Chasing Aubrey Read Free

that all you’re looking for in a wife? Someone that makes sense?”
    His face contorted into a confused expression.
    “I don’t understand what you mean, what more is there?”
    Wow, talk about being brainwashed by the agenda.
    “I mean, companionship, friendship, love, passion, any of that?”
    He shrugged.
    “I was never led to believe that I could indulge in such fanciful notions. Marriage is an institution designed to forge political and economic bonds. Why complicate it with emotions?”
    I sighed, looking off into the distance. I never really dreamed of falling in love or anything, but I would at least like to know that my prospective husband and I could enjoy each other’s company.
    “Right,” I said, hoping he would take that for the end of the conversation as I’d intended it.
    “I’m sorry you seem disappointed with the arrangement, Elise, but I will be a good husband for you. I will provide for you and you’ll never want for anything.”
    Except freedom, I thought, a crease forming between my brows.
    “I see. Well, I’m certainly glad that this has all been figured out without any input from me. It’s a nice glimpse into the future you’ll be able to provide for me,” I spat angrily, turning away from him.
    He rested his hand on my arm and I resisted the urge to yank it away from him.
    “I’ll give you some time to think this over on your own. Please come back and join us at the party once you’ve calmed down.”
    He turned and walked back inside not a moment too soon. I could hardly hold in the snappy retort I had for him.
    I was not being unreasonable. Listening to Chester, one would think that I was in hysterics. I couldn’t take a minute more of this farce. I had to get out.
    Being as sneaky as I could muster, I made my way around the house to the valet stand. I handed the attendant my ticket; even though I lived here, I’d learned a long time ago that it was easier to valet park my own vehicle than to try to navigate it out of the garage when we were inundated with guests. This made for a much cleaner getaway.
    I didn’t think anyone would really miss my presence at the party. Even if I was one of the “honored guests”, no one ever paid much attention to me unless one of my parents was speaking. That suited me just fine. I never wanted to be the socialite like my mother. I just wanted to do my own thing.
    My phone chirped with a twitter notification.
     
    @AubreyRed I hope you’ve written your will. You’re going to be destroyed on Saturday #sorrynotsorry
    I rolled my eyes and typed out a flippant reply as the valet brought my car around.
     
    @Rexthebest The only thing being destroyed on Saturday will be your ego when I beat you to the finish line #bigboysdontcry
     
    I smirked at my own wit and climbed into my car, an overhauled Mustang, built to be sexy and fast as hell. My parents did not support the purchase even a little bit, but I bought it and did all the modifications myself, so there wasn’t much they could say about it.
    The further away from my parents’ house I drove, the less my problems weighed on me. The burden of my arranged engagement felt less and less with every mile I put between me and my new fiancé.
    My phone chirped again.
     
    @AubreyRed We’ll see how confident you are when you’re not hiding behind a keyboard.
     
    “Oh really?” I muttered, trying to come up with a response.
    I should have known better than to engage in a petty twitter war when I already had so much else going on. My emotions were running high and I knew I wasn’t going to make the best decisions in this state.
     
    @Rexthebest I’ll kick your ass any time, any place, and I’ll be more than happy to say it to your face.
     
    The instant I hit send I knew I was an idiot. What was I thinking? I couldn’t confront this man.
    He sent me a private message with an address and I found myself driving toward it without even thinking of the consequences.

 
    Chapter 3

    The ceremony