Xavier pauses, his eyes flicking back to where his mother sits, isolated and still staring in our direction. He looks back at me, the lines around his eyes deepening as he shakes his head.
“She’s only here for appearances. Or to thank me for getting rid of my father.”
“Really?”
He shrugs. “Now she has the Donovan name and the wealth,withouthim controlling everything in her life.”
“She’s living the dream.” When Xavier grabs the back of my neck and squeezes, I roll my eyes. “I’m just kidding. You know I don’t care about that stuff.”
He pulls me to him and rests his forehead against mine. “You’re nothing like her. She’s like ice, cold and lifeless. You’re pure fire, wild and passionate. I’d rather be burned alive and feel every bit of pain than slowly drift to sleep, completely dead inside.”
I close my eyes against the surge of emotion that rises within me. His declaration is just like his proposal: intense and brutally honest. He strips everything down to raw, stark truths, leaving no room for pretense between us.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Once Declan and Benjamin cross the stage, our group heads outside. The sun has already set, painting the sky in gold, pink, and purple. It’s romantic. Or I’m just stupidly in love.
“Congrats, man,” Ben says, shaking Xavier’s hand. “Take care of my sister, or I’ll kill you.”
Xavier smirks. “Yeah, yeah.”
Declan nods at Xavier. “Congratulations, dude.” Then he looks at me with a wide grin. “Just remember, I was his first love.”
I smile back, pressing myself to Xavier’s side. “Thanks.”
June shakes her head at Declan before hugging me. “Congratulations, you guys.”
“Thank you. Not just right now, but for everything you did while I was in the hospital.”
“Us brides have to stick together,” she whispers.
We pull apart, and Raven grabs me for a tight embrace. When I wheeze, Xavier frowns, and she releases me.
“Well, Watson, you’ve closed the case. I’ll miss our sleuthing adventures.”
“I won’t,” I say, laughing. “I want a boring life without any danger or mysteries.”
Raven purses her lips. “As long as you don’t abandon our quest for piss-ridden infamy, then I’ll be content.”
Ben snorts. “What?”
“It’s an inside joke from the day I met her,” I say.
“Well, ladies and gents, this has been fun, but I’ve got a poetry slam tonight.” Raven presses her hands to her chest with a dramatic air. “It’s my time to shine.”
“Knock ’em dead.” I pause, frowning. “Wait. Please don’t take me literally.”
She winks at me. “I make no promises.”
After saying her good-byes, Raven walks away, blending in with the crowd that’s slowly dispersing. Ben watches her for a moment before turning back to face us.
“Raven is something else. Lilah, if you don’t make her part of your wedding, I’m worried she’ll put a hex on you.” Ben looks at Xavier, his forehead wrinkling. “Do you think the Order will interfere with your engagement? Don’t get me wrong. I’m really happy for you guys, but I’m worried that you’ve pissed them off.”
Xavier squeezes my waist, the possessive gesture calming me. “The leaders aren’t stupid enough to get rid of her now that I’ve made such a public announcement,” he says. “Anyone against the marriage will stay quiet, unless they’re willing to risk exposing the Order.”
Ben nods slowly, rubbing his chin. “If anything happened to her, people might become suspicious. Makes sense.”
June blows out a breath and folds her arms. “Speaking of the cult… do we have to go to the graduation party?”
