Page 59 of Keep Me (Rebel Hearts Heists 2)
Till Death Do Us Part
Sloane
Icling on River’s arm, still feeling a little shaken after almost being taken by Pierce. Still worried about the fact that he’s on this boat. Way too close for comfort.
I know the guys probably dealt with him and made sure that he can’t get away but I can’t help the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.
As we stand by the side of the marquee, I notice the rigidity of Blaine’s posture and the urge to run to him and comfort him is strong, especially when the officiant asks. “Who’s giving this woman away to her future husband?”
He hesitates one moment before stepping forward and I don’t miss the troubled look he gives to his mother. I know he’s mad at her and that even before she let Pierce take me, they didn’t have a great relationship. I know that both he and Royce resent her for how quickly she moved on after Royce’s dad’s arrest and for marrying the man that was the cause of everything. The villain who framed their father.
Alicia stares into her son’s eyes for an instant, her lips set in a determined line before she unhooks her arm from Blaine’s and steps forward, stopping by her fiancé’s side.
The officiant asks the bride and groom if they have written their own vows or if they wish to proceed with the standard ones.
I’m not surprised when they both declare that they’ll go with the standard formula. This union between them doesn’t really strike me as a very loving one.
“I’ll write my own vows when we’ll get married, Kitten,” River whispers in my ear with a knowing smirk, his hazel eyes shining with mischief.
“You don’t say.” I tease him. “You don’t strike me like the poetic type, Rivs. Blaine? Sure. Kaden, maybe. But you? Not so much.”
He looks outraged by my words but then his smile widens as he pulls me a little closer and he whispers again in my ear, his warm, soft lips almost caressing my sensitive skin as he speaks. “I should be offended by that unjust opinion, Kitten. In fact, I have my vows ready right now. Your sweet soul belongs to Jesus but your pretty little ass belongs to me.” He chuckles.
It isn’t the exact words, but I’m pretty sure those were the lyrics to a death metal song. “You’re crazy.” I giggle but instantly straighten myself when the officiant pauses what he was saying and glares our way. Shit. Leave it to River to get me kicked out of a posh wedding but obviously he doesn’t look sorry at all, squeezing my arm with his shit eating grin firmly in place.
“Before we continue to the binding part of this ceremony,” the officiant says with another stern glare in our direction. “If anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”
And that’s when all hell breaks loose. A voice from behind us booms. “FBI! Everyone freeze! Casper Van Der Beck you’re under arrest for embezzlement, for conspiring to trade illegally in nuclear weapons, money laundering and a million other reasons I’ll formally read to you in a second!”
The noise of heavy boots makes me turn and I have to admit that seeing Kaden storm toward us in his FBI helmet and bullet proof vest causes a completely different feeling than it did in Seattle in the boathouse.
He advances confidently, followed by several FBI agents and his boss, Special Agent Walker. I’d be totally distracted by his hotness if it weren’t for the drama unfolding in front of my very eyes. For some reason Lagi, Kronin’s huge bodyguard and the boat’s chief stew Ekaterina are following Kaden and his agents.
Van Der Beck doesn’t look perturbed in the slightest, turning to speak to Lagi as if this was just a minor inconvenience to his day. “Lagi, where’s your boss? Can he please take care of this nonsense? I’m trying to get married here.”
Lagi’s normally expressionless face opens up in a satisfied grin. “I’m afraid my former boss is otherwise detained. Also … CIA, you bastard. You’re definitely under arrest.”
“I’m surrounded by fucking incompetents!” VDB seethes. And then he says something about Kaden and Lagi not having jurisdiction because we’re in international waters.
“I’m afraid your statement is incorrect, ???????? Van Der Beck (Mr. Van Der Beck).” Ekaterina looks at the watch on her wrist. “We reentered Monegasque waters exactly … thirty-five seconds ago. But if you have any doubts on jurisdiction, KGB, you’re most definitely under arrest.”
VDB’s composure starts showing the first cracks. “You can’t do this! You have no proof that I did anything illegal. I’ll be free before the local police even boards this boat. Alicia, call my lawyer, tell him to—”
Lagi smirks, interrupting VDB. “We have proof of all your crimes, VDB. It’s over. From your partnership with Kronin to framing Alicia’s husband.”
“Alicia, that’s bullshit. I never framed anyone. Roger is the one—”
Blaine’s mother takes a step back. “I hope you rot in jail, you bastard! I’ve never loved you. I’ve never even liked you. I was just with you to prove my husband’s innocence. I’m glad I didn’t have to marry you.” She pulls her arm back and throws the huge bridal bouquet, hitting VDB square in the face. “Throwing the bouquet has always been my favorite part of weddings.”
She walks toward Blaine, throwing herself in his arms, crying and apologizing for everything. Explaining that her motives for being with VDB had to do with love, her love for his stepfather. Royce takes a step toward his stepmother and the three of them hug while Kaden, Lagi and Ekaterina handcuff VDB and the latter takes him away to join Kronin until we’re back in port.
Holy shit… it is over. We have done it.
* * *
Sloane – One Hour Later
“I was just notified that the order to release Roger Barrington has been forwarded and signed by a judge. Your father will be freed in the next couple of hours and his assets reinstated. I believe the US government owes him some heartfelt apologies and probably some hefty restitution for his incarceration,” Special Agent Walker says looking at Royce and Blaine.
