Secrets and the bride, p.1
Secrets and the Bride, page 1
Secrets and the Bride
Alexa Riley
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 1
Epilogue
Read Me Romance
Stalk the Author
Copyright © 2022 by Author Alexa Riley LLC. All rights reserved.
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http://alexariley.com/
Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
Edited by Aquila Editing
Secrets and the Bride
by Alexa Riley
Glenda has spent her life hiding away in her room with her books. But she has a longing in her heart for a scarred hero who doesn’t even know she’s there.
Cillian has spent every moment longing for Glenda, but he’s damaged goods. She deserves better than him, but too bad he’s not about to let anyone else have her.
Warning: Can these two fall head over feet into love and marriage? You know we wouldn’t let you down!
Chapter One
Glenda
As I watch my brother, Prince Felipe of Andora, with his bride Amelia, it gives me a trace of hope that one day I too can find a love like theirs. Growing up with parents like ours, it’s hard to believe that we could be matched with someone we could actually love.
Mom and Dad can’t stand to be in the same room with each other for more than a few hours. That’s about as long as they can pretend to be a happy couple. Sometimes I wonder how they had three kids. I can’t even recall a time when they ever liked each other, so they never gave me romantic ideas of marriage.
With them as my only example, I was sure that’s how all arranged marriages went. That I’d have to learn to live with whoever my chosen spouse was. When I was old enough to understand what marriage truly was and how it worked in our world, I dreaded the idea.
Now, seeing my brother dance around the ballroom with his bride, it gives me a hint of hope for something else. Then again, he had a hand in picking his bride. He’d known for years that Amelia would be his wife one day. In fact, he’d even planned and mapped out his life for it. I didn’t know my brother could be such a sweetheart when it came to romance, but I guess love can make you do crazy things.
For me, it won’t be the same. I’m actually not sure who will have a say in my marriage; it might be my father or my brother. I hope it’s Felipe, because he sees marriage differently and he’s very protective of me. My father might love me, but he sees things in black and white. It’s why Felipe took the path he did, choosing to make a name for himself. He didn’t need my father’s money, and he couldn't be bought. Father had no control over him, and I can see how angry that made him.
“Princess Glenda, would you care to dance?” Steven asks, placing his hand on the back of my chair.
He’s been watching me most of the night. I think he’s been waiting to get me by myself, but I’ve kept making sure I was never alone. Even now, people are within hearing distance, and I’m sure some are listening. People in these circles are always looking for gossip.
“I have a bit of a headache. Maybe next time?” I lie, and Steven's smile falters. There is only one person I was hoping would ask me to dance, but he’s been very scarce, even with this being his sister’s wedding.
Irritation flashes across Steven’s face, but he quickly masks it. He’s not used to being told no. The only reason he was even giving me attention is because I was one of the only women here not falling all over myself to dance with him. If I shared even one dance with him, people would talk. But honestly, that wasn’t the reason I didn’t want to. Steven is everything I don’t want in a man. He’s too poised and put together, and I find his charm to be annoying.
If I ended up on the dance floor with him, it would be a reminder to everyone that I existed. I’ve only been back from prep school for a little over a month, and I know it’s only a matter of time until offers for my hand in marriage start to come in. I’d hoped hiding in the shadows would give me a bit more time, but my brother getting married has now thrust me into the spotlight. I’m sure even now my father is chatting with someone about how it’s my turn next. For Cillian, I would dance if he asked. He’d be the only one that could get me to stop hiding in the shadows this evening.
“That one didn’t interest you?”
“Felipe.” I smile as I stand up from my seat to give my brother a hug. He’s glaring toward the direction Steven left in. “Where’s your wife?” I ask, steering his attention back to me. He’s not going to get into a fight at his own wedding. Especially over Steven.
“Saying her goodbyes to her family.” He leans down and presses a kiss to my cheek. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“I’m not dancing with anyone.” I shrug.
“You danced the other night,” he points out with a smug smile.
A rush of heat fills my body thinking back to that night. I had danced with a man that night. A man that has ruled all my thoughts since. He’s even in my dreams. There was a darkness around him that drew me toward him, and no matter how hard I tried, I can’t seem to forget him. It wasn’t until we were halfway through our dance that I put together who he was. Cillian Flores. The brother of the woman Felipe is marrying.
“I had a mask on. No one knew it was me. I can’t go dancing with random men. I’ll end up with a reputation like yours,” I tease, knowing that one will hit the mark. Then maybe he’ll leave me alone about my mystery man. We both need to forget about him because he’s clearly forgotten about me.
“Don’t be a brat,” he grumbles, annoyed by my remark.
Felipe had a reputation of being a playboy because he was often seen out at clubs and bars all over the city at night. It was bullshit because that’s not who my brother is. He actually owned all those clubs at the time, but the story of Prince Felipe being a playboy was far juicier. He hadn’t cared about the label until he found out the woman he loved believed those rumors to be true. He had to convince her otherwise. Clearly it worked because she walked down the aisle and said, “I do.”
“I won’t be a brat if you go and enjoy yourself. Have fun on your honeymoon,” I encourage him. Felipe has worked hard his whole life for what he has. It’s time he enjoyed himself.
“I plan to.” He drops another kiss on my cheek before whispering into my ear so only I can hear him. “Father has been talking with a lot of suitors tonight.” I stiffen, and my heart drops. “You don’t agree to anything until I’m back.”
“I didn’t know I had a choice.” I try to keep the emotion out of my voice because this isn’t the time or place to get into this.
“Until I get back,” he repeats, and I nod. “Be good,” he says before he’s off to find his bride so they can make their escape. Knowing that they’re leaving, I see no reason why I can’t do the same. Besides, I don’t think Cillian is here either. He must have snuck off a while ago. There really is no point staying now.
I slip off to the side to try to make a discreet exit. My slippers and Kindle are calling my name. Just when I think I’ve made it without being noticed, a hand wraps around my wrist and stops me from getting away.
Chapter Two
Cillian
“If you go through that door, an alarm will sound.”
When Glenda looks back at me, I immediately drop her hand and take a step back. She probably can’t stand the thought of me touching her. She’s just so perfect I couldn’t help myself.
“Oh, well then I guess that wouldn’t have been useful for a quiet getaway.”
“Why are you leaving?” God, I should walk away now, but everything about her calls to me. Just like the night at the monarch benefit.
“Felipe said he and Amelia are leaving, so I didn’t see the point in staying any longer.” She shrugs her shoulders and then looks back toward the reception. “I don’t think this party has a chance of slowing down anytime soon.”
“How are you getting home?” I’m surprised I said the words out loud, but when it comes to Glenda, my control is always close to snapping.
“I think there’s a car service thing out front. Or I could walk.” She does that little shoulder shrug again, and all it does is make me wonder how soft they are under her dress.
Glenda is never one to show skin. In fact, she makes a point to always cover her body. I’ve only ever seen her bare arms once, and just that little amount drove me to the edge of insanity. I think I jacked off for a week just envisioning the inside of her wrists.
“I’m leaving too.” I nod toward the
“You want to walk me home?” She sounds confused, and it’s like a dagger to my heart.
“Never mind, I’m sure you’ve got someone that—”
“Yes, please.” She cuts me off and then nibbles on her bottom lip nervously. “I mean, if you’re leaving anyway.”
I nod, and then we walk through the ballroom together and out the front door. Thankfully, the guests are taking advantage of the open bar, so they don’t notice the two of us leaving. Especially Glenda’s father. He’s an asshole of the highest degree, but somehow his children turned out to be good people in spite of him.
“Your family's home is close to us, isn’t it?” Glenda asks, breaking into my thoughts.
“Yes, their estate is just two properties over.”
“Do you live there with them? I know Amelia did until the wedding.”
“I’m there a good bit for work, and I have a room still in their home, but I generally stay at my home that’s on our family's land in the country.”
“Oh really?” She turns to me and smiles widely. “I never get out of the city. When I was little, I dreamed of moving to a house in the country so I could raise baby goats and read by a lake.” She laughs and shakes her head. “That actually still sounds nice.”
“I think my parents are planning on throwing me a surprise party this weekend if you’d like to come see it. I don’t have baby goats, but I do have baby chicks and a miniature cow named Stella.”
“Oh my gosh, I have so many questions.” She stops walking and turns to face me. “You have a miniature cow?”
I nod and feel the edges of my lip turn up in a half-smile. Damn, it’s been a long time since I’ve done that.
“And how do you know your parents are throwing you a surprise party? Is it your birthday?”
“Yes, and they’re terrible at keeping secrets. They get so excited things slip.” I pause for a second and try to think of other ways to entice her to come. “There’s also a lake and a guest cottage.”
“That sounds so lovely.”
“If you, I mean, your family would like to come for the weekend, you’re more than welcome.” I clear my throat and look down at my feet as they keep pace with her shorter strides.
“I’ll talk to my parents and see what they say.” Some of the sunshine has left her voice, and I hate to think it’s because of them. Or because she’s considering spending the weekend at my place.
“My family is staying, so it wouldn’t be only you. And you’d have the whole guest cottage to yourself.” I clear my throat and try to backtrack. “It was just a thought. Forget I said anything.”
“It’s so nice of you to invite me. I’ll just need to get permission.” She crosses her arms in front of her chest. “You know how these things go.”
“I would think it would be an easy decision considering we’re family now.” I chance a look over at her and see her eyes widen and her smile grow.
“You’re exactly right. That’s just what I’ll tell them.”
The way she’s blushing reminds me of the night we danced together at the benefit. I had a mask on, and for one beautiful night I was free to talk to Glenda, to hold her in my arms and twirl her around the dance floor like the princess she is. That one night is locked tight inside my heart for eternity, and no matter what happens for the rest of my life, that memory will live within me.
Seeing her at the wedding today was a reminder of all that I want, and all that I can’t have. Her father would refuse an offer of marriage to me no matter how much I offered because I know exactly what he would say. I know, because I overheard him after my accident telling his wife that I was damaged goods. And that I’d be lucky to find a woman that could stand the sight of me.
Even all this time later, the words that I wasn’t meant to hear still sting. I know I’m not good enough for Glenda, but now that our families are joined, maybe I can just be around her more and spend time in her presence. It’s selfish to think that she could ever look at me and see more than my scars, but I’ve loved her since I knew what love was, and I can’t give up on her. Not now, not ever.
“This is me.” We stop in front of her gate, and I look down at her, trying to keep my face in the shadows.
“Let me see your phone.” I hold out my hand, and to my surprise she hands it over without hesitating. I program in my number and send myself a text before handing it back. “Let me know about this weekend, and I’ll have the staff open the house for you.”
“I will.” She holds the phone close to her chest and bounces on her toes a little before she goes through the gate. “Good night, Cillian.”
I stand there for a long time after I watch her walk inside and close the door behind her. All I can hear is her voice saying my name, and I want it tattooed on the inside of my soul. One way or another, I have to convince Glenda that I’m good enough to belong to her.
Chapter Three
Glenda
I slept terribly. It’s been a long time since I had nightmares, but every time I would start to doze off, one would start to creep up, and I’d jerk myself awake. It’s the stress of the unknown lurking around me, and it’s starting to feel like my days are numbered. I kick my blankets away because I’m not going back to bed even though I’m exhausted.
There was one silver lining through the night, though. When I would think about Cillian, everything else would be forgotten for those brief moments.
Reaching for my phone on my nightstand, I pull it off the charger and power it on. I’d turned it off after the tenth time I almost texted Cillian. I figured if I powered it off then I would have time to come to my senses if I tried to turn it on and text him in the middle of the night. The last thing I wanted to do was come off needy. You can’t text someone minutes after they give you their number. Can you? I’m not sure what the rules are since I’m not allowed to date.
Since it’s the next day, I would think it’s been enough time. Knowing I’m going to crack at some point, I bite the bullet and send the text. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him since he left me last night. Who am I kidding? I haven't stopped thinking about him since the Monarch charity event.
Me: Morning! Thanks again for walking me home last night.
The wedding was the first time I got to officially meet Cillian. He’s always been so mysterious to me. A few times I tried to catch his eye, wondering if he even remembered that we danced together at the Monarch event. I don’t think he does because he hasn’t mentioned it.
I thought we’d had a moment, but I knew I was wrong when he didn’t bring it up yesterday. I suppose we were wearing masks, but I could never forget him. He was the only man I accepted a dance from that night. There’s this darkness that surrounds him, and I want him to pull me into it. Then maybe I could give his world a little bit of light.
I roll my eyes at myself. I’m so silly and naïve. To think that I could light up his world only goes to show how little I know about men. He’d probably laugh if he knew what I was thinking. He didn’t even remember me!
Staring at my phone, I will it to go off with a text alert, but it doesn’t. I try not to get upset when he doesn’t text back immediately, but he’s probably still asleep. What if he was being nice last night and didn’t think I would actually text him? Maybe he was being polite, or worse, he felt bad for me, and it was a pity invite.
Giving up, I abandon my phone to go get ready for the day. Not that I have any plans. It was nice being so busy over the last week and getting ready for my brother's wedding. I got to spend time with my new sister-in-law and her mother, and their family is so different from ours. I really enjoyed hanging out with Amelia’s mom Cora. She was not at all what I thought she would be.
