Chapter 2

2.

She wasn't about to let him know she could hear. She gave a small nod.

Relief washed over Brandon's face.

He knew she was deaf. But those jackass friends of his were still in the office, and he didn't want them running their mouths. He took her hand and led her out.

He signed as they walked. "Come on. Let's go look at those dresses."

At the curb, a Mercedes S-Class was waiting. He reached for the passenger door.

Someone was already in her seat.

A girl. Gorgeous. Sharp, bright features. Raina knew her. Serafina Vance. She'd met Brandon in college. She'd just gotten back from overseas.

Brandon froze. He'd made plans with Serafina for tonight. The hotel. He'd figured she'd show up later. Not this early.

He forced his face neutral and signed to Raina, "Fina's on her way to the bridal shop too. We'll give her a ride."

"She's getting engaged too?" Raina signed back.

Before Brandon could speak, Serafina nodded, her gaze sliding over to him. "That's right. I'm getting engaged too."

Brandon's expression twitched.

He checked his watch, casual. "We should get going. The appointment."

Then, like he'd just remembered, he pointed at Serafina and signed to Raina, careful, almost timid. "Fina gets carsick. She'll sit up front. Is that okay?"

Raina remembered the rule. The passenger seat was hers. Only hers. He'd kicked out anyone who tried to sit there.

She wasn't his exception anymore.

She shrugged and climbed into the back.

The car pulled away. The two up front knew she couldn't hear. They laughed and chatted like she wasn't there.

"Brandon, that couple's meal at Moonlight last night was incredible. It's a little far, though. You're taking me again." Serafina's voice dripped sweetness. She flicked a glance at Raina in the rearview mirror.

"Anything you want. I'll drive however far you like." He smiled at her, one hand on the wheel.

"I knew it. You spoil me rotten." Serafina beamed. A spoiled little girl who always got her way.

Before, Raina would've thought it was innocent small talk.

Now she heard every word.

They were flirting in front of her. Brazen. Shameless. Believing she was completely in the dark.

Every syllable churned her stomach.

Moonlight. The trendy new couple's restaurant in the city. She'd asked to go two weeks ago. He'd said he was swamped. Another time.

He never mentioned it again.

Too busy for her. But he had plenty of time for his little plaything.

The man who used to share every meal with her now always had a client who couldn't get free.

His client had a name. And a body.

Wind came through the window. It scraped against her nerves.

An hour later, they stopped at a bridal shop.

Inside, the staff had lined up a hundred gowns. The latest couture.

Brandon's eyes went soft, adoring. He signed, "Which designer do you like? I'll fly them in from Paris. Custom."

"Raina, I'm giving you the most beautiful dress in the world. You'll be the most beautiful bride."

The staff swooned.

"Raina is so lucky. We see so many couples, but Mr. Thorne is the only one who always knows exactly what she wants. The styles. The sizes."

Seven years together. He knew everything about her. Her measurements. Her cycle. He remembered it better than she did.

The world saw a perfect romance. She knew it was rotting from the inside.

She was barely interested. She pointed at a fishtail gown and stepped into the fitting room.

She stared at her reflection.

After losing her adoptive parents, her deepest wish was to build a family with him. A home. A happy one.

She'd dreamed of putting on a white dress, holy and pure, and marrying him.

Now the thought gutted her.

She was about to step out when voices drifted in.

"Brandon, you tore the last one. I bought a new set. Black lace. Your favorite. Tonight. Eight. My place." Serafina's voice was low. Her fingers traced up his chest.

"Raina's in there. Not here."

"What are you scared of? The staff's gone. And her?" She dragged out the pause, rising onto her toes, mouth close to his ear. "She can't hear. Unless… you don't want it anymore?"

He laughed under his breath. A kiss. Soft. On her lips.

"You're nothing but trouble. But my favorite look on you is nothing at all."

"God, you're terrible." Low laughter. Murmured filth.

Raina felt the bile rise. They'd been doing this in front of her the whole time. How many times? And she'd been too oblivious to notice. A fool.

She couldn't stay in that room another second. She tore off the gown and walked out. Her face was pale.

Brandon stood immediately, worry carved into his face. He stepped toward her, signing fast. "Raina? What's wrong? Is it your stomach again? Let me take you home."