CHAOS (Beneath The Secrets Book 1)

“Brody, you can’t come in here!” I shove the door closed, pushing him out.

“I need to see you, boo. It’s important.”

I frown as his serious tone fills the room. Today is supposed to be a happy day, our wedding day. Why does his voice crack and quiver, as if he’s holding back tears?

“Is everything okay?” I ask, holding my breath.

There is a thud as he rests against the door, and I hear him let out a deep exhale. A few moments of silence pass, and my heart rate speeds up. Our wedding is the sole thing that keeps my mind active following the loss of my parents. A distraction from my grief that stops my heart from shattering.

Even though it was four years ago now, it still seems like yesterday when I got the call. The cops called it a freak accident. They never got to see me graduate. My dad won’t be here to walk me down the aisle today. I’m lucky I had Brody. We met at college and he proposed shortly after their deaths. As soon as his own career took off, we moved back to New York. I was unable to focus on anything, so I made the decision to pause my schooling and prioritize his job.

And here we are.

I hold on tight to my mom’s diamond around my neck. I’ve worn it every day since she passed. Call me strange. It makes me feel like she’s here with me.

“I just needed to hear your voice, Sof.”

“You still aren’t coming in. It’s bad luck.” And I don’t want any more of that. Not today, at least.

“I just want you to know I love you.”

I stiffen at his words. I can’t get past the grief in his voice. I know him. I’ve spent the last four years living with this man. I’m a psychology major. I know when something is up.

My fingers press against the thin barrier of wood between us. “I love you, too, B. Are you sure everything is okay?”

The last three months, I’ve hardly seen him. He’s so busy with work, I’m asleep by the time he finally gets home. I’m hoping after the wedding is out of the way, we can go back to normal. He hasn’t even touched me in weeks. Every time I bring it up, he reminds me of the wedding we have to pay for.

“It will be, I’m sure. I’ll see you at the altar.” He pushes away. I can just hear the echoes of his steps.

“See you soon.” It comes out in almost a whisper.

“What the hell was that about?” Anna asks as she waltzes out of the en-suite into the bedroom. With her hair beautifully curled and resting on her shoulders, she now has a full face of makeup that includes blush lip gloss to match her bridesmaid dress.

My shoulders shrug on their own. “I honestly don’t know.”

She shakes her head. She’s never hidden the fact she isn’t a fan of Brody. It goes both ways. Which only makes it awkward for me. That’s why I haven’t told her what’s been going on over the last few months. How I’ve basically lived on my own.

“As much as I despise him, he loves you, Sof. He’s probably just nervous.”

I bite down on my lip and nod. I’ve never known Brody to get nervous. He’s cocky and knows what he wants. Much like his father, Knox. Except Knox is a complete creep. I shudder at the thought of having to even be in the same room as him again. I’m just glad he lives in Vegas, so I don’t have to see him.

“Yeah, he probably is.”

With a smile, she grabs the champagne from the dresser, pours us each a glass, and hands one to me.

“Well, here’s to your last moments as Miss Garcia.”

As I take the drink from her, I can’t help but notice my engagement ring sparkling in the light, which brings a smile to my face. Everything will be fine after today.

“To becoming Mrs. Leary.”

Anna snorts out a laugh. “I think I prefer your last name. Drink faster. I have some best men to size up for later.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Apparently, Brody’s half-brother is coming.”

Anna’s blue eyes widen, and a little smile creeps up her lips. “Oh, interesting. What does he look like?”

“Not a clue. Brody’s only met him once. He started looking for him after his mom died.”

Her finger traces the rim of her flute. “Same mom?”

I nod. Brody hasn’t grieved his mother’s passing. It’s like it never happened. I wonder if that’s what’s bringing up his emotions today?

“Hey, maybe he’s less of an asshole,” she says.

With a glare, I lock eyes with her.

She breaks into a burst of laughter, the sound mixing with the clinking of her empty champagne glass.

“Be nice, just for today. Please.” I pout at her, batting my lashes for effect.

“For you, anything,” she says as she drapes her arm around my shoulder.