter suggested you hire her, Alexandra Stewart, as your girlfriend. And that you’re glad you are in love with her because she’s a great woman.

  Jayden wrapped his fingers around the door handle, about to open it, when—

  Ring, ring, ring…

  “Shit!” he swore under his breath. He snatched the BlackBerry from his trousers pocket and flipped it on. “Jayden,” he growled into the phone.

  The voice on the other side said, “Boss, it’s me.”

  Jayden recognized it as David Peterson, his executive associate.

  “David, what is it?” he snapped.

  “We’ve got a problem. It’s about that piece of property Mr. Marcelo wants to sell us.”

  “What the heck is wrong with it?”

  “It’s big. You’ll have to come see for yourself. I’ll be in the office.”

  “Damn! Yeah. Be there in five.” He flipped his cell shut. “Shit!” he swore again, glancing at the door to his bedroom. “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he said and then ran down the stairs. I’ll be back soon.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 20

  Try as she might, Alex just couldn’t get up the next morning. What happened yesterday in the yacht was still fresh in her mind. Thank God Jayden didn’t return to their room. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to face him. She thought he was probably back with Sarah, making out.

  She felt guilty she had told Gracie not to bother her last night when the woman came in to ask if she wanted dinner. She lied that she had a terrible headache and she didn’t feel like eating because the food made her feel sick. It was true about the food part, at least. A normal dysfunction, surely, when one was in a depression—the heartbroken type.

  She slowly and reluctantly got up, showered, and dressed. No makeup for her today, as she didn’t feel up to the task and the fact that the makeup artist was coming anyway to do a trial.

  When she finally came downstairs, the makeup artist, Laura Andrews, was there. She was busy chatting away animatedly to Kelly, Gracie, and Beth in the drawing room.

  “Alex, did you sleep well?” Gracie asked.

  “Yes,” Alex replied, but her tone and her eyes told a different story. “I’m starving.”

  “And so you should be,” Gracie said. “Not good missing dinner, you know.”

  “I know,” Alex replied. “Hi,” she said to Laura.

  The beautiful woman replied a polite greeting.

  “Morning, Beth,” Alex said to the elderly, regal woman.

  “Morning,” Beth replied stiffly.

  “Hey, Kelly, I’ll be back after breakfast,” she said. Once she received a confirming nod from the bride-to-be, she headed to the dining room.

  “She looks awfully pale,” Laura commented. “Is she not well?”

  “Maybe just tired. She’s from New Zealand,” Kelly said. “Don’t you love her accent?”

  “Yes, it’s unique,” Laura commented. “She’s Mr. McCartney’s girlfriend?”

  “Yes,” Kelly replied, a bit too enthusiastic in Beth’s mind.

  “What a lucky girl,” Laura said, and then they returned to their makeup consultation.

  A moment later, Stephanie barged in through the door with uncontained enthusiasm. “I have the most exciting news,” she announced to her audience.

  The four women looked at her with raised brows.

  “You will never believe what I saw yesterday.”

  “What?” Kelly asked, her eyes half closed as Laura expertly applied a golden-brown eye shadow on her left eyelid.

  “It’s Jayden,” Stephanie shrieked excitedly. “I saw him and Alex at Tiffany’s.”

  “And?” Kelly asked. Now Laura was applying a thin layer of black liquid eyeliner on her right eyelid.

  Stephanie took a deep breath and then shouted, “Jayden was buying Alex an engagement ring.”

  Kelly shot up and growled, “You’re kidding me!” The black liquid liner spread up to her temple.

  “Oh, dear.” Laura frowned at the mark she made on Kelly’s pretty face. But Kelly didn’t seem to mind.

  Gracie said, “This is great news.” Then she rushed up to Kelly, who looked dumbfounded, and hugged the girl. “Alex is going to be a part of the family and—”

  “And the baby,” Stephanie shrieked, jumping with joy.

  “What?” Beth shot up from her seat and glanced from Gracie to Stephanie. “Alexandra is pregnant? And now they are engaged?” She turned accusingly to Kelly. “Why am I the last to know about this?”

  Kelly was at a loss for words. Apparently, she didn’t know about it either. Heck, weren’t her brother and Alex only acting?

  “I can’t believe Jayden didn’t tell me,” Beth said bitterly.

  Gracie put in, “Jayden hasn’t told anyone.”

  “And?” Beth prompted, frowning, obviously upset about the whole thing.

  “And we should all pretend we don’t know and keep it quiet until Jayden tells us himself. They are probably waiting for the right time.”

  “I agree,” Stephanie put in. “Maybe he’s going to tell everyone on your wedding day, Kelly.”

  “That would be the perfect time.” Gracie agreed.

  “What’s all the commotion about?” An unwelcome familiar voice said at the door.

  Stephanie turned and folded her arms across her chest. “Who invited you, Britney?”

  Britney brushed her long hair over her shoulder. “Beth, of course.” Then she did a catwalk into the room, her hips swaying from side to side. “So what’s going on?”

  “Jayden and Alex are getting engaged,” Stephanie said.

  Britney glared at Stephanie, her face red. “What? That’s impossible.”

  “Well.” Stephanie shrugged her shoulders, implying she didn’t have to believe it.

  Laura knew she was about to see a catfight between Stephanie and Britney any moment now if she didn’t do something soon. “Very exciting news, I must say. Kelly, what do you think about this look? Good? And Stephanie, please come here and get yourself ready so I can do your face.”

  Stephanie narrowed her eyes. Britney folded her arms across her chest, telling Stephanie with her look to bring it on. Stephanie itched to oblige, but she knew not to do anything stupid because they were in the company of t
he two most respected women in New York, Beth and Gracie. She shrugged her shoulders and went to sit beside Kelly.

  Beth walked up to Britney and said quietly, “I think you should leave.”

  “What?”

  “Come with me.” Beth led Britney to the door. “You know I was not pleased with the way you treated Alex the other day at Vera Wang.”

  “But I thought we agreed she’s not good enough for Jayden.”

  “Things change, Britney. I hope your behavior toward Alexandra will change, too.” She turned and went back into the house.

  Alone at the front door, Britney gritted her teeth. “Stupid old witch,” she muttered under her breath. One way or another, she had to get what she wanted—and that was Jayden’s money.

  She strolled to the side of the house and flipped her cell on. She dialed a number and waited. A second later, a male voice said, “Hello?”

  “It’s me, Britney.”

  “Darling, I’ve missed you. Shall we meet somewhere?”

  Britney didn’t beat about the bush. “Kyle, I need your help.”

  He paused. “How can I help you, my dear?”

  She could hear the playful mocking in his voice, but she ignored it. “I need to get that stupid slut Alexandra far, far away from Jayden.”

  “Alexandra? Jayden?” Another pause, as though he were trying to think who these people were. “Ah, that Alexandra.”

  “Well?” Britney prompted.

  “I think in this case, sweetheart, you and your enemy will have to work together. You two have the same goal.”

  “Are you talking about Sarah?” Britney snapped.

  “Who else, darling?”

  Britney took a deep breath. “Fine, I’ll see her. Where?”

  “Good, darling.”

  After Kyle gave her the location where they needed to meet, Britney flipped her cell shut and sighed. “Shit!” she swore and stalked to her car.

  In the music room, clutching her trusty duster against her chest, Maggie felt sick to her stomach after hearing the monologue outside the window. Ignoring her half-finished job, she hurriedly made her way to the door to find Gracie.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 21

  Alexandra stared at herself in the mirror, wondering if perhaps she was a bit too pale in that lotus-pink mini wrap dress. No, she looked all right. She was just a bit tired; that was all.

  She groaned. She didn’t feel up for the bachelorette party, but she had already agreed with Kelly that she’d come along. It was supposed to be fun, after all, with only the girls out and about having a good time. She hoped they wouldn’t be doing anything too embarrassing or naughty like back in Dunedin, such as making the bride kiss random guys and ask for guys’ underwear in the bar.

  “You look fine,” she murmured to herself, once again wondering where Jayden was. She hadn’t seen him all day, and already she missed him dearly, which was a bad sign. She knew she was getting too attached to him. Now, every minute she was thinking about him, which was crazy.

  She quickly put on her black pumps, grabbed her handbag, and left the room.

  Down by the door, she saw Gracie looking rather anxious. Perhaps she was nervous and emotional about the wedding. It was a big thing for a mother, after all, to let her only daughter go.

  “You look beautiful,” Gracie commented.

  “Thank you,” Alex replied. “I love Laura’s makeup. She makes my eyes look bigger.”

  “Yes, she is good. Are you sure you’re feeling well enough to go?”

  “Yes. I’ve agreed with Kelly, so I’m not letting her down.”

  “Don’t you tire yourself you out,” Gracie said. “You have to look after yourself.”

  “Of course I won’t tire myself.” Alex chuckled.

  Kelly came down the stairs then and said, “Don’t worry, Mom. Alex is a big girl.”

  “Yes, of course.” Gracie agreed. “Now, you go and have fun.”

  Kelly kissed Gracie on the cheek. “We will,” she said and led Alex to the BMW.

  “Good night,” Alex said to Gracie.

  “Good night,” Gracie replied, nodding. She watched until the convertible was out of sight before she shut the door. In the corridor, she stopped and gazed at the phone. She sighed, picked the receiver up, and started dialing.

  * * * * *

  Kelly’s bachelorette party began at Parcha, where they had their late dinner in a privately booked room. The food was excellent, and the service was impeccable. Alex thoroughly enjoyed herself. She looked around the table and was pretty sure the other eight girls were also enjoying themselves tremendously, considering the amount of alcohol involved. She was glad Kelly and Stephanie chose to sit next to her, and they made sure she didn’t get left out of anything.

  When the meal was over, they left for the club.

  Alex couldn’t believe there were so many people, young women dressed in their most expensive, sexiest clothing and men in jeans and formal shirts. The music was loud as people mingled and danced.

  Stephanie and Kelly both pulled Alex to the dance floor. Oddly enough, the fast pace of the music made her want to dance. The pumping of her heart sped up, and her blood rushed through her vessels like a Formula One car.

  “The bride! The bride!” the girls yelled at the top of their lungs as they danced along with the song “Barbara Streisand” by Duck Sauce. Suddenly, Kelly was in the middle of the dance floor and did her moves. Then Kelly grabbed Alex’s hands to join. Alex was embarrassed and stood there awkwardly at first, not knowing what to do. When Kelly pulled her along in tune with the music, Alex let go of her reserve and danced. She shook her body and moved her hands as if she were a pro. She closed her eyes and allowed her mind to relax as she moved her body along with the beat.

  About two hours later, Kelly said, “I’m thirsty. Let’s get a drink.”

  The girls agreed, and they all squeezed their way to the bar. Alex collapsed onto the seat next to Stephanie.

  “I’ve never had so much fun,” she shouted.

  “What?” Stephanie blared back.

  “I said I never had so much fun,” Alex yelled.

  Stephanie laughed. “That’s good.”

  A waiter came to their table and took their orders. About five minutes later, after the waiter had managed to bump into an arrogant man and uttered some apology, Alex finally received her drinks. She was so thirsty she finished her drink within five minutes, which was a record for her. A few moments later, Kelly led the way back onto the dance floor, grabbing Alex’s hand.

  “No.” Alex shook her head. “I’ll be there in a second. I need a little rest.”

  “All right, then. Come soon.” Kelly chuckled.

  “Will do,” Alex replied.

  Alex watched as Kelly and the girls disappeared into the thick crowd. She was now alone. Well, not that she was really alone since there were loads of other people around, only she didn’t know any of them.

  She relaxed back in her seat and closed her eyes, listening to the pounding of the loud music. This time it was “Memories” by David Guetta. Her mind drifted off into a dream world. Her dream, however, only consisted of Jayden.

  She flashed her eyes open, angry at herself for thinking about him again. She must forget about him, at least for tonight.

  “Hey there,” a male voice said.

  Alex looked up. Her heart missed a beat as Kyle moved in to sit next to her, too close for her comfort. She shifted, her body quivering uncomfortably.

  “I see you’re feeling lonely,” he said, resting his arms over the sofa.

  Alex grabbed her bag and stood, intending to leave. She suddenly felt a wave of nausea rushing through her. He caught her arm and pulled her back down on the seat.

  “Hey, let go,” she snapped.

  “Feisty!” He chuckled.

  “Let me go, or I’ll scream,” Alex demanded through gritted teeth.

  Kyle moved closer, his grasp around her wrist tightening, hurting her. “Go
on. Do it,” he said, his eyes cold. “No one will hear.”

  Alex couldn’t stand one more second in his presence. She hit his chest and wiggled her wrist. But Kyle only tightened his hold on her, laughing.

  “Come here and give me a kiss.” He wrapped his other hand around her neck and pulled her to him. He was about to plant a passionate kiss on her when Alex clawed his face with her fingers as she shoved him back.

  “Bitch!”

  Alex managed to pull herself free as he struggled to compose himself. She slapped him hard in the face for good measure and then ran away to the overcrowded dance floor.

  “Shit!” Kyle swore again, going after her. People were looking at them curiously, but Kyle wasn’t paying them any attention. He was furious that Alex had disfigured his handsome face.

  Alex found herself surrounded by people. She glanced behind her. Her stomach knotted when she saw Kyle coming after her. She bit her lip and hoped like hell she was able to find the girls. Only the dance floor was massive, and there were people everywhere, squeezing, hitting, and shoving her. The air was hot and tight; plus the smell of mixed perfumes, sweat, and alcohol caused her stomach to turn over. That feeling of nausea came again, taking control of her consciousness. She felt sick.

  “Kelly, where are you?” she muttered, her heart pounding away in tune with the music.

  She was lost in the jungle of people who were dancing and screaming. The disco light above her flicked this way and that, here and there, which made her head spin. She twisted around in her spot, wondering which way she should go. Then she glimpsed Kyle, who was getting closer to her, growling.

  She panicked and rushed off, begging her way through the throng of people. She breathed a sigh of relief once she was off the dance floor. Her heart still pounding furiously, she glimpsed the double door—the exit—and headed that way.

  Across the quiet corridor, she ran. At least she thought she was running. She was hoping there was a ladies’ room somewhere she could go in and hide. Only her world seemed to be slowing down. She glanced behind her, saw the hazy figure of Kyle reaching for her, and then her hand was caught.