My thoughts were broken when I heard the door open. She was quick.
“You were quick, Lex”. I turned around.
My heart thumped vigorously. No. Not now. My body defied me, inexplicable turmoil poured through me. I could barely talk. My lips trembling.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He tone was harsh and filled with anger.
“Tell you what Connor?” My heart sank; I knew what he was insinuating.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, “Please don’t do this Evie, not now”. I was about to speak when he continued. “He cheated on you?”
“Connor, he only did the same as what happened between us, I am the last person to judge on someone’s faithfulness”.
“He punched you”. He words were said bitterly harsh, not said as a question.
I flinched as his words floated around the room. The memory. The ear splitting thud of his fist against me jaw. The pain. “Connor don’t.”
He stepped towards me. My body betrayed me, wanting to feel his touch one last time. Our faces were just inches apart. I couldn’t help but look into his eyes, they held so much pain. His breath was so warm. “Don’t what? He punched you Evie, that is not what a man does to the woman he loves”.
A tear escaped and ran down my cheek. His thumb brushed it away. So gentle. Our eyes never parting. His face lowered, just inches from me. His breath against mine, so perfect. My heart melted as his lips pressed against mine. They felt as if they had been created just for me. So full and attentive.
“Don’t” I whispered, breaking the connection of our lips.
“You can’t marry him Evie, you’re better than this, you deserve the world and more. I want to give that to you. Let me… Please don’t do this.” His voice was sensually soft, he spoke as if it were a plea.
“You hardly know me Connor. You want me because I am the forbidden fruit. I am the chase that you want at the moment. Not the woman you want for your future”.
“Yes you are. I will protect you. I will take you way from him. He will never hurt you again”.
“I’m Sorry Connor, I have to do this”.
“I am not letting you marry him Evie, over my dead body”.
“Then you are no better than him.”
A knock at the door interrupted us. Greta stood in the doorway looking uncomfortable at the close proximity that Connor and I were standing in.
“We are ready for you Everline”.
“Thank you”.
As I went to step past Connor his arm reached out and took hold of my hand.
“You can’t do this Evie”.
“I’m pregnant”. I whispered.
His eyes glanced up at me. The shock on his face was confirmation enough that what Connor had seen in me was nothing more than a physical attraction. My heart yearned for him, but I could not be the woman Connor wanted. I was carrying a baby, another man’s baby. I had known all along what Connor wanted from me but the realisation of his reaction felt like a knife through my heart.
He dropped my hand and ran his fingers through his hair. I couldn’t speak. He may have wanted me, but he didn’t want a family. How could he? I had never expected that of him. I was utterly desolate. I had no capacity for any more emotional pain.
I stalked out of the room, knowing that Connor would not stop me now, this was it. Henry was my reality.
Lex stood in the great hall holding two beautiful bouquets. They were exquisitely filled with soft ivory roses, sweet peas and peonies.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t find anything to eat.” she whispered to me as we stood hand in hand. “The evil witch Greta confiscated the sausage rolls.”
The pianist began to play, allowing the sweet sound of music to fill the ceremony room. I inhaled deeply. Dragging air into my lungs. This was it. I slowly stepped into the ceremony room. It was filled with hundreds of people. Very few of whom I knew. Henry was standing at the altar, he looked handsome and charming in his dark slate grey suit. His eyes highlighted by the warm sage green cravat. I edged towards to alter, step by step. Trying not to stumble.
How I wish my mum was here.
Chapter 23
“You’re not going to marry him Evie”
Synchronised gasps filled the room. I turned to see Connor standing behind me. His eyes bloodshot with rage.
“Connor go”, I said through clenched teeth. “Please don’t do this”.
“I’m not going anywhere Evie. I am doing this for you and the baby growing inside of you. You’re not going to be his punch bag anymore.”
Henry came stalking down the aisle towards us. His face was seething.
“You better fucking explain this now Evie,” he hissed.
“I, I, I”. Before I could speak the back of his hand collided with my still tenderly bruised jaw. I couldn’t react in time to stop myself as I twisted and fell against the floor. Connor was instantly by my side. In one swift movement he picked me up and placed me behind him. He raced towards Henry. Fists clenched.
“So you’ve been fucking him have you” Henry spat out. His eyes glaring at me.
Connor’s tone remained calm as he stood face to face with him. Henry was quite tall at 5ft11 but Connor consumed him standing at least two inches taller and far broader.
“She hasn’t been fucking me you ignorant prick.” Connors voice pauses as he looks directly into Henry’s eyes to speak again. “I am a friend who happens to appreciate every delicate bone in her body. I am the person who will break down walls with my bare hands to ensure she is protected. I am the man who one day wants to be something more to her than just a friend.” He looked at me as he said the last sentence, ensuring I would believe that every word was aimed directly at me. My mouth naturally parted rendering me speechless at Connor’s declaration.
Connor turned sharply back to Henry, as if he had realised his real motive for this conversation.
“I think perhaps you might want to explain to your family and friends who has actually been fucking around as you put it so eloquently.” Connor announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, please let me introduce you to the real Henry Webber. The man who enjoys beating his fiancée and sleeping around with other women. The man who has belittled and abused her so dramatically that she was still prepared to marry him out of fear.”
My skin shuddered at the term abused, I had never once thought of myself as that person.
“You wanker” Henry hissed. He raised his arm and hit Connor straight in the face. Connor was a brilliant fighter and had blocked far more discreet punches than the lame attempt Henry had laid on him. Connor barely moved at Henry’s attempt to hit him. I couldn’t understand. Connor wanted Henry to hit him first.
A warm damp sensation flooded between my legs. I glanced down to see claret blood covering the lower half of my dress, increasing in size as every second passed. Panic set in.
“Big Mistake Henry.” Connor said while wiping the blood from his lip.
“Lex” barely a whisper left my mouth. Alexis turned to look at me. I saw the colour drain from her complexion as she noticed the pool of claret blood which grew across the marbled floor. She leant my head against her chest “It’s ok Evie, don’t worry.” I could feel the increased race of her heart against my cheek.
“CONNOR!” Alexis screamed, nothing but sheer panic emanated from her. He looked towards me and his eyes were murderous. Fear swept over me when I saw his reaction change as he looked down and saw the pool of blood. He ran towards me scooping me up into his encasing embrace. His chest felt so warm against my cool cheek. Connor made me safe.