Awakening: The Deception Trilogy, Book 2

by Fallon Hart

  “Really?” Huh. Not one I would have picked. I scanned the shelves for it though.

  “You’re surprised by my choice?” he asked as we searched.

  “Maybe.” I sighed. “I don’t see it.”

  “Me neither.” We turned to each other and he narrowed his eyes. “You dare to say Love in the Time of Cholera isn’t a great book?”

  “The prose is beautiful,” I admitted.

  “But?”

  “But I hate books that romanticize obsession. Obsession isn’t real love.”

  “I agree that it’s definitely a book about obsession but don’t you think Márquez makes that clear?”

  “Not really.” I settled happily into the discussion. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d debated books with someone. “I think he portrays a man who obsesses over a childhood sweetheart who continually makes it clear she isn’t interested, only for her to give up after fifty years of being pretty much stalked by the guy. And then Márquez calls it love. So in my opinion what he’s saying is, ‘hey fellas, it’s alright to harass a woman when she says no because what she really means is keep harassing me until I change my mind’. Not a great message. The book is dated.”

  Bryce snorted. “No way! That’s not what he portrays at all. Fermina falls in love with Florentino.”

  I shook my head. “Even if that’s true, I hate the hero. He sexually pursues a young girl.”

  Understanding what scene I was talking about, Bryce grimaced. “Okay, I admit that part is dicey.”

  His perturbed expression reminded me of a little boy who had just been told Santa didn’t exist. I threw my head back in laughter.

  And that’s how Griff found us.

  I immediately felt his presence and turned, my laughter dying at the sight of my fiancé standing in the doorway glowering at us.

  Oops.

  Was I not supposed to hang out with club members?

  “Bryce, welcome.” Griff moved into the room. Unfortunately, his tone didn’t really back up his sentiment. His tone was tight and he sounded pissed.

  Crap.

  “I was helping Mr. McKellan look for his favorite book.”

  “I know every title in this library,” Griff told us something I didn’t know. “Which one is it?”

  “Márquez. Love in the Time of Cholera,” Bryce offered quietly. He wouldn’t meet Griff’s eyes.

  I couldn’t blame him.

  And I was glad he wasn’t looking at Griff because my fiancé sneered at the title, apparently sharing my feelings about the book. “Once listed on the one hundred books everyone must read before they die. I don’t have it.”

  “Not a fan?” I asked.

  “Are you?” he practically purred at me.

  And not in a smoldering way.

  In a ‘I’m annoyed as hell with you’ way.

  Okay, obviously I was overstepping myself by conversing with a member. Hurt, I tensed. What the hell was he afraid of? That I’d embarrass him with my common roots? “Not particularly. Anyway, I better get back to…” I trailed off because sadly I had nothing to get back to. I gave Bryce a tight smile. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. McKellan.”

  “Bryce,” he said, returning my smile. “Please call me Bryce.”

  Not responding I shot Griff a wounded look that brought a scowl to his face and I walked out of the library with my head held high.

  Every time I could forgive myself for having feelings for the ass, he made me wish I was immune to his convoluted charms.

  CHAPTER NINE

  From: Melanie Olivia Jennings

  To: Scarlett Vivien Jennings

  Subject: Hey

  Scar, I’m sorry.

  I stared at the email from sister and all I heard was white noise. Goosebumps prickled all over my skin as nausea welled inside me.

  She was sorry.

  She was sorry?

  That was it? That’s all she was going to say? Like I should just forgive her?

  I threw the tablet on the bed and looked across the room at the wedding dress hanging on the door of the en-suite.

  Last night we’d arrived in Martha’s Vineyard.

  Griff had arranged for us to have separate bedrooms so we could have privacy under the ruse of the whole ‘bad luck to see the bride before the wedding day’ thing. It was seven o’ clock in the morning and I’d barely slept, which meant the make-up artist had her work cut out for her. And now I felt sick.

  Was it butterflies or just the agonizing pain of having a twin sister like Mel?

  A knock at my door sounded. “Scarlett, it’s me.”

  Jumping off the bed I hurried to open the door to Amelia. I was so glad she and Quentin were here with us and that they knew the truth. Amelia thought the whole thing was ridiculous considering Griff didn’t even need the inheritance, but Quentin said he understood. I guessed he knew something Amelia and I didn’t.

  She walked into the room carrying a breakfast tray. “Dinah sent this up.”

  Dinah was the owner of The Bluestocking. “I don’t know if I can eat.”

  “I understand but you have to. Otherwise you might faint during the ceremony.”

  “What do we have?” I peered over the tray as she set it down on the bed. “Ooh croissant.” A simple pastry was surely easy to digest on a stomach filled with butterflies. I picked it up and tore a piece off to chew on.

  Amelia lifted a flute of orange juice toward me. “Have a mimosa.”

  I frowned. Strike that. Champagne and orange juice. “I don’t know if I can handle alcohol.”

  “It’ll help.”

  I wasn’t sure I was convinced but I took it anyway.

  “So.” Amelia looked around the bridal suite. “Have you decided if you’re staying in separate rooms tonight?”

  I rolled my eyes. “What do you think?”

  “But surely Dinah will wonder what on earth is going on if you don’t spend the night together in the same bedroom?”

  “Griff says he’s going to come in here with me and then go into the adjoining room. He’ll get up early in the morning and make the bed so the room appears undisturbed. I think that’s part of the reason he booked out the entire inn.”

  Amelia snorted, her eyes falling on my dress. “Well, he’ll be going to bed with a serious case of blue balls after he spends the day with you wearing that dress.”

  “Amelia.” I chuckled.

  “What? I know you’re not going to force him to give into his attraction but you should really enjoy driving him crazy with torment. He deserves it. He’s being such a pompous ass. Last night at dinner I wanted reach across the table and slap him.”

  I wrinkled my nose. At dinner he’d reiterated three times for Amelia and Quentin that this was merely a business arrangement but it was so obvious the comments were directed at me. Arrogant asshole. “You’re right.” I crossed my arms over my chest feeling somewhat belligerent after the email from my sister. “He thinks so much of himself, constantly reminding me this is business not pleasure. What? Does he think he’s irresistible? Because I beg to differ. He thinks I need to be reminded not to give into my attraction to him? Before him I went without sex for six years! If anyone can hold out the longest with blue balls, it’ll be me.”

  Amelia burst into applause. “This is going to be so much fun to watch!”

  ***

  The inn was typical New England with white shingles and a wrap-around porch. The porch steps led down into the most beautiful garden at the back of the inn. Around the outer edges of the garden were trees, flower bushes and hedges that had been trimmed into the shapes of animals and sculptures to create the borders of a pathway. The path—heart-shaped stepping stones across the grass—acted as the wedding aisle. Dinah had scattered flower petals all over the path and standing beneath a beautiful flowered archway at the bottom of the garden was Griff, Quentin and our officiant who just happened to be Dinah.

  Amelia walked me down the aisle wearing a blush pink wrap-dress and matching hee
led pumps. I was grateful for her support as we walked across the stepping stones toward Griff. I was vaguely aware of the wedding photographer who shuffled around us taking candid photos. She’d been taking constant photographs since the ladies had arrived to do my hair and make-up in the bridal suite.

  I looked at my husband-to-be as he watched me walk toward him. He was magnificent in a three-piece wedding tux. The jacket, pants and bow-tie were black but the waistcoat was a dark silver. He was clean-shaven and I knew before I reached him that he smelled amazing because he always smelled amazing.

  I felt an exultant shiver at the look in his eyes.

  If he were any other man someone might call that look possessive.

  But maybe that was just me being fanciful.

  Amelia took my bouquet from me and I came to a halt in front of Griff.

  “You look stunning,” he said, sounding sincere.

  The dress had a sweetheart neckline that was a little daring for a wedding dress and definitely showcased my assets. It was held up with lace straps with strands of pearls that dangled and draped off my shoulder. Sculpted to my body, it fit me to perfection. It was tight across my torso and around my hips until it flared into a train from my upper thighs. The body of the dress was made of tulle and champagne silk fabric that was overlaid with sheer chiffon decorated in baroque lace motifs. As daring as the front was the back was too as the fabric plunged to my lower back, leaving my back naked. It was sexy and classy at the same time.

  If the look on Griff’s face meant anything Amelia was right.

  He liked the dress a little too much.

  My hair had been swept off my neck into an elaborate coiffure of pinned curls. Amelia had gifted me with a beautiful pair of earrings. The stud was a flower created out of diamonds and delicately hooked to them were large pearls with encrusted diamond tops. They must have cost a fortune and I told her I couldn’t accept them but she insisted.

  I’d matched the earrings with a pearl and diamond necklace and bracelet set Griff had bought me weeks ago as part of my ‘society wardrobe’.

  “Thank you. You look very handsome.”

  My reply produced a small, sexy smile from him that made my already racing heart leap.

  “Griffin, Scarlett,” Dinah said, beaming at us, “I’m thrilled and honored to be here today with your friends, Amelia and Quentin, to witness and celebrate the beginning of your journey together as husband and wife. Now at your request—so eager to be married—we’ll keep this short and sweet,” she tittered. “So let’s move onto the vows. Griffin, repeat after me: I, Griffin Alexander Mandeville, do promise to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage with you, Scarlett Vivien Jennings.”

  Griff cleared his throat and that heart of mine pounded so hard against my chest I feared it might explode. His dark eyes were like hot onyx as they met mine and for a second I forgot this wasn’t real. “I, Griffin Alexander Mandeville, do promise to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage with you, Scarlett Vivien Jennings.”

  “Scarlett, repeat after me: I, Scarlett Vivien Jennings, do promise to create a loving, healthy and happy marriage with you, Griffin Alexander Mandeville.”

  For a moment I felt an exquisite ache in my chest, a longing. That one day I’d stand before a man whom I loved hopelessly and know that he loved me back just as much. But today wasn’t that day and the vow I was about to exchange was a lie. Griffin’s eyes narrowed at my hesitation and I licked my now dry lips as I forced the words out. “I, Scarlett Vivien Jennings, do promise to create a loving, healthy and happy marriage with you, Griffin Alexander Mandeville.” I lowered my gaze as soon as I said the words.

  “The rings.”

  I flicked a look at Dinah who had turned to Quentin. He stepped forward and handed Griff the platinum and diamond wedding band that was to be mine.

  “Griffin, please place this ring on Scarlett’s ring finger and repeat after me.”

  I raised my trembling hand and Griffin clasped it and gave it a gentle squeeze. Daring to look at him again, his expression was surprisingly gentle. He gave me a reassuring look as he pushed the ring down my finger and repeated Dinah’s words in that too delicious English accent of his. “I take you for now and for always, for always is always now.”

  There were beautiful words and God how I wished they were true as I took Griffin’s wider, unadorned platinum band and placed it on his finger. His hands were so large in mine and for a moment I had the indecent memory of how they felt running over my body. I flushed and quickly repeated, “I take you for now and for always, for always is always now.”

  Dinah smiled at us. “You’ve made these vows before your friends and to make a successful marriage you must remember them throughout your lives together. My hope for you is this: that you have many long years of happiness in each other’s arms, that you love and are loved by friends and family who will support you through those years together, and that you make a home that is a shelter through the inevitable storms that come your way. I hope that the challenges of this life are met by you together with courage, optimism, laughter, trust, friendship and an enduring love.”

  Tears glistened in my eyes at her beautiful words and Griff studied me with a gentle curiosity that unsettled me. I tore my gaze from his and looked at Dinah instead.

  She lifted her arms and cried out joyfully, “It is now my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss!”

  I felt a tug on my hands and sucked in a breath as Griff pulled me into him. To my surprise, he crushed me against him and gave me a deep, wet kiss that would have fooled anyone into believing this was a love match.

  My knees felt weak as he kissed me voraciously, leaving me breathless when he finally let me up for air.

  Quentin slapped him on the back, smirking as Amelia provided us with a fairly unladylike wolf whistle.

  I blushed at the look she gave me, the one that said, ‘I told you so!’

  Griff’s hand tightened on mine, drawing my gaze back to him. “No going back now.”

  No there wasn’t.

  “No, there’s not.” Dinah grinned. “I must say I haven’t officiated quite so short a ceremony before. You know I thought it might be rather unromantic but there is no doubting the love and passion between you. You make this old heart of mine flutter.”

  I smiled sweetly, a smile that waned when I saw Griff frown and turn away to murmur something to Quentin. Amelia caught my eyes and immediately pulled me into a hug. “You’ve got him right where you want him. Trust me,” she whispered.

  I wasn’t so sure.

  I wasn’t so sure about anything.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The hope had been that Dinah would give us privacy that evening but considering we were her only guests she found herself idle and Amelia asked her to join us.

  It was around ten o’ clock in the evening. We were sitting out on the porch when I yawned and Dinah pounced on it.

  “Oh, Griffin, you’ll need to get your beautiful bride to bed before all she wants to do is sleep in it,” she teased.

  “Yes, Griffin,” Amelia agreed grinning deviously, “Best take your bride to bed now.”

  I could only guess at Griff’s inner monologue of irritation but he stood up and held out a hand to me. “I think they’re probably right. Time for bed… darling.”

  Holding back my laughter I took his hand and stood.

  “Weren’t you telling me it’s a tradition for you to show the bride and groom to their bedchamber?” Amelia reminded Dinah.

  “Oh I almost forgot.” Dinah jumped to her feet with a lot of spryness for a woman her age. “Let me lead the way.” She marched in front of us.

  Griff looked back at Quentin. “Control your woman.”

  “Don’t be a caveman, Griff,” Amelia huffed. “He can no more control me than you can control Scarlett.”

  I tried not to laugh at Amelia, sensing Griff was genuinely irritated. With Dinah so relaxed after dinner I thin
k Griff had hoped she’d forget about the tradition and he could retire to the adjoining room without interacting with me.

  Instead we strode into our bridal suite, thick tension between us that reminded me of the night Amelia showed us to our room at her beach house.

  Dinah wished us a saucy goodnight. As soon as the door closed behind her, Griff and I stared at one another from across the room. His gaze drifted down my body and back up again.

  “You like the dress then?” I asked.

  “Who wouldn’t?”

  I smiled weakly at that vague answer and turned to take out the earrings Amelia had given me. They had a weight to them and my lobes felt sore. Gently placing them on the dressing table, I massaged my ears, not looking at my new husband.

  But I felt him.

  At his approach I looked up, heart in my mouth.

  He gestured to my neck. “Let me help.”

  I turned and attempted to beat back a shiver when his fingers brushed my skin. The necklace he’d unclasped fell away and he stepped aside to place it by the earrings. Fumbling with the clasp on the bracelet I couldn’t look at him.

  And then I froze at the feel of his hand on my naked back. I looked into the dressing table mirror and our eyes met. Even I had to admit we made a striking couple.

  Griff’s hand coasted down my back until it hit fabric. Shivers cascaded down my spine and my arms broke out into goosebumps.

  “You’re very beautiful, Scarlett,” he said, his words quiet and rumbling as we stared at each other in the mirror.

  “Thank you,” I whispered.

  “One day you’ll do this for real with someone who deserves you and he’ll feel like the luckiest man in the world as you walk down that aisle toward him.”

  His words killed the hope I’d started to feel and I lowered my gaze as he removed his hand from my back. Turning away I reached down to hold onto the arm of the bedroom chair so I could remove my shoes one at a time. Cool air hit my feet as I walked across the bare floorboards to the bed. Sitting down I threw him an amused smirk to hide my disappointment. “Whereas I bet you felt nothing but panic.”