The Reluctant Bride (Arranged Marriage #1)(68)

After I throw my hair into a quick ponytail, I exit the hotel room, the key in my pocket, the earrings Perry gave me still in my ears. I touch one as I ride the elevator to the ground floor, a secret smile playing upon my lips.

My future husband got exactly what he wanted. Me wearing nothing but the earrings last night. And I got what I wanted too—I saw every one of his tattoos.

Next time, I’m going to linger over them. Give them a full examination.

I exit the elevator and make my way over to the small coffee shop that’s tucked near the front entrance of the hotel. The line isn’t too terribly long and I make my order before going to the pickup counter where I wait for my drink while checking my phone.

“Charlotte?”

I glance up when I hear my name, frowning at the man standing in front of me. He’s tall. Dark haired and dark eyed, reminding me of Lucian Morelli. But it’s not Lucian.

Not even close.

Realization dawns and I’m frozen as all the memories come rushing back.

The man smiles. “Don’t tell me you forgot who I am.”

His accent is stronger than I remember. There’s more gray at his temples, though it just makes him look more distinguished. His handsome face is achingly familiar, and my heart squeezes the longer I stare at him.

Until the anger washes over me, a reminder of how much this man hurt me.

“I haven’t forgot,” I bite out, every muscle in my body coiling tightly. I’m in fight-or-flight mode. I want to run.

I want to hit him.

I want to scream.

“I can’t believe I’ve run into you after all this time.” He shakes his head, a faint smile on his lips, as if this is such a fun coincidence. God, I despise him. “How are you?”

“Fine.”

“Why are you at this hotel? I thought you lived in New York.”

“I do.”

“Charlotte.” His voice softens, as does his expression. “Come on. Talk to me. You’re not still—mad, are you?”

“That you started a relationship with me when you had a girlfriend the entire time we were together? No. I’m not mad. Not at all.” The barista calls my name and I go to the counter to pick up my drink, offering a cheery thank-you to her before I turn to face the man who has haunted my dreams for far too long with a scowl. “Your timing is impeccable.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I’m getting married. Today.”

His gaze drops to my hand, no doubt spotting the giant diamond on my finger. “I heard about that.”

What in the world? “How? I haven’t spoken to you in over a year, Seamus. Yet you heard about me getting married? How can I believe anything that comes out of your mouth? All you ever did was lie to me. Our entire relationship was based on a lie. You’re not worth my time. I’ve got more important things to take care of today.”

“Come on, Charlotte. Was I that easy to forget? I don’t think so.” He grabs my arm, pulling me to him, his voice low. “You returned to the States and hid away in your family’s apartment, never to be seen or heard from again.”

“That’s not true.”

“Oh right. Let’s not forget your debutante ball, where you looked downright feral the entire evening, snarling at anyone who came too close,” he says.

How would he know that? A few society pages mentioned that very fact, but he was in Paris while I was here. Or maybe he returned to Ireland. I have no clue what happened to him after I left.

Why would he care what I was doing?

He lied to me. He loved someone else.

Not me.

“You missed me,” he says with a smug smile. “That’s why you hid away from the world.”

“Because you hurt me, you asshole,” I bite out. “I was only nineteen. You broke my heart.”

“You were in love with me.”

“You wish.” I try to jerk out of his hold but he tightens his grip.

“You were. You’ve never dated anyone again. And now suddenly you’re getting married?”

Unease slips through me at his words and I glare at him.

“Have you been keeping tabs on me?” I try my best not to let my fear show, keeping my expression impassive, my stance casual. When all I want to do is bolt.

He finally lets go of my arm and I rub it absently, wishing he’d never touched me.

I can literally still smell Perry on my skin. I hate that Seamus just had his hands on me, even if it didn’t mean anything.

“What can I say? You left an impression on me. And it’s always smart to keep track of a Lancaster.” He grins, the bastard.

I take a step back, needing the distance. “You’re nothing but a stalker.”

He chuckles. “No, I am someone who recognizes an asset when I see one. I just didn’t realize someone else had a plan and moved in faster than me to acquire said asset.”

“What are you talking about?” He’s talking in circles and my tired brain doesn’t get it.

“As if you don’t know. Your impending wedding to a Constantine? I know a setup when I see one.”

All the blood in my body seems to drain into my feet, leaving me lightheaded. God, how did he know? “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I’m not stupid.” His expression shifts, morphing into the charming man I remember who swept me off my feet. “You should give me another chance, Charlotte. I know you believe I betrayed you, but I didn’t know how to tell you about my girlfriend—who I broke up with after you left, just so you know.”