Page 170 of Risky Passion

“Shit, sorry,” she muttered, holding him against her tiny frame as she hurried to the back of the tent.

“See what you did, numb nuts?” Levi said to Cobra.

“Leave him alone,” Yasmin said, draping her arm over Cobra’s shoulder.

Levi strode after Billie with a fierce, protective expression on his face.

As the crowd hushed, a soft melody floated through the air, and every head turned toward the back, where Harper was seated in the last row. Harper’s honey-blonde hair was pinned back in soft waves, and her dress shimmered faintly in the afternoon light. Beside her, Viper sat in his wheelchair, his suit jacket straining against his muscular frame. The scars marking his face and neck from the warehouse explosion gave him a fierce presence, like a man ready to crush an army.

The cast on his leg added to his battle-weary vibe, and I could only imagine how much he hated being confined to that wheelchair. But the way Harper looked at him left no room for doubt about their love for each other. She only sawhim. The real Viper. The man who would do absolutely anything for her, and for everyone in that marquee.

The music changed to a soulful, romantic melody, and the crowd hushed.

We all turned toward the back of the marquee, and as I squeezed Jaxson’s hand, and my heart did its own melody in my chest, I watched the back of the farmhouse, waiting for the bride to appear.

Maya stepped onto the back deck with a grace that stole my breath. Her dress was a classic white gown with a fitted bodice and a massive, flowing skirt that seemed to float as she descended the steps. Her long blonde hair was swept into an elegant updo, a few loose strands delicately framing her face. Behind her, a veil trailed like a soft whisper, carried by Aria and Zena.

Zac’s breath hitched as his eyes locked onto Maya as if she were the only woman in the world. Maya glided toward us, beaming like a princess.

“She’s stunning,” I whispered to Jaxson.

“Just like you.” His low voice was filled with that warm, teasing affection that always made my chest ache.

Maya slowly strolled down the aisle with a spectacular grin and her gaze pinned on Zac. When she reached him, he took her hands in his and squeezed hard as if he needed her strength to keep him upright.

The music stopped, and the marriage celebrant began the ceremony.

But I barely heard any words. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the way Maya and Zac looked at each other like they were the only two people in existence. It reminded me of how Jaxson looked at me.

The ceremony was beautiful, heartfelt, and filled with laughter. When Zac finally kissed Maya, the crowd erupted in cheers, and he swept her into his arms.

“Yeehaa! We’re married!” Maya cried, tipping her head back as Zac spun her in a wide circle. Her laughter rang out like music as she kicked off her shoes. “Now get those chairs out of the way, turn up the music,and let’s dance!”

Jaxson pressed a kiss to my temple in a way that felt so comfortable and natural. “Do you want to dance?” he asked.

It felt like a loaded question. “Not really. Do you?”

“Phew,” he grinned, “I was hoping you’d say that.”

I burst into laughter, and when he laughed with me, it was genuine and real.

I leaned into Jaxson with my heart full to bursting.

This wasn’t just a wedding, this ceremony was a reminder of everything we’d all fought for: love, safety, and the kind of peace that came after even the wildest storms.

CHAPTER 40

Tory

After Mayaand Zac shared a wedding dance that would put professional ballroom dancers to shame, she announced that everyone had to dance with the new Mrs. Carrera. Half the crowd scattered from the marquee in a flash. But as the evening settled in and the guests drank more wine, and the fairy lights cast their golden glow beneath the canopy, no one could resist Maya's pleading, or if necessary, her demands.

I giggled watching Maya whip Jaxson around the dance floor with him staggering like he had two left feet. Not that I was any better . . . dancing had never been my thing. I couldn’t wait to get away from that center of attention.

Even Viper couldn't escape the compulsory dance with the stunning bride. Despite his exaggerated protests when Maya wheeled him into the middle of the crowd, the poor guy didn't stand a chance. Somehow, she even managed to choreograph a wheelchair dance with him.

After the newlyweds cut their spectacular wedding cake, which was another Zena masterpiece, Zac, ever the showman, swept Maya into his arms amid cheers and laughter. "Our chariot awaits," he announced, carrying her bridal-style toward the exit.

"Wait! Wait!" Maya called out, and without warning, tossed herbouquet over her shoulder. The bunch of red roses nearly smacked me in the face before I caught it.

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