Page 25 of Forbidden Touch
She straightens her back. “You have every right to doubt what I say, but I’m telling you the truth. I’ve never seen him like this. He’s taken by you.”
My mouth slackens as I lift a single eyebrow. “Well, maybe you should contact the press and give them the latest.”
Her chin trembles as she nods and stares at the floor. “I wanted the media to see the betrayal. But all they saw was a couple in love.” She slowly turns to me. “Fiona, I owe you a huge apology. I’m sorry for being such a scandalous and overly protective bitch.”
An immediate chuckle rises from my throat. It’s funny to hear her call herself a name I’ve found fitting for days now. “Lorelle, I appreciate the apology, but things between me and your son have ended. It’s over.”
Rising from her seat, she struts to the door and peeks through the glass side window. “But he’s on his way here right now.”
My breath hitches. “He’s coming here?Now?”
Jumping up from my chair, I run a palm over my hair to smooth my curls down.
She bites on her lip. “Forgive me for this, but I wanted to beat him to it and tell you myself that I think you are theperfectmatch for my son.”
Her comments send a flush spreading across my face. “Never did I think I would hear those words coming from you.”
“Well, even an old gal like me can change.” Stepping into the hallway, she looks back at me. “He doesn’t know I’ve come, and he wouldn’t appreciate seeing me here, but please think about what I’ve said, dear.”
She scurries away to the elevator, and just like that, she’s gone.
A tremendous sigh of relief floats from my lips as I sag against the door. Crisis averted. A slow smile forms on my mouth as I think of her surrender. Ethan, Devin, and my other brothers will be relieved to hear the lawsuit is canceled.
And so will Jonathan.
Butterflies roam through my belly as I catch a reflection of myself in the foyer mirror. I claw at my hair and reapply lipstick just before the security tablet rings.
It’s been a week since the beautiful weekend we shared, but it feels like an eternity. I miss him.
As I wait in front of my gigantic penthouse window, the Vegas skyline glistens. What are the chances that he and I would have connected? Born into rivalry, it seems impossible. Yet, here we are, fighting for the right to be together.
Was Lorelle telling the truth? She’s no stranger to manipulation. Could she be weaving a story to get things her way?
Rubbing the back of my neck, I softly shake my head.
She’s just a mother in despair, and she didn’t realize the consequences of her actions, but she knows now. She has learned.
The doorbell to the penthouse finally rings, and I open the door. Outside, a gorgeously chiseled man stands, his body strong and sturdy. He’s holding a bouquet of pink and red roses. His smooth hair forms waves on his temples as his hazel eyes meet mine. He extends the flowers to me, and I accept them.
“I’m sorry, Fiona.”
Holding the roses to my nostrils, I inhale their sweet scent. “These are beautiful,” I say, my voice shaking slightly. “Thank you.”
“Fiona, I need to talk to you about the lawsuit… about everything.”
I say nothing as I wait for him to continue.
“It’s all been a terrible mistake,” he says. “My mother… she wants what’s best for her family, but she didn’t realize what she was doing, and—”
I shake my head. “I know, Jonathan. She was here.”
Dropping his head, he shuts his eyes and exhales a heavy sigh. “I feared that. I’m so sorry, Fiona.”
Lifting my chin higher, I clear my throat. “She said we’re a perfect match.”
His face draws blank before his eyes light up. He smiles, and it’s the same smile I fell in love with when we met. He purses his lips. “Think she’s right?”
“I mean, the way you spilled that drink on me that night, I’m not sure.”