Page 136 of Ace of Spades

And then he’s over me, his mouth devouring mine like he’s starved for me.

I tug his hoodie over his head, his hands sliding under my shirt, palms rough and desperate against my skin.

"Missed you," he mutters against my throat. "Missed you so fucking much."

"Then show me," I rasp.

And he does.

Right there on the poker table.

I didn't come to Breaker's Isle to fall in love.

But when love plays its hand… all bets are off.

Epilogue

Levi | 3 Years Later

The garden smells like heaven itself has breathed through the outdoor space.

It looks like it, too.

Peonies are everywhere. Bursting in every shade of pink, red, and white. Thick with the hum of bees and the low murmur of the voices gathering for this incredible day.

Brody’s backyard has never looked as magical as it does tonight. Just before the sun goes down, so we can bask in the golden hour. It’s like something out of a dream.

I adjust the cuffs of my shirt, tugging once at the collar, like it might help me breathe a little easier.

It doesn't.

Ghost claps a heavy hand on my shoulder, steady as ever.

"You nervous?" he asks under his breath.

I huff out a laugh.

"I’m fine," I lie.

I liked it better when he wouldn’t talk. Ghost, for being the less chatty of our crew, has the very distinct ability to read people like no other.

He just grins and moves to take his place next to the rest of my groomsmen.

Gramps is standing under the wooden arch Brody had specifically built for the ceremony, shuffling through a stack of handwritten note cards, cursing under his breath about forgetting his damn glasses.

He’s wearing a suit for probably the first time in twenty years and looks about as uncomfortable as a grizzly bear forced to sit through a formal dinner party.

But when he catches me looking, he winks.

"You sure you don’t wanna run?" he teases loud enough for me to hear. “Might be your last chance. Heard the bride’s kind of a hard ass.”

I shake my head, heart thudding hard against my ribs.

Not a fucking chance.

Julian’s in the second row, one arm draped across his new boyfriend’s back; a sweet guy named Mateo who looks like he’s seconds away from crying like he’s known us his entire life. Like I said, sweet guy.

Kick and Jun Yu are juggling their twin toddlers, who keep trying to eat the flower petals pre-scattered along the aisle. I love seeing them become parents and navigate married life while raising two feral little boys.

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