Chapter 20

“The hell I am!” Skylar replied tersely, the ground beneath her feet quaking in line with her. Or was that her own unique vibration releasing joules of wrathful energy into the earth? Either way, that didn’t matter. Skylar had made up her mind. Marriage to Austin Cyner would never be an option. Never! She was having a child not joining a nunnery. Why would she subject herself to being someone’s wife in name alone? She was not growing up any children in a household were both parents were sneaking around on the outside. Although, it wouldn’t be sneaking since it’s an obvious incident if she and Austin were to marry.

“Now, darling, how long are we to keep everything so secretive? Are you ashamed of me?” Austin leaned forward, but not a hint of tenderness fortified his voice. The words themselves seemed duplicitous and insincere in his grey tone.

“You’re getting married to him?” Jude pointed his finger at Austin in an abrupt response, lowering it as he noted the deepening colour of Austin’s eyes. There was an in quantifiable surge of hostility fulminating between Skylar and this man alleging to be her fiancé. Jude would have had to be devoid of all senses not to notice. He didn’t pick up on any traces of love and affection; natural human emotions that would be present between a couple about to marry.

Skylar negated the question with a shake of her head and Jude noted the significant calm in his own pulse at the assurance.

“Desperately.” She growled, replying to Austin. What pride could she possibly have from a connection to him? “Just because your mother is willing to marry you off doesn’t mean I am willing to accept you.” She spat, the damning reminder of his mother’s intrusion heavy at the back of her mind. She wasn’t in the habit of murdering innocent people but boy was she tempted.

“My mother?” The mention of Austin’s mother distracted him from his ploy. Skylar had never met his mother. He’d seen to it, especially since their marriage hasn’t been set in the proverbial stone just yet.

“Did she fail to mention her little visit today?” Skylar’s tongue dripped venom. How apt would it be to kill the God of Poisons with poison? Poetic justice at it’s very best, remarkably so if she was the one to deliver the devastating blow.

“The lady that gave Paris a hard time?” Jude wondered aloud. That had been the only spontaneous visit they had today. His office was closer to the front which gave him the pleasure of listening to the rising voice earlier in the day.

Catherine rubbed at her temples while she ate. No one else was willing to touch their food in all the commotion and she was unwilling to get involved.

“The very one.” Skylar answered in passing, her eyes trained on Austin, measuring his reaction. But there wasn’t one. He was stone faced but she knew he was caught off-guard.

“I’ll set her straight.” Austin replied. From Skylar’s imputation he gathered that his mother was less than pleasant. He didn’t expect it, but he wasn’t surprised. She’d never before mustered the strength and gall to intervene in his matters, he couldn’t guess what prompted her reckless act.

“Dear, it’s not appropriate of you to complain about your future in-laws to your fiancé.” Catherine interjected. She had known what it was to be at odds with in-laws but it was a natural occurrence for many people. That didn’t justify ever polluting someone’s thoughts on their parents.

Skylar overlooked the comment about in-laws and fiancé, she knew any distinction she was to make would be challenged. That in itself was an unending battle, one she had no need to rehash for hours at a time, “I have no problem being chaotic, mother. I am not getting married to someone when their family hates me and thinks I am gold digger.” She said, hoping her mother would disavow herself of this ghastly union. If she and Austin didn’t kill each other before the baby was born, she was certain one of them would end up in stitches at some other point.

Catherine’s heart ached for her daughter. It was true that Skylar had grown up with an unyielding personality but she had a good heart. She never wanted to send her daughter off to people who’d make her life miserable. Was she making a terrible decision to side with the marriage? Before Catherine could respond, Austin took immediate charge.

“My mother had no right,” He said deafeningly as he turned his gaze to Catherine, “As my wife, your daughter would be my first priority. Priority even above my mother and I’d want her to tell me if my family is out of line,” Austin had no need to tell half-truths or lies. He’d only intended to do marriage once and the family he was forced into building would always come first. Their child would need that foundation and no one, not even his shadow was allowed to disrespect his wife or child.

The look in his eyes had Catherine’s wave of tension and anxiety disappearing into thin air. Her trust in Austin fortifying tenfold.

“Am I supposed to believe that?” Skylar scoffed as she reached behind her head to remove her hair tie. Her hair cascaded down her shoulders, the tightness on her scalp humming away.

“I promise you that I will speak to her on the matter but regardless, I am my own man my mother doesn’t speak for me. I do not care if my family approves of you or not. My decision has nothing to do with them.” Austin said.

The intensity in Austin’s voice had Jude in awe. This was a different tone than what he’d initially portrayed. Jude felt the genuine emotion, wondering if they were actually getting married. Did he just get involved in a family squabble? He wholeheartedly wished he hadn’t. He’d rather the notion of Skylar running off and getting married be something he’d never encountered.

Skylar’s breath caught in her throat. Austin hadn’t removed his deep gaze from her. Almost, she thought. He’d almost swayed her into thinking he was genuine but there was no way in hell she would trust his words.

Not even if that meant distrusting her instincts. There were no discernible indicators of deception but she couldn’t trust him.

“I don’t see a ring?” Jude had shifted about in his seat to catch a glimpse of Skylar’s fingers.

“That’s because there isn’t one.” Skylar responded, her perfectly shaped eyebrows taking a quizzical stance at Austin as if the lack of a ring would validate her refusal to name him her fiancé.

“If you wanted one, all you had to do was ask. Unless,” he paused, a smile kissing his lips, “that’s my cue to go out and get you one.” Austin assumed boldly. He

honestly hadn’t thought about it before.

“If I want a ring I can buy it myself.” Skylar shot back, Austin’s deep laughter rocking the house. “I am well aware of that.” He responded. “All in all, I am not comfortable with a random guy staying the night at your house.” Austin turned his gaze upon Jude.

“I couldn’t give a rat’s ass about your comfort.” Skylar rolled her eyes and finally dug into her food. The faster she ate the faster she could remove herself from him sight.

“Perhaps, Austin you’d also like to stay over.” Catherine propounded, her belly finally full and she leaned back into her chair.

The fork stopped midway to Skylar’s mouth, in mid-air. “There is no space.” She said.

“There are at least two more guest bedrooms, I’ll prep them for you, now actually.”

“Appreciated, Mrs. Taavon.” Austin bowed his head in reception. What was the fault in staying a night? He had miles to go to convince Skylar to marry him, some forced proximity would make it easier on him.

“Ma!” Skylar felt her appetite swaying away. He couldn’t stay! The very thought made her shiver.

“Do you alone have say in this house?” Catherine was already rising from her seat, knowing well the accusation would stump her daughter. Skylar pressed her lips together, holding in whatever comeback was threatening to be released.

“Good.” Catherine was pleased, “I’ll also organise Jude’s room. Both of you boys are very welcome in our home.” Catherine’s tone was softer as she addressed the men, she gave Skylar a lingering glare and she was gone.

The three of them ate in silence for the reminder of dinner. Skylar and Austin exchanging glares every once in a while. Jude felt out of place. He’d never seen Skylar this hostile to anyone before and it intrigued him. Who knew there was a person on this earth that was capable of shaking her otherwise stable, calm foundation. He had to now tell himself that he had no chance; it became abundantly apparent that he never had a chance.

When they were finished Skylar took the dishes to the kitchen while her mother showed the men to their rooms.