Page 147 of Pretty Little Threats

Mace, the most elusive of Dare’s friends, steps forward. Without his full sleeves on display, he almost looks like a gentleman, but the wicked gleam in his gaze as he eyes my bestie has my hackles rising. Good thing Cassia is walking with Remy. Mace’s brown hair is a bit longer than Remy’s, a side-swept crew cut that’s carefully styled. The navy suit matches the dark blue color of his irises, and that wolfish grin transforms into a gentle smile as he glances at Emmie, offering her his arm.

Emmie clutches Mace’s arm and they kick off the slow procession.

My heart rate increases, nerves fluttering in my stomach.

Cassia glances over and rubs my arm. “It’s going to be amazing,” she whispers.

Crue steps forward next. His mid-length dark hair is slicked back, but a stray strand has come loose, kissing the tip of his cheekbones. Crue doesn’t look like a wild child in his suit, but his polite smile isn’t fooling anyone. Everyone knows there’s a rich playboy under the tuxedo. This man likes trouble, and it’s a good thing he isn’t interested in Analise. He simply nods at her in acknowledgement when she links her arm through his, and they fall in time with Emmie’s and Mace’s steps.

I breathe in deep and exhale. The worst thing about the wedding is the anticipation. At least last time, it was over and done within thirty minutes.

Remy nods when it’s time, and Cassia meets him in the middle. My bestie and Remy get along, but it’s obvious to anyone who pays attention that Remy wants Analise, and Cassia, well, she hasn’t been on a date since she found out who was responsible for the stress that led to her father’s heart attack.

I think part of her is afraid of being vulnerable. I definitely can’t fault her for protecting her heart.

Cassia glances over her shoulder and grins at me. She’s like a sister to me, and we’ve been through so much. “Love you,” she coos.

“I love you too.” My eyes mist, and I avert my gaze before I cry, the sound of her chuckle warming my chest.

Once I’m sure she and Remy have started walking, I glance at Frank, who’s been patiently waiting to walk me up the aisle. His gray hair is slicked back, and in his tuxedo, he doesn’t look as tough as he did the day he scowled at mein the bakery. There’s even a soft sort of affection in his gaze as the bride’s song begins. The church benches creak as everyone stands, and my heart skips.

Frank steps forward and lifts his arm. “Ready, sweetheart?”

Frank isn’t my dad, but I refuse to dwell on that thought for too long. This is one day Joseph Miller can’t ruin. I take a deep breath, the fresh scent of flowers filling my lungs, and nod.

“Ready.”

I step forward and hook my arm in his, turning toward my future. My gaze instantly collides with Dare’s, and the air rushes from my lungs. Dare is a beacon, the navy of his tuxedo soft against his bronzed skin. That unruly blond hair is almost perfectly styled, but true to Dare, a few strands in the front are askew, almost like they refuse to be tamed. His hands are clasped in front of him, the tattooed one on top, and he paints a pretty picture of patience, save the shimmer of hunger in his eyes.

The biggest smile I’ve ever seen cuts across his face, and I forget what I’m doing for a moment.

“Breathe and step, sweetheart.” Frank’s gentle reminder brings me back to reality.

The back rows of the church are filled with people I don’t recognize, but as we edge closer, I start to make out some familiar faces from the business. Still, they’re not my family. They’re not even my friends. Most weddings are when families come together. The people in attendance today aren’t really here for me or Dare; they’re here to show their loyalty.

A church full of people who care less about me and more about money has a way of making me feel lonely. That unwelcome feeling swirls around me, but then, mygaze meets a familiar one. Irene’s watery grin hits my heart. The woman who used to humor me and take my childhood drawings, the one who always had a bagel waiting for me, and the one who somehow became family, is exactly who I needed to see. She’s a reminder that I have a small circle, but in this violent world, where loyalty is hard to find, that’s all I need.

Irene is wearing a pretty blue dress, and her graying hair is loose and curled.You look beautiful, she mouths.

Thank you,I say back, cheeks aching from the fresh smile.

Frank pats my arm, letting me know we’re almost to Dare, and I nod at Irene before facing forward. Dare’s eyes bore into mine, and I can practically hear the beast snarlingyou’re mine.

Frank stops before the stairs and Dare.

I tip my head and lift an eyebrow, holding out my hand and waiting for him to make his decision.

Dare smirks and snatches my palm, tugging me forward and making me stumble into his chest. I gasp, but his lips steal the sound, breaking protocol and claiming me once again. The crowd cheers, and Dare’s tongue caresses mine one last time before he breaks the kiss and rests his forehead against mine.

“You didn’t wait for the priest,” I whisper with a giggle.

“Fuck the priest,” Dare mutters. “I love you, Rose.”

“I love you too, Dare.”

Standing at the bow of the yacht, I lean against the railing and gaze out across the rippling water, watching thesunlight glimmer off the crests of the waves. A smile plays across my face. God, I love it here.

Fiji is a welcome escape from the harsh New York City winters.

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