“But you’re here now,” she whispered.
“Yep. I’m here.” Bodhi leaned forward, touching her lips, tasting her. The smell of her perfume floated above him. Scents of jasmine and sage. It was divine. Sliding his tongue along her lips, she opened, her hot breath coating his mouth.
Bodhi gripped the back of her neck, his other hand sliding down to cup her ass and pull her tightly around him. Delving his tongue inside her mouth, he tasted the sweetness of Vivienne. She gripped his hair, slowing the kiss, pulling back slightly.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“Uh, no, but we seem to have attracted an audience,” she grinned. Bodhi turned to see two hundred people staring at them, all with smiles on their faces. He was startled at first, then smiled.
“It’s alright. They’re family.”
The music blasted through the trees, Cade swinging his new wife around the floor with the other dancers. He looked at Bodhi, the self-proclaimed non-dancer, and smiled. He was holding his own with Vivienne, who looked beautiful.
“Vivienne looks stunning, but nothing compared to you,” said Cade.
“Smart man,” she laughed. “I lent her a dress I had. She’s a bit curvier than me, which is obvious from the way your brother is staring down at her.”
“Well,” laughed Cade, “the man does love a good rack.”
“Cade!” she giggled, playfully slapping him.
“What? We both do. I sure love your…”
“Cade?” called Ivan from behind him.
“Oh, yes, sir,” smirked Cade.
“Be glad you’re married to my daughter now, or I’d show you what they taught me at the agency about torture.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Cade, I just wanted to say we’re happy to have you in the family. I appreciate that you were willing to risk your life to save the boys, even though they didn’t need it.”
“They’re my brothers, just like Bodhi, sir. I’d do it again.”
“I know, but I just wanted to thank you. Don’t forget to say goodbye before you leave for your honeymoon.” He kissed his daughter, then hugged Cade, shaking his hand.
“I’m glad you liked the painting of your mother,” smiled Cassidy.
“How could I not love it?” said Cade. “You captured her spirit and beauty exactly, honey, and I know that Bodhi appreciated the one for his home as well. Thank you. It was perfect.”
“Should we tell everyone that we’re just going to lock ourselves inside the cottage for a week?” asked Cass.
“They know,” smirked Cade. “They always know, but they’ll respect our privacy. Besides, I’m kind of glad I’ll be here to help Pop fit in. Bodhi seems a lot preoccupied with Viv. I’m sure he’ll help as well, but I do believe brother is done for.”
Bodhi nodded his head toward his brother. He knew. They always knew everything about one another. Another fast song came on, and he led Vivienne from the dance floor.
“Let’s walk in the gardens,” he said. She nodded, taking his big hand. Even with her heels, she was so much smaller it was comical. They’d had several hot make-out sessions, but Bodhi was still getting used to the idea of making her his fully. Vivienne was getting anxious, but she wasn’t about to push back on him.
“It’s so beautiful here,” she smiled. “I’d forgotten how wonderful everything smells and feels. Especially you.”
“We are getting there, Viv, and I am very happy. I do believe I might explode if I don’t make you mine soon.” Viv nodded, giggling beneath her breath.
Bodhi turned, his hands at her waist. He lifted her to stand on one of the stone benches, now able to see eye to eye. She wound her arms around his neck, then stopped, staring over his head.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Something is moving over there. Wait? Did you hear that? It sounds like someone is hurt,” she frowned.