A Woman Reborn (sequel to A Woman Scorned)

Part 1

Then...

You were pissed. In five days you were supposed to marry Billy and start your lives together but there he was, standing at the tiki bar, flirting it up with the bartender. Jealous fury coursed through you, seeing him laugh and charm the hot blonde. You knew he was deliberately putting on a show because he was angry with you, he'd clocked your entrance the second you entered the beachside bar - but it still irritated you and you had enough of it. Well, two could play that game.

You turned around and headed to the bar that was on the opposite end of the resort, a safe distance away from Billy and his stupid antics.

The breeze from the ocean had a slight chill to it. You contemplated going back to your room to pick up a shawl but decided against it. As you passed by several of the other guests heading to dinner, they greeted you with a smile and nod. An older couple walked ahead of you, hands intertwined together, laughing and chatting. It warmed your heart to see them, but it also saddened you. Would that ever be you and Billy? Right now, you didn't think so.

The poolside bar was crowded, filled with people partying and socializing. You took a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself to get into "work" mode. You were a great schmoozer, it just wasn't an inherent part of your personality and you actively had to work at it. But forcing yourself to have a good time was better than being stuck in your room and seething at Billy.

Spotting a group of people at the bar you and Billy had chatted with earlier, you made your way towards them.

An hour later you were on your third drink and actually having a great time with a guy named Andrew when you felt someone's arm snake around your waist. Billy. He pulled you close, your back flush against his chest, his way of reminding you that you were his.

"Having a great time?" Billy asked.

Oh, he was pissed. You could hear it in his voice right away even though he sounded perfectly friendly to everyone else. "Wonderful time," you replied flippantly, not turning around.

"Andrew, right?" Billy asked, extending his hand out to the guy in front of you. "We met at the lobby bar earlier."

Andrew shook his hand, oblivious to the tension in the air. "Yeah, I remember. Billy. Feeling better? Your wife said you came down with something."

"We're not married," you said, deliberately goading Billy.

"Not yet." Moving to stand beside you, he planted a hard kiss on your bare shoulder. "Looks like you're taking good care of her though. Where's your wife?"

"Oh, she's around here somewhere."

Billy dipped his head to the side. "Maybe you should go look for her and leave mine alone."

Finally sensing the hostility, Andrew mumbled, "Alright man, see you around," and left right away.

You took a sip of your drink, purposely ignoring Billy which he didn't like. Not at all.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?"

You shrugged your shoulders. "Enjoying myself."

"Clearly." His dark eyes blazoned with rage, peering at you closely. "If this is you getting cold feet, get the fuck over it. You're marrying me. No matter what."

"Oh, were you discussing the wedding when you were flirting with the bartender?"

Eyebrow cocked, he gave you a smug grin. "Saw that, did you?"

"Disappointed I didn't stab her?"

"Always." He took the drink from your hand and finished it off in one swig. "Are you still planning to stick to the ridiculous no-sex rule?"