Tangled Hearts.

~Chapter 75~

~Raelyn~

The soft glow of the setting sun cast long, stretching shadows across the parking lot of Tender Greens. The sky bled deep shades of crimson and violet, a hauntingly beautiful contrast to the unease that twisted low in my stomach. 

Colby parked the car and turned to me with a small smile, his blue eyes soft in the dim light. "Ready, Mrs. Brock?" 

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and returned his smile. "Of course." 

Tonight was our one-year anniversary. A milestone. A celebration of surviving a year of marriage, raising Aspen, and keeping Blake from driving us insane. I had been looking forward to this all day—just the two of us, a romantic dinner, and a brief escape from the chaos of our lives. 

Colby stepped out and walked around to open my door, ever the gentleman. I took his outstretched hand, feeling the warmth of his touch as he helped me out of the car. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. That simple act sent a flutter of love through my chest. 

But that feeling didn't last long. 

We stepped inside, and the familiar, earthy scent of Tender Greens wrapped around us. The place was cozy, dimly lit, and intimate. Exactly how I wanted it. We were led to a booth in the corner, away from the main crowd, the perfect spot for a quiet dinner. 

Colby reached across the table, his fingers intertwining with mine, and I squeezed his hand, smiling. "One year," I whispered. 

"One year," he echoed, his voice filled with love and something else—something deeper. "And I'd do it all over again, Rae." 

But before I could respond, an all-too-sweet voice interrupted the moment. 

"Well, well, well," a woman purred, her voice dripping with innuendo. "Look who we have here." 

I turned, my smile instantly fading as I took in the waitress standing beside our table. She was beautiful, no doubt, with long, loose black waves and striking hazel eyes. Her dress was entirely inappropriate for waitressing—short, tight, and low-cut to the point of being unprofessional. 

I might've brushed it off if it weren't for the way she was looking at my husband. 

Colby barely reacted, simply offering her a polite nod. "Thanks. We're here to celebrate." 

"Ah, your anniversary?" she mused, her full lips tilting into a knowing smile. "How sweet." 

The way her eyes lingered on Colby made my blood boil. 

I took a deep breath, inhaling the heavy scent of Gucci Flora—nice perfume, but she was drowning in it, practically suffocating the air around us. 

But beneath that overpowering floral scent, I picked up something else. 

Wolf. 

My stomach twisted. 

She knew exactly what I was. 

And now she was toying with me. 

My jaw tensed, but I kept my voice even. "I'll have the salmon with a Caesar salad." 

Colby ordered his usual, his voice steady, seemingly oblivious to the waitress's not-so-subtle attempts to flirt with him. 

"I'll be right back with your drinks," she said, running her fingers along his arm before sauntering away, hips swaying exaggeratedly. 

I clenched my fists beneath the table, trying to keep my temper in check. 

"She's a little too friendly, don't you think?" I muttered, my voice laced with irritation.