It’s a quick trip to the seaside town closest to the cottage. We pull up outside a small, upscale bar. I receive plenty of double takes as we walk inside, even before my security appears behind us. We make our way over to the distressed metal bar top. I take a quick glance around the bar, and I’m distracted from the stares by a blond, combed head of hair.

I groan internally as I come face to face with the one person in Marcedenia I want to avoid. “Charles,” I state. I’m not sure what else to say.

“Jace,” he replies stiffly, glancing behind me at my friends and brother. He looks to the bartender standing a few feet away, likely hoping he can order quickly and leave.

I don’t know what else to say. I’m grateful when Marcus comes up to me, hoping he’ll give me some sort of excuse.

“Mr. Dawson, it’s the princess on the phone. She says it’s urgent.”

I hold out my hand, and he passes me the phone. Just when I thought the moment couldn’t get more awkward, Marcus swoops in like an anti-hero, ratcheting the discomfort up several notches. I risk a glance at Charles. His face is stoic.

“Viv? Is everything okay?”

“Jace,” Vivienne lets out a breathy giggle. “You weren’t answering your phone.”

“I forgot it at the cottage,” I respond. “Owens wanted to see the local sights. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she assures me, her voice higher than usual. “Katie’s here. We’re hanging out. But I’m in the bathroom, and I really wish you were here.”

“Why’s that?” I ask carefully. I’m fairly certain she’s drunk, or at least tipsy, which she confirms with her next words.

“Because then you could do that thing with your tongue when you—”

“Viv, I really can’t talk here,” I cut her off hurriedly. My body’s already reacting to the way I know she was planning to finish that sentence, and I’m in a public place with her ex-fiancé about five feet away. “I’ll call you back later, okay? Love you.”

I hang up the phone and hand it back to Marcus, ignoring the shit-eating grin Anderson’s giving me that suggests it might have been obvious why Viv was calling me.

“Enjoy the evening,” I tell Charles, because I feel obligated to say something.

“You too,” he responds before grabbing his drink and heading back to a group of guys who look as preppy as he does.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but did your fiancé just booty call you in front of her ex-fiancé?” Sam asks.

Anderson laughs loudly. “I was getting the same impression.”

I groan. “Let’s get some drinks.”

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

VIVIENNE

For once, I don’t slowly drift out of unconsciousness and begin gradually reacquainting myself with the world. I also don’t try to fall back asleep. I bolt straight upright in bed the moment I start to stir.

I’m getting married today.

It still feels foreign, the excitement that accompanies the words, this event. The realization this is something I want to happen, rather than just a means to an end. I reach over to my bedside table and grab my phone. Ignoring the other messages, I tap on Jace’s name.