The saleswoman reached in the case, pulling the ring out. “It’s one of the most expensive rings we have in the store.” Her condescending attitude struck Willa like a slap in the face. When they had arrived at the store, the woman hadn’t tried to hide her reaction when Lucky had introduced her as his fiancée.
Then she quoted a price that had Willa taking a hasty step back.
“I like the other ring much better. It won’t get in my way when I’m cooking. I don’t wear much jewelry.”
The cheaper pieces always broke or tarnished, and the more expensive pieces she would have treated herself to occasionally were invariably budgeted out when her bills came.
“We’ll take the other one, then.”
The saleswoman placed the ring back in the case, walking back to the clearance section to pull out the smaller ring, and Lucky pulled out his wallet.
“Which one are you getting?” Leanne asked, coming to her side.
She looked at the counter, seeing the ring that was sitting waiting to be bagged.
“It’s very pretty.”
Leanne’s reaction didn’t bother Willa. She was determined to give Lucky the money back for the ring, and it cost exactly the amount in her savings account. The down payment on her store would simply have to wait until she could sell the ring after their fake engagement ended.
Willa hadn’t expected to be able to wear it out of the store, but the ring fit surprisingly well and didn’t need to be sized. It felt strange on her finger after she slid it on.
The children were becoming restless. Willa was grateful Lucky was driving since she was able to deal with Caroline’s temper tantrum by digging out her blanket from her large purse. Content, the little girl quieted.
Lucky gave her a lighthearted grin. “You okay?”
“The screaming doesn’t bother you? Most men would be freaking out.”
“Doesn’t bother me. Rider throws worse tantrums when he has to work overtime,” Lucky joked.
“I can’t imagine Rider throwing a tantrum. He seems very laid-back.”
Lucky snorted. “Wait until you see him pissed off.”
“I’ll pass, even though I still think you’re exaggerating.”
Lucky helped her inside with the children when they arrived back at her house.
“I need to get back to the church to get ready for tonight’s service. I’m sorry, but because we’re engaged, everyone will expect you to be there.”
“I don’t mind,” Willa assured him.
Lucky gave her a brief nod as he passed by her to leave.
She hesitantly reached out to stop him. “Thank you for all of your help.”
Lucky’s expression hardened. “Don’t thank me, Willa. I don’t want to see you get hurt…”
Her hand dropped to her side. “Don’t worry, Lucky. I won’t forget you’re pretending to be engaged to me. I won’t make the mistake of believing you care about me for a second.” With that, Willa opened the front door.
“Good, I’m glad we understand each other.”
*
Lucky wanted to slam his fist against the door that was shut at his back. As an alternative, he walked to the new SUV, wishing he had kept his mouth shut. He hadn’t meant his words the way Willa had taken them. He had started to tell her what he had meant then realized it was better to leave it alone. After all, they had no future together.
He sure as fuck didn’t want to be her friend, and she would run from a sexual relationship with him. He could imagine the shock and disgust on her face if she found out he liked to use his knives on women. The timid woman would be horrified if he ever pulled out his leather case containing the lethal blades of various sizes and shapes that he used during sex.
Lucky drove to the church, going inside to his office and taking off his suit jacket. He was about to toss it onto the leather chair behind his desk when he realized the office wasn’t empty.
Slowly, he turned to the window, seeing a large shadow standing in the dimness of the room. Turning on the light on his desk, he wasn’t surprised at the man staring at him.
“I was wondering when you would show up,” Lucky stated.
Bridge’s mouth gave a menacing twist. “I wanted to congratulate you on your engagement.”
Lucky kept his expression neutral. “Stay away from her.”
“Why the fuck would I do that?”
“Because I’m telling you to. Go near her and I’ll kill you.”
“Don’t make me laugh. If you were going to kill me, you would have already done it or had Shade do it for you. The worst thing you’re going to do to me is make my dogs fat.” Bridge casually walked across the room and sat down on the chair in front of his desk.
“I made him promise to stay out of our shit.”
“I bet that put his balls in a twist.”
“He wasn’t happy,” Lucky agreed. It had placed a wedge between them, but because his and Bridge’s vendetta didn’t involve the club, Shade wouldn’t break his promise.
“That motherfucker doesn’t know what being happy feels like.”
“Yes, he does,” Lucky replied.
“I heard he was married with a kid. So, he’s happy?”
“Yeah, he loves Lily.”
“Fuck me. Miracles do happen.” Bridge snorted in disbelief.
“Yes, they do,” Lucky affirmed.