Chapter 24
So, let me get this straight. Arianna’s parents stole her car that she paid for in the middle of the night?”
That’s right,” Pierce confirmed.
“Since they had the title and the loan was paid off, they then posted said car online to be sold?”
“Right.”
“So, you took her over there to, I assume, talk things over, and she trashed the car to the point where not only is it not sellable, but most likely not driveable. You then took all the evidence and wiped away any traces of her fingerprints and returned here and called me over to be your alibi?”
“Exactly.”
“I can see this relationship between the two of y’all going really well or really bad. Either way, I’m here for it,” Patrick teased, taking a drink from his beer.
“That’s not what I want to hear,” Pierce huffed in annoyance.
“What did you want me to tell you? That everything was going to be okay?”
“Well, as a lawyer and best friend, yeah, I did.”
“Fine. Everything will be okay as long as there are no witnesses. Even then, it’s purely domestic. They might press charges, but that would make them look horrible. Plus, I don’t think they’ll go to the cops.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“If their gambling problem is that deep, I can guarantee you they’re not paying their taxes. Hell, they may be knee–deep in tax evasion, but since Arianna declared you were her husband, they’ll come after y’all looking for a handout.”
“I’ll probably just cut them the check for $7,500, and hopefully that’ll keep them away.”
“Don’t do that shit. If they see you cut them a check like that without blinking, then they’ll keep coming back for more. Honestly, it’ll probably get to the point where y’all will need to file a restraining order. What if they hire someone to try and kidnap Arianna for ransom?!”
“I called you over here to provide some reassurance, and now you have my anxiety through the roof,” Pierce groaned.
“One thing I can reassure you is that this girl has you whipped. Are you sure you haven’t slept with her yet?”
“I’m 100% sure.”
“Alright. What I can do for you is dig some dirt up on Arianna’s parents. At least if they try to blackmail her, then you can blackmail them right back.”
“You’re a lifesaver.”
“Uh–huh, don’t thank me yet. What is she going to do for transportation?”
Pierce shot Patrick a furtive glance and focused his attention on the football game on the screen.
“You’re not! Please tell me that you’re not gonna do what I think you are,” Patrick pleaded.
“Honestly, the car isn’t my style. I won it, and it would just sit in the driveway. If it’s that big of a deal, then she can cut me a check for the $1200.00 that I spent on the bingo cards.”
“OR you could sell the car and give her the cash to buy a new car that’s a little bit in her price range.”
Patrick understood where Pierce was coming from, but Pierce also wasn’t taking into consideration that the members at the club would eviscerate
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Arianna. Patrick grew fond of Arianna and wouldn’t want something so damaging to happen to her. Wealthy circles could be compared to mig cliques. Everyone was trying to be the most popular and sought after. The “friendships” were as fake as press on nails, and it only took on rumor to ruin your entire reputation.
“That’s a thought. I’ll let her decide.”
“In other news, are you going to the Halloween party?” Patrick asked.
“I am.” Pierce hesitantly answered.
“And let me guess, your date is a 5ft tall melanated siren?”
“That’s a great idea, Pat! She can be a siren, and I can be a pirate! You’re a genius! Sorry to go off on a tangent. I asked her to be my date, and she said she’ll think about it and get back to me next week. I’m pretty sure she’ll say yes, and we’ll be entering the costume contest. I heard the prizes were pretty extravagant.”
Patrick scoffed. “Think of something else. There will be a million pirates, trust me. Y’all might as well just come out as a couple at that point.”
“You think she would be okay with that?”
“She’s a smart girl. I’m sure she understands the repercussion of going to that party with you as your date. I just wonder how your ex–wife is going to take
it?”
“What do you mean?”
“Stella is determined to get into the club. I’m 100% sure once she finds out the two of you are dating, she will spread a nasty rumor that Arianna is a homewrecker. Then all those kind smiles and cheek kisses Arianna receives will vanish and be replaced with sneers and spiteful words.”
“It just sounds like we can’t win,” Pierce sighed, sinking further into the couch.
“I’m not saying that, and I’m not trying to rain on your parade. I’m just saying that not everything will be sunshine and rainbows, and you may come across some challenges. It’s a harsh world out there, and you can’t protect Arianna from everything.”
Pierce stared blankly at the TV, unfocused on what was going on and thought about his options.
“Hey, I finished dinner. I prepped a lasagna, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven. There’s a salad in the fridge and a loaf of garlic toast. I paired a bottle of wine with it as well,” Arianna said, gathering her belongings.
“Are you leaving?” Pierce asked in disbelief.
“Yeah, I’m supposed to hang out with Jesse this afternoon, and I don’t want to bail on him.”
“Do you need me to drive you home?”
“Nope. I ordered a car.”
“Okay, let me walk you to the door,” Pierce said, placing his beer on the coaster on the coffee table.
“Bye, Patrick. I’ll see you later,” Arianna called out.
“See ya at the club, Arianna. Don’t worry about your parents, and keep your head up.”
“Thanks,” she grinned, accepting Pierce’s outstretched hand.
“You didn’t have to cook for me,” Pierce said, leading Arianna to the front door.
“You didn’t have to cover for me,” she replied.
Pierce stared down at Arianna, intending to end what they had, but he couldn’t. Patrick was right when he pointed out there was a long road ahead of
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Chapter 24
them, but Pierce was selfish. He much rather have Arianna in his life than be without her. Arianna was so innocent, and she didn’t deserve the hand that was dealt, but Pierce would do anything in his power to protect her.
“What kind of husband would I be if I left you out in the lurch?” he teased, gathering her into a hug.
“A twice–divorced one,” Arianna giggled.
“Ouch. Low blow.”
“Pierce, I haven’t even started to blow yet,” Arianna whispered.
Pierce wanted to take back everything he said about her being innocent because Arianna was far from it.
“You should come back and stay the night. I don’t like the idea of you staying at your place alone tonight.”
“I’ll be fine,” Arianna reassured him.
“I’m serious. Have they tried contacting you?”
“I wouldn’t know, I blocked them.”
“What if they try to harm you physically?”
“I don’t know, Pierce, but if they start something, then I’ll call 911 and then call you, okay?”
“Yeah, okay. Do you need me to come and take you to work in the morning?”
“Nope. I’ll have Jesse take me.”
“If you insist. Don’t forget to think of Halloween costume ideas.”
“I won’t. Now shut up and give me my kiss so I can leave,” Arianna demanded.
Pierce snatched Arianna up and kissed her deeply before letting her go.
“Text or call when you get home safely.”
“I will. See ya.”
