Rouge: A Dark Billionaire Romance (Tattered Curtain Series)

Lacey

My chest aches. The coin is likely silver plated, with little to no monetary value, but he gave it to me to inspire hope and promised that I can count on him. Not only that, he was vulnerable, trusted me with yet another secret, and confessed that he cares for me. It’s the most precious gift I’ve ever received.

So why did he lie about my father’s injuries? My mom said my father didn’t want me to know. Is that true? Was Kian honoring my father’s wishes?

My fingertips caress the number before I return it to my pocket for safekeeping. I switch it out for one of the hundred-dollar bills my mother ensured was in my pocket when she dropped off my dress and lay the cash on the counter with more resolve than I’ve had in… well, maybe ever.

“Actually, I’m going to go with a water.” The man’s black brows rise nearly to his hairline, but he doesn’t say a word as he dumps the vodka from the glass. He untwists the top of a small bottled water, breaking the seal, and I trade him in exchange for the hundred-dollar bill and my thanks.

I sip my water before turning around to observe the party and assess how much damage this night is going to do to my morale.

Everyone is dressed to the nines, with women in ball gowns and men in their tails. Not everyone has a mask on, but it’s kind of fun to see if I can identify the ones who do, although I don’t think I’m having much luck.

The band starts up a new song and more people gravitate toward the dance floor. I’m dying to get some of my energy out, but I’m not sure how well I’ll be able to move, considering the ache in my lower back and abdomen.

I’ve danced through pain before. Blisters, sprained ankles and stress fractures are nothing new. This injury is different, though. It doesn’t feel like a “dance through the pain” kind of situation.

It feels like I might need to see a fucking doctor.

“Lacey!”

I shift toward the sound of my best friend’s voice. A sharp cramp radiates from my lower back, preventing me from running and jumping into Roxy’s arms. She has no such restrictions though, and she barrels toward me despite her tight black mermaid gown and wraps me in her arms with a strong squeeze. I bite my tongue to keep from whimpering, but she speaks over the small sound that leaks out anyway.

“Oh my god, please tell me you’re not mad at me. I need you to not be mad at me. I know I haven’t called or texted, but I was so stressed and I thought you hated me.” She pushes away from me and tugs off her black masquerade mask before holding me at arm’s length and pleading with big brown puppy-dog eyes. “Please say you don’t hate me. Did I mention that this sweetheart neckline makes your boobs look fantastic? Also, please don’t hate me.”

I snort and lead us to the side of the room, away from prying ears.

“Jesus, Roxy. I don’t hate you. I’m really glad you’re here. I was afraid I was going to have to navigate this by myself.”

“Yeah, girl. I’d never miss my bestie’s wedding festivities. Although this feels more like a campaign fundraiser than a rehearsal dinner, no offense.”

“None taken.”

“And…” She lowers her voice to a whisper. “I’m kind of confused about why we’re here.”

My eyes narrow. “Why?”

“Well, um… Devil’s Night. I thought something might’ve happened. Maybe a “Wish You Were Still Single” coupon got cashed in? I figured you’d want to be with… you know. Your mystery devil.”

I glance around before lowering my own voice. “What do you know? Because I know you know some things. That so-called mystery devil told me. You haven’t told anyone about him, though, have you?”

“No, oh God no. I would never.”

She’s acting like she’d never gossip about me and I huff at her bewildered expression.

“You know, it makes so much sense now. You used to be someone I could trust until my dad went to jail. After that, you never kept my business to yourself. And you’re doing it now because the Muñozes are McKennon loyalists, right?”

Hurt crumples her face and I want to feel bad for her, but it’s the truth. She’s my best friend and we usually run away from confrontation, but I can’t let this one slide.

“That’s not true. I never told anyone about your little ‘fuck yous’ to the Garde whenever I was your diversion. I just leaked enough to the rumor mill to keep things interesting. This is different.”

“Right, but a McKennon is involved now, and you were behind the scenes in his scheme from the beginning.”

Her chin dimples as she frowns. “Come on, Lace. My dad made me. I had to.”

“You had to betray me? Over and over again?” I think back to all the times my mother called to rip me a new one because Roxy had leaked something that reached an heir to a rival family. “You could’ve ruined our friendship, you know.”

“I know, I’m so sorry. But my dad… I had to. You understand, don’t you?”

I sigh. Because I do. I would do almost anything to free my dad.

“I get it, but I’d like to think I wouldn’t betray someone I loved.”

“Wouldn’t we all like to think that?” A sad smile crests her red-painted lips. “I’m sorry, Lacey. I really am. But I promise I never did anything that would actually put you in danger. And I only ever shared enough to make you sound exciting.”

“Oh, well as long as you made me sound exciting, all’s forgiven.” I roll my eyes and grin.

She gives me a theatrical wink and I can’t help laughing. I’ve never been good at staying mad at my best friend and the ache of betrayal in my chest has eased a little with her apology.

But my brain begins to mull over everything she’s said. She was trying to play all sides for the good of her family, like I am. I thought I was just a pawn in the Garde’s game all this time. But what if we’re all being pushed around and forced to play the board? And if that’s the case, who’s holding the pieces?

“So… how was it?” she asks, waggling her eyebrows the best her Botox will allow. “Rumor has it that Kian McKennon is huge.”

Jealousy sparks until I realize she’s only talking about his size. He’s big, sure, but if women were actually talking about my husband, there would be one very deliciously unique feature at the end of his cock that would spin that rumor mill out of control. Instead of answering, I decide to shock her with a bigger plot twist.

“Hmm… before or after the wedding?”

Her eyes widen. “The… the wedding? Oh my God, you’re married?”

“Shh, shh, shh, Rox, be quiet,” I giggle nervously.

Thank God everyone is either dancing, eating, drinking, or mingling around Monroe. I might be the so-called bride, but he’s the belle of the ball.

“Sorry, sorry. Where’s the ring?” she whispers, and I place her fingers around my left hand to feel the band underneath my glove. “Oh, wow. Yup. You’re fucking married. Wait, are you already pregnant, too? A two-for-one Vegas special?”

I snort. “No. Today should be the last day of my period, thank you very much,” even as I say it, disappointment twinges in my chest.

“Bummer. Hey, at least you get to be wasted for your wedd…ing.” Her eyes widen. “Lacey… what’s going on? Why is this even happening if that”—she points to my left hand— “has already happened?”

I sigh. “It’s complicated…”

“Complicated? Math is complicated. This is life or death.” She grabs my hand. “We have to get you out of here, now. If the Baron finds out—”

“I can’t, Rox.” I tug back, hating the pure terror on her face.

“He will murder you once he finds out he’s been played. I can’t believe Kian has even let you near that monster.”

I wince at her blunt delivery, but she’s never been one to shy away from the reality of the Garde.

“There’s more to this. Kian knows. He’s helping me as much as he can.” Even as I say it, I’m still questioning why he lied. I push the awful thought away and hold my best friend’s hand. “Please help me ride this out until I can escape.”

“But you can run away now—’

“Listen, the Baron knows something… important. I need to find out what it is. He’s been holding the information hostage—”

“And now he’s holding you hostage. Shit, I knew that ‘Eat, Pray, Love, kumbaya, taking time from social media to better myself’ press apology was bullshit. Your extroverted ass isn’t meant to be isolated like that. But it was all his doing, wasn’t it? Look, I don’t care what he knows, your life is in danger.”

“I know. So help me live, then. I need to make it seem like everything’s normal.”

“Lacey… I don’t like this—”

“Please? Seriously, I’ve been losing it in the Baron’s suite all by myself with only elephants to talk to. I need you.”

“Elephants? What the—” She shakes her head and holds up her hand. “Fine. Fine. I’ll do my best to make sure everyone in the Garde knows you’re a happy bride. But girl, you’ve got twenty-four hours before you end up as a case on Dateline. Or married to two men. Which would be totally cool if one of them wasn’t the Baron and if bigamy wasn’t also a fucking crime. I know you like to live life on the edge, but an orange jumpsuit would not mesh well with your hair, girlfriend.”

I wince. “Trust me, I’m not looking for a wardrobe change anytime soon. I’m hoping that Kian can find whatever the Baron knows before it gets that far.”

“What happens if Kian doesn’t find anything? Or what if you use the Baron and he finds out about Kian? You know his reputation.”

I shiver at the reminder and my mind conjures up the vision it’s concocted of the dead woman who looked like me.

“I don’t know. I can’t think about that right now. I just have to get through each day.”

“Okay… well, if you’re sure about this suicide mission, I’ll do what I can. Let my rumors run free throughout the Garde.” She taps her chin. “Maybe I’ll make up a bunch of different ones and see who the blabbermouth is.”

“Pretty sure it’s you, Rox.” I chuckle as she frowns.

“Hey! The Baron might’ve put you in time-out, but that doesn’t mean you can be a meanie.”

“It’s not time-out, Roxana.”

Fear shocks through me as I turn around to see Maeve.

She’s walking toward us, sipping the Garde woman’s version of water. Her white empire waist dress and matching feather masquerade mask are angelic, though her mocking smirk ruins the effect. That smirk is a godsend though, because it’s nowhere near the expression she’d have on her face if she’d heard any of the rest of our conversation and the heart attack I was about to have dissipates in my chest.

“Tell her, Lacey. My brother is just worried for your safety.” She gives me a pointed look before turning on Roxy. “Lacey seems to keep getting herself in trouble lately and he’s making sure both their reputations stay intact.”

My cheeks heat. This poor girl drank the Kool-Aid, and I can’t very well be mad at her for protecting her brother. I was trying to use her brother to protect my father before I realized it was a fool’s errand.

“You’re right, Maeve. Hopefully, your brother will find it in his heart to forgive me for my transgressions.”

She doesn’t get my sarcasm as she shrugs. “One can hope.”

“Ugh, enough talking.” Roxy rolls her eyes. “Let’s dance. If we’re going to have to stay here all night with everyone kissing the groom’s ass instead of the bride’s, I’m going to take her out on the dance floor myself and show her a good time.”

I glance toward the growing crowd. I’ve got to hand it to my mother, the band is great and I’m more than grateful that she turned out all the lights above the stage so I can dance my heart out. There’s a good mix of musical genres, something for everyone and we’re in Vegas. As proper as people want to be, the more liquor and music that floods the system, the more even rich snobs want to twerk.

“Love that idea.” I smile.

Maeve scoffs. “Everyone’s too afraid of my brother, you know. Do you really think someone would risk getting on his bad side just to dance with you?”

I shrug and use the same words she did earlier. “One can hope.”

She huffs a laugh. “That’s like banking on it to rain in Vegas.”

“Which, funnily enough,” Roxy chimes in. “The weatherman reported that should be happening soon. So it’s not necessarily the ‘when pigs fly’ scenario you’re making it out to be. Come on, Lacey, let’s go.”

Maeve scowls at her before turning back to me.

“You haven’t been asked to dance yet. You can’t just go out there—” she stammers before she’s cut off by a rumble that sends delicious shivers down my spine.

“May I have this dance?”