Page 14 of Pucked In Vegas

I know I should stop.

But I won’t. Not tonight.

I lean in, my lips brushing his ear. "Come on. Let's do something stupid."

The club spins as I pull Jax toward the exit, my hand firmly clasped in his. The cool night air hits my face like a slap, sobering me for approximately three seconds before the tequila reclaims control of my motor functions.

"Whoa there." Jax catches me as my ankle wobbles treacherously in my stilettos. "Maybe we should get you back to your apartment?"

I kick off my heels with dramatic flair. "These are weapons of mass destruction."

Jax chuckles, steadying me as I veer off course toward a hot dog cart.

He bends down, collecting my shoes in one hand while wrapping his other arm around my waist, steadying my wobble.

“I’m just saying,” I babble as we stumble past a woman dressed as a feathered showgirl and a man proposing with a vending machine ring, “if I don’t marrysomeonetonight, this dress is a wasted opportunity.”

“I think after tonight you’re already halfway married to those martinis, sweetheart.”

“Pfft. The martini and I had a good run, but I need someone who brings more to the table. Like… emotional support. Or a private jet.”

“Setting the bar high, huh?”

“I deserve apilot, Jax. Or a stripper. Or maybe a dolphin trainer. Actually, that feels right. Dolphins are monogamous, right?”

He laughs, a low, amused rumble that vibrates against my side. “What about a very attractive houseplant?”

I gasp. “Oh my god. That’s it. Something tall. Strong. Thrives under neglect.”

“Sounds familiar.”

We wander down the strip, passing fountains and street performers and people far more sober than I’ll ever be tonight. Jax keeps me upright the whole way, but his arm stays around me, his hand firm on my waist like he doesn’twantto let go.

My body feels like melted glitter. My brain feels like cotton candy on fire.

I stumble to a stop as something catches my eye across the street. A pink-purple glow illuminates a small storefront, the neon sign flickering against the night.

"Oh my god. That place. That's the one." I point dramatically. "That's where Britney got married, right?"

Jax follows my gaze to the chapel.LOVE ME TENDER 24/7 WEDDING CHAPELglows in bubblegum cursive, complete with a spinning heart and a blinking sign that reads“Free Photos. No Regrets.”

“Noregrets,” I whisper. “That’s so romantic.”

He chuckles. “Cassie—”

“I mean, it makes sense. You’re hot. I’m hot. We’ve already swapped bodily fluids. Why not rings?”

Jax freezes, blinking like I just suggested we rob a casino.

“Marry me, Jax,” I say with a dramatic gasp, flinging my arms wide. “We’ll belegends.”

He looks at me, chest rising with a slow inhale. “You’re insane.”

“I’miconic.”

Jax draws a long, deep breath, his eyes darting between me and the chapel like he's calculating the exact mathematical probability of his life imploding.

"Madison is going to kill me..." he mutters, running a hand through his hair.

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