The Beast of Stornoway

Chapter 48: Van

If one more person comes up to me to congratulate me on this fucking engagement, I'm going to punch them.

"Blarcum, congrats on your engagement, mate."

Van gripped his glass and turned to glare at the well-wisher.

Declan Abernathy. Oh, I'd love to punch this bloody scrote.

He wasn't surprised he was there. Rebecca would have purposely invited him in hopes to stir up some drama and Declan would still do anything to gain her favor. The games these people played were disgusting.

"Second time's the charm or is that the third time?" Declan leaned against the bar. "Good luck. I hope she doesn't come running back to me."

I'd be glad for it too...

He knew Rebecca was somewhere watching this exchange. He needed to make this shite look believable for the manor's sake.

Come on, Blarcum, just play the part.

"Fuck off, Abernathy. You obviously weren't good enough for her." He smirked and took a drink to numb the dread. "She was always going to come back to me."

Declan glared and snatched his drink from the bar. "We'll see about that," he snarled and dug his shoulder into Van as he pushed passed him.

Van rolled his eyes as he watched him leave. They were all insane. Declan could gladly have Rebecca back. He couldn't believe that idiot was falling for this damn charade.

Fucking hell.

This night couldn't go any faster. Van looked across the room at Rebecca who was giggling and showing off her minimalist ring. She boasted that he gave her such a dainty ring to match her delicate features. What a load of shite that was, but her precious little groupies ate up every word. Rebecca looked up at him, winked and blew him a kiss. He cringed and forced a smile on his face as he pretended to catch her kiss and place it over his heart. Just like they used to do.

Someone bloody kill me.

Why did he ever think that was cute? God, he was so naïve back then. He should've known it was all an act. That it was all part of his parents' grand plan. He turned back to the bar to signal for the waiter to refill his glass. He just had to get through this night, then he could leave in the morning. He looked toward the door and wished he could leave right now. Relief washed over him as Hamdi walked into the ballroom, followed by Marie and-

Oh God no.

His heart pounded and his throat went dry as he slowly took in the stunning beauty walking behind Marie.

My little witch looks like a Goddamn Egyptian Goddess.

A gold braided headpiece laid across Amani's forehead, her hair was braided to the side and hung over her shoulder. The cream beads in her gold dress made her honey brown skin glow under the dimmed lights. His eyes followed a trail of beads down the 'V' of the neckline that hinted at the curve of her supple bosom. He sucked in a breath as his eyes traveled further down her body to the slit at her thigh. His groin twitched at the peak of her toned leg and gold stiletto heels on her feet.

Take your eyes off her sexy fucking legs, Blarcum.

He quickly moved his eyes away from her tempting legs and settled on her cinnamon eyes and plump red lips.

Fuuuuuuckkk. I am bloody fucked.

How was he supposed to act like Amani wasn't the most attractive woman in the room? Or pretend he didn't want to be by her side all night and possibly forever?