Bait: The Wake Series, Book One(135)

Me: Hang-in there, honeybee. It’s going to get rough.

I sent her that message for a few reasons. I guessed her phone was probably off and that she'd see it before bed and so I'd, most likely, be the last thing she'd think about. And also to let her know that I wasn't waiting for her to text me anymore.

The rules had changed.

Plus, I wanted to let her know it was almost over. I wasn’t blind to her pain. When it came to her, I could see past my own despair.

I was going to fight.

I was going to drag her through hell.

I was going to make her so uncomfortable that we'd have a resolution by this time the next night. Either she was going to hate me and or she was going to crack and let her husband see what was really on the inside of her.

A heart marked with my name.



“Have I ever told you how good-looking you are, brother?” I said to Cory as we stood at the bar. The Hook Line and Sinker looked better than it ever had.

Every table was covered in black linens and had large trees made out of sculpted wire lit from the inside with tiny lights. It was a great spot for a wedding and the perfect spot for a hell of a good party.

It was a good place to meet in a bar. It was the best place to meet in a bar. It's where we met in a bar. It might have been the wrong time, but it was definitely the right place. And here we were again. I relished in fated-like, ironic feel it all had.

“Yes, you have. And like I've told you before, you're right.” Cory retorted. “Seriously, though. You look better than I expected you to. You doing okay?”

“I'm doing great. To the New Year,” I raised my glass to him and he brought his to mine.

“To the New Year.” We each took a long drink.

He added, “I see you brought Aly.”

I looked at my feet. I knew what it appeared like to my family. It looked like a sign that I was trying to get back at her, but that wasn't it at all. I was just plain old trying to get her.

Aly was just another nudge.

It was wrong for me to do that to Aly, but who was keeping track of my mistakes those days? Sure as hell wasn’t me.

“I did,” I said.

“She cares about you.”

“She does.” My mood wasn't set to explain mode at the moment. “Are you ready to say those vows? Not going to run?” I teased and changed the topic.

“I'm ready,” he said as he straightened his posture. “You know, I know how lucky I am. I see you and whatever it is that you and Blake have and it's painful to watch sometimes,” he said and then thoughtfully added, “But I also know you and you wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn't worth it. I've seen you pretty torn up over this girl in the past. But something's different tonight.” He scratched his chin and laughed. “You look like you’re going to war.”

“Maybe I am,” I deadpanned.

“Good.” He bounced on his heels and leaned in to say conspiratorially, “Just remember this is our wedding. If you upset my wife tonight, we'll have a problem. Do what you gotta do,” he said as he walked off to a waiting Micah.

The evening started with cocktails. Blake wore a black dress that I had a history with. If she was giving me clues, too, I was getting them loud and clear.

I didn't hesitate to walk right over to them. They were talking to Micah’s mom and stepdad.

“Happy New Year,” I bellowed as I came to a stop on Blake’s side. Everyone responded wishing me a Happy New Year, too.

“So are you ready to stand up there with me Blake?” I asked, interrupting the conversation they were having and starting a new one of my own choosing.

Blake replied, “Um, up where?”

Grant's hand slid around her waist and pulled her in closer.

Good. The f*cker knew what my intentions were. He might not know his bride very well, but he sure as hell had me pegged right.

“The altar.” I paused watching her eyes go wide with shock. “You know? Best man? Maid of honor? We're at a wedding? Any of this ringing a bell? I love that dress by the way.” I slipped that last bit in there as Micah's stepdad said something to Grant.

“Have you seen my date?” I asked as Grant's attention returned to the conversation happening between his wife and me.

“Your date?” Grant asked. “The blonde you came in with?”

“Yeah, Aly. Have you seen her?”