Word Count: 589
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Colton demanded when Renee had come back to the living room.
Renee only rolled her eyes. “You want to convince people we’re happily married and all that crap? Have you aunt stay, convince her, and she’ll tell every single person she meets about our ‘love-at-first-sight-uber-sappy-soap-opera-romance.”
Colton had to bite back his retort. Renee had summed up his Aunt Selene perfectly. She was probably calling his other relatives right now and spreading the news.
“So, what are you going to do about Felicia?”
“What?”
“Are you in love with her?”
Colton frowned. “No,” he said slowly.
“Good,” Renee said. “That will make this easier.”
“How?”
“Maybe I should have asked, did you tell her you were in love with her?”
“No!”
Renee shrugged. “Then you should tell her the truth.”
“No.”
Renee watched him for a long moment. “Why not?”
“Its none of her business.” Colton snapped.
“I think she thinks it is. You totally just dumped her like a ton of bricks.”
“Alright, wait just a minute!” Colton burst out, jumping to his feet. Renee crossed her arms over her chest, her glare so severe that Colton actually rocked back on his heels.
“Yes, Mr. Savage?” she asked sweetly. Colton swallowed. He could suddenly see beneath Renee’s soft, pretty exterior, see the woman who hadn’t thought twice about jumping a man with a bomb strapped to his chest. She’d do it again, and much worse, if the situation called for it.
“Renne,” he began, placating. “I…” he wasn’t sure what he wanted to say. “We’ll have to share a bedroom.”
“Yeah,” she said with another pert shrug. “I know. Oh, don’t forget to tell Rosa your aunt and uncle are coming for dinner.” She walked out, waving over her shoulder.
Colton sank back to the couch, his head in his hands. His headache was only getting worse.
His phone rang. He pulled it out and winced.
“Hello Felicia.” He answered dully.
“Colt, I want to talk.”
“Felicia, please-”
“In person. Now.”
“Please, Felicia, don’t-”
“I’m coming over.”
“No!”
The line went dead. Colton swore, his head pounding. He screwed up his face, rubbing his temples to no avail.
“Here.” Renee said from above him. He opened his eyes to find a cookie hovering in front of his nose. “Eat. You’ll feel better.”
“I don’t want a cookie!” He snarled, grabbing it and hurling it across the room. He lurched to his feet and paced the fine carpets.
Renee watched him with a small frown. “Maybe we should call that man, Dr. Tuilin.”
“I don’t need a shrink!” Colton shouted at her.
“Why are you upset?” She asked quietly.
“Why do you think?” He dragged his hands through his hair, trying to hold onto his skittering thoughts. “Everything was fine, perfect until you-” he clamped his teeth shut. She had done nothing. It had been him. He let his breath out in an explosive sigh. “Sorry, Renee. But can’t you see this ruins everything?”
Her eyes were bright, like she might cry. Colton dreaded her crying. He didn’t think he could stand to see her weep.
“You’re not the only to make sacrifices, Mr. Savage.” She said finally, her voice tight. “I can’t thank you enough for doing this. You’ve done more for me than I could ever hope. But don’t think I want this. Trust me, Mr. Savage. The second I can get out of this mess, I will.”
She turned and marched out.
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