A Very Exclusive Engagement(50)

She looked over at Liam. He eyed the champagne glasses for a moment before crossing the room to pick them up. He handed one to her and held out his own for a toast.

“One day of marriage done. Three hundred and sixty-four to go.”

With a sigh, she took a deep draw from her champagne flute and closed her eyes before the tears threatened to spill over.

One critical thing was missing from her fantasy wedding: a man who loved and adored her more than anything else on earth. And that was the one thing Scarlet and Ariella hadn’t been able to provide.





Twelve

Liam was worried about Francesca. As she’d walked down the aisle toward him, she was literally the most beautiful bride he’d ever seen. The white gown was quite flattering against the warm color of her skin and it fit her curves like a glove.

For a moment, it had all become a little too real. His breath had caught in his throat. His mouth had gone bone-dry. His heart had raced a thousand miles an hour in his chest. Francesca was about to be his wife. And in that instant, he’d wanted her to be in every sense of the word.

It was a strange feeling. One he hadn’t experienced before. He’d been fond of a lot of women over the years. He genuinely liked and respected Francesca. That was probably as close to “love” as he’d ever gotten. Marriage hadn’t crossed his mind yet. He assumed he would get to that point in his life eventually. The Queen Bee had just accelerated his schedule.

Liam wasn’t sure if it was the flowers or the music. The way she looked in that dress or the happy tears of his mother. But he was committed to the moment. He was excited to marry Francesca. Maybe this year wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe…maybe there could be more than just a business arrangement between them. A real relationship.

He was snapped back to reality by the stony expression on Francesca’s face. There was no happy, bridal glow. No tears of joy. No smile of excitement. She didn’t look outright unhappy; she was covering it well, but Liam knew she was on the edge. The reality of lying to all their friends and family must be weighing heavily on her. He understood. That was why he’d given her the option not to go through with the marriage. But she’d insisted. She wasn’t the type of woman to go back on her word. She would choke it down and do what had to be done.

Since they’d left the bridal suite, she’d become like a robot. She smiled, she went through the motions, but her dark eyes were dead. He wasn’t sure what would happen when she couldn’t hold in her emotions any longer. But he knew it wouldn’t be pretty.

Fortunately, they were able to lose themselves in the smiles, handshakes and hugs of the receiving line. After that, the reception should be fairly short. With little notice, Scarlet and Ariella had only been able to arrange a catered hors d’oeuvres and cocktail reception. No band or dancing, no five-course sit-down dinner. Just an hour or so of mingling and cake, and then everyone would be on their way. It should be fairly simple to get through it without drama.

The last few guests came through the line and Liam and Francesca were able to leave their stations. He put his arm around her waist and leaned into her. “Are you okay?” he whispered.

Her wary eyes looked to him and she nodded. “I’m just a little overwhelmed.”

“Do you want me to get you a drink?”

“Yes,” she said with emphasis. “Please.”

Liam left her side to get them both something from the bar. He was returning with a glass in both hands when he caught an unwelcome sight out of the corner of his eye. Hayden Black and Angelica Pierce were chatting. No, that wasn’t the right word. They were having a discussion that verged on heated, if Angelica’s stiff posture and tight mouth were any indication. What was she thinking, having a conversation with the investigator out to prove she was guilty? This couldn’t be good.

As far as Liam knew, Angelica hadn’t been called to testify before the congressional committee about the hacking scandal. He assumed it was because Hayden hadn’t been able to piece together the details of her involvement. Or at least, to prove it. The suspicion of her guilt was nothing Liam could act on. He needed hard evidence to fire her, and if Angelica was involved, she had been very, very careful. She wasn’t stupid. She was a ruthless, cunning reporter willing to do nearly anything to get the big story. He appreciated her ambition. But not her moral code.

Secretly, he hoped Hayden would find what he needed. Liam was nervous running ANS with Angelica still in his employ. He needed a reason to cut her loose permanently.