Black Swan Affair by K.L. Kreig Read Free Book Online Page B

horse. I’m surprised she hasn’t leashed him yet. Maybe that also happens in the bedroom. I can’t even go there.
    “I need to use the restroom,” I say, pushing Kael so he’ll scoot over and let me out. I pray as I weave through the tables half-filled with patrons that no one follows me. I don’t need Kael’s soothing or Jilly’s catty digs or Killian’s sorrys. I need five minutes to myself to slow down the boil raging inside.
    Taking my time in the stall, I close my eyes. I take long, deep inhales and try to exhale all the angst I feel building. I think of my lake. An immediate peace settles over me. You would think after a near-death experience in water, I’d avoid it like the plague, but I don’t. I still go there sometimes, even as an adult.
    By the time I’m washing my hands, I feel slightly better. At least I think I can make it through the rest of dinner. Evidently, I didn’t think this whole marriage thing through to the end. I’ve done a good job avoiding time spent with the Illians for the last two years, but now it will be an impossible task since I’m married to Kael.
    When I hear the door squeak open behind me, my heart drops. I’m sure it’s Jilly but catch the reflection of none other than Sally Jameson in the mirror.
    “Hey,” she greets me.
    “Hey, Sal.” I grab three paper towels because they’re so damn thin, even doubling up won’t work, then turn to face the woman my sister just heartlessly put down. By the look on her face she heard it, too.
    “I’m sor—”
    “Oh no you don’t. Don’t even apologize for that cow.”
    Sally Jameson is five years younger than me and is the daughter of the district county attorney. She’s bright, bubbly, and she’s been through one shit relationship after another. Isaac may be a bit quirky, but he’s a kind man with a good heart. I, for one, hope it works out for them.
    “I don’t know how you put up with her.”
    I snort. “It’s a challenge.”
    “You’re more of a saint than I would be. I think I may have set her on fire by now.”
    “Wow.” I laugh. “Harsh.” My sister and I may be polar opposites and she may have gutted me by marrying Killian, but she’s still my flesh and blood. No matter what, there will always be a part of me that can never completely cut her loose because of that tangible bond. Family is family is family. Always. There is a decent human being underneath her thick layers of entitlement and haughtiness. I have to believe that. I try to believe that, anyway.
    “Just honest. Say, congrats on your wedding. Kael’s good peeps. You guys look great together.”
    A twinge coils in my stomach. Can wine curdle? The smile I force on my lips hurts. I try hard for lighthearted when I say, “Speaking of, I guess I’d better get back. Kael may call a search party in a minute.”
    It must work. She giggles. It’s cute. I scoot around her and start opening the door.
    “Hey, Maverick.”
    “Yeah?” I turn around, the chatter of conversation now flowing through the partially open door.
    “I may be completely out of line saying this, but anyone who marries that woman can’t be worthy of you.”
    Oh.
    Fucking.
    Hell.
    Small freaking towns.
    “Thanks,” I croak. I try to force the corners of my mouth up again, but they feel heavy as lead and won’t move. When I hear the snick of the latch behind me, I lean against the hallway wall surprised to find a tear running down my face. I wipe it away, along with the one that follows it.
    The only thing I want to do right now is climb into my car and drive. No destination. No thinking. No guilt. No nothing. I want to run away, but the only person I really want to run away from is me. I wish that was possible. If it was, I’d have lost me long ago.
    A few deep breaths later, I’m sliding back into the booth beside Kael. His big brown eyes run over my face, concern scrunching his forehead.
    “You all right, Swan?” he whispers sweetly.
    I nod, focusing all my attention