Page 13 of Shattered Hearts
Is hethreateningme? “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t be such a smartass.”
I match Finn’s scowl with one of my own. “Look, I don’t want to be here with you any more than you want to be with me.”
“You sure about that?”
Disbelief laces his words as he stares at my mouth, clearly hinting at my poor judgement from three years ago.
My jaw falls open. He did not just go there. “Don’t flatter yourself,” I hiss.
A vein in his forehead twitches. “Just explain this to me so I understand.”
I want to scream. “I’ve told you everything.”
He rakes a hand through his hair. “Impossible. That can’t be everything.”
“Well,” I shrug, “believe it or not, it is.”
“What else do you know?”
Forget screaming. Now I’m about one stupid question away from kneeing him in the nuts. “About what? Life? Liberty? The pursuit of happiness? I already told you everything I?—”
He glowers at me so hard I think he’ll leave a mark. I rear back in my seat on instinct, heart flitting in my chest.
“Stop lying to me.”
I snap my mouth shut.
“You expect me to believe that you have no ideawhyyour sister did this or where she might’ve gone? You know her better than anyone.”
I don’t know why his words sear my skin.
Oh, wait. Yes, I do.
It’s because I know the intensity behind these accusations stems from the fire he has for my sister. Meanwhile, his disdain for me is obvious.
A tidal wave of imposter syndrome crashes over me. Of course he’s angry. I’m impersonating the woman he loves. He’s worried about her.
Even though their marriage was arranged, how could he not fall for Harper? She’s perfect.
Today was supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Instead, he’s stuck here with me.
This day and everything about it can take a flying leap off a tall cliff.
A tear slips down my cheek. Then another.
I stare at the floorboard, feeling his eyes bore into the side of my head as tears continue dampening my face. When I finally recover the power of speech, my voice is flat.
“Harper and I aren’t close anymore.” I force the words out. “But you’re right. I probably know her better than anyone, so believe me when I tell you I have no idea what’s going on. She’s been fantasizing about her wedding day since we were five. Ican’t think of a single thing that would keep her from walking down the aisle with…”
The man she loves.
I swallow those last four words down since they’re too hard to say. Does she love him? I don’t want to know.
Maybe my tears convince him, or maybe it’s the utter defeat in my tone, but his features soften. He rakes his fingers through his hair. “Sorry. I’m an asshole.”
He leans back and slices his razor-sharp gaze out the window. This marks the end of his interrogation, plunging us both into an uncomfortable silence.