Ipaced in the hallway outside the war room, loosening my green tie that felt like a noose around my neck. How my old man wore these fuckers was beyond me.
Footsteps scuffed the floor as my father approached, looking like he’d just walked off the runway of a gentlemen’s fashion show—tailored double-breasted black suit, white shirt, and burgundy tie. Like me, his black hair was tied at the nape, he was clean-shaven, and his black dress shoes had been spit shined. The only difference in our attire was the color of our ties.
“Nervous?” he asked, his grin broadening.
“I would rather wear nothing than this monkey suit.”
“Son, what has you rattled? I can’t read your mind. You took the mind-blocking potion?”
“To keep you and Jo out of my head for reasons I would rather not discuss.” Anytime I was around Layla, my mind always wandered—her naked, me inside her, me licking her nipples, her pussy, and the list went on. I also knew that when she stood before me tonight, my thoughts would definitely lean to the erotic side. “And I’m on edge because of the comment you made about Intech using my notoriety with the public to their advantage. Layla thinks Intech will put out a contract on me.”
“I’m sorry, son,” he said. “She could be right.”
“I know, and that pisses me the fuck off.” I released a ragged sigh. “I’m tired of this shit, Pops. I might have to keep my kids locked up. What kind of life is that?” The last thing I wanted when I married Layla was to be in a bad mood.
He clapped me on the shoulder. “I feel your pain more than you know. I want you to clear your mind. Tonight is about you and Layla.”
No shit!I inhaled deeply and shoved my anger into a box and locked the fucker.
“Why didn’t Layla invite Jack and his wife?” Dad asked. “Not that they would’ve stayed.”
“Too much tension between Jack and me. And she doesn’t consider them close family.” I was stoked that she didn’t. Her pulse had skyrocketed when her aunt Tabitha brought up Noah. Then it went even higher when my old man mentioned how Intech would use the media to their advantage. Layla had that crazy notion about a contract on my head. I looked at my watch. “It’s time. Layla will be here any second.”
The ceremony would be simple, which was the way Layla and I wanted it. We would exchange vows and forgo the rings until she could wear jewelry. At that time, we would pick out our wedding rings together.
I strutted into the war room and up to George, who was standing below the movie screen. The tall, lanky vampire looked as if he’d just walked off Wall Street in his expensive tailored blue suit, light-gray shirt, and a soft pink-and-white-striped tie.
“Are you ready?” George asked, holding the ribbons we would use when we exchanged vows.
My stomach was a ball of nerves. “One hundred percent,” I said and stood up straighter. I couldn’t wait for Layla to officially be my wife.
While I waited for Layla, I nodded at our guests as I scanned the occupied seats. In the second row was Tripp, Dr. Vieira, Sawyer, and Harley. The first row consisted of Webb, Jo, Abbey, and my dad.
I would’ve liked more of my SEAL team brethren in attendance, like Ben and Olivia, but it was hard to plan around everyone’s schedules, particularly when we were in the middle of a looming war.
The door groaned open, and anticipation sparked butterflies to flap their wings inside my stomach. Jordyn entered first, smiling at me as she eased into a seat next to my dad. Our guests were dressed for the occasion, including my niece, who was adorable in her pink dress.
As soon as the door opened again, the guests and their attire vanished as Layla’s cherry scent floated in, cutting through my nerves, followed by my beautiful huntress.
My knees buckled as Layla, beaming from ear to ear, swung those sweet hips. I swore I lost the ability to breathe.
“Hey, handsome.” Her siren voice melted my heart and sent heat straight to my cock.
The sky-blue empire-waist dress that hugged her pregnant curves perfectly and accentuated her massive tits was making me painfully hard. My self-control was on the verge of bursting into flames as beads of sweat dripped down my back.
Think of anything but her naked, man.I imagined ripping off Rianne’s head, and that did the trick.
“You’re sweating,” Layla said. “Breathe.”
“I can’t, baby doll. You’ve stolen all my breath with your beauty.”
“You mean my…” She mouthed the word “tits.”
I swallowed down a laugh as I nodded at George. “We’re ready.”
George cleared his throat. “We’re gathered here today to witness the love Sam and Layla have for each other. Their union will be bound, not by these ribbons, but instead by their vows.”
Layla and I collectively sighed as we faced each another and joined left hands. Instantly, a bolt of electricity shot up my arm. If she felt it, she didn’t acknowledge it as she took the black ribbon from George.
