Faking Amends (BadLuckBrides series #2)

14

Ivan

I woke up in my cold, dark living room. As lonely as it's ever been. Rose's Rainbow Dash pony was staring at me on the far end of the room as I bat my eyes into focus, so maybe I didn't feel totally alone. But Cassie wasn't here from the looks of it, and I don't remember her leaving.

I may be an arrogant bastard, but I wouldn't have let her leave that late at night by herself.

Me: Make it home okay? - Ivan Hartman

I slide my palm over my face, resonating on the tension headache I've got. My body isn't used to drinking like that anymore, and waking up like this almost convinced me I didn't want to do it anymore either.

I stretch as I come to a stand, straining to remember the details of last night.

Wait, did we...

Cassie: Yep. All good.

Cassie: Last night was fun, from what I remember.

I simper to myself as I remember her frolicking down the sidewalk at my side.

Nah, she wouldn't sound so casual if we'd hooked up last night. Honestly, she'd either still be here, or she'd be on a flight back to wherever home was if we had.

No in between.

Besides, my clothes were on too neatly, except for the few buttons I remember taking down when we got to the apartment.

If I'd fucked that girl, this place would be trashed. There's no way I'd have an opportunity with that one and waste it with some basic little couch sex.

We'd have gone around every single room in this house—except for Rose's.

I shake the thought from my mind and gulp down a bottle of water. I regret it almost immediately, but fight the urge to vomit the best I can.

I lean over the island, gripping the cold marble counter tight as the feeling subsides in its own timing.

There's a knock on the door and my eyes pop open when I remember what day it is. "Shit, shit, shit."

I straighten up my shirt and hurry to the door. When I swing it open, Nicole's eyes are set dead on me.

"Great, you're awake," she says blandly. "Thought I'd bring her by early. I had a feeling you may forget to pick her up again."

I yawn, reaching for Rose's bag, but she pulls it back before I can grab it. "So Rose told me something interesting."

My hand drags through my hair and all I can manage with this migraine and low energy is a lazy shrug. "Enlighten me, but give me her shit. It's hot out in this hallway."

"Oh nothing crazy." She finally hands me the bag and steps inside, Rose sound asleep on her shoulder. "I just had to endure an entire week of Rose rambling about how pretty and nice Daddy's new friend is."

I roll my eyes, tossing the bag on the couch "And?"

She lays our daughter down next to the bag and Rose doesn't even open her eyes.

I hope she stays like that for a while so I have a chance to finish sobering up before she's awake. Or at least get rid of this headache.

"Well, who is she?"

I lift a hand, stalling as I think up an answer. She doesn't need to know about Cassie. That'll just generate more questions flying out of her mouth, and she definitely doesn't need to know I've hired a wife just so I can secure my inheritance.