Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Once they stepped out of the ballroom, James immediately let go of her hand.

He tugged off his bow tie with a dramatic sigh.

"God, I'll never get used to dressing up like this. That bow tie was strangling me, you know?"

Briony looked at him with a fond smile, the way one might look at a younger brother.

"You reacted pretty quickly back there."

She'd only claimed James was her boyfriend on a whim, mostly because Barrie's gaze had become far too predatory for comfort.

"That Barrie guy is trouble, you could tell right away!" James scoffed, "I noticed the way he was looking at you even when you were giving your speech! Guy's a total creep. What, does he think those glasses hide what he really is? Please."

He added, almost spitting the words, "Honestly, the whole Lockwood family gives me the creeps."

Briony nodded in agreement.

"I was just surprised he knows Joe," she said, her expression turning serious. "I need to find some time to ask Joe how they met."

"Definitely," James said. "And you should warn him—not to get involved with Barrie, business or otherwise."

Briony nodded again.

They walked toward the elevators together.

It was late, and they'd already booked rooms upstairs; they planned to stay the night and head back to Northborough in the morning.

stepped in first, James following close

ballroom,

after him,

Barrie's still

staring at the closed elevator,

"She's with James now..."

at her side for over four years. Now she's divorced, it's only natural

to fold in on himself, shoulders slumping

seemed to drain the life out of

rolled her eyes at

on, I was kidding. They booked two separate rooms for the night-l

shot her a look sharp

rolled her eyes

planning to haunt Briony from beyond

together, silent. His lack of

"You're worse

I don't deserve

said, voice hoarse, eyes

her with another man

can't control myself." But

and

come back here, I'm not here to watch you pine.

a slow, steadying breath and