I notice the clear wrapping on his ring finger, and my jaw drops. “You got a wedding ring tattoo?”
A flush creeps up his neck. “Later.” He steps back and shoves his hands in his pockets.
“Fine,” I relent. “I won’t embarrass you, but I love it. Where’s—” My words fade when my gaze connects with Reece.
He freezes mid-conversation with Cal on the other side of the table. His dark gaze travels from my face to the curve of my belly then up again. His jaw clenches, the muscles bulging, and my cheeks catch fire. He approaches, his expression intense, almost predatory, and I bite my lip. Maybe I should get out of leggings and sweatpants more often.
He towers over me, cups my chin, and tilts my face to his. “Princess.”
“Viking.” My gaze drops to his lips, and I gasp. “You got your lip pierced again.”
Silver metal glints at the corner of his mouth, the skin around it red and angry. Drawn to him like a magnet, I rise to my toes and press my lips to the small hoop. A surge of excitement races through me. I want to bite and tug it.
He inhales sharply and deepens the kiss. His tongue brushes mine, and the restaurant chatter becomes distant background noise. Rarely is he unrestrained, and never in public. I like it—a lot.
“Excuse me.” A deep voice cuts through the haze. “I believe you’re in front of our seats.”
Reece jerks away, as if electrocuted. His entire body stiffens, and his stoic mask snaps into place. The transformation is immediate and jarring, from loving to rigid in the blink of an eye.
An older couple stands behind him—the man with silver hair, wearing a decorated military uniform, and the woman in a long floral dress, her blonde hair in a perfect chignon. It’s clear whothey are, not only from Reece’s reaction, but from his father’s broad shoulders and tall stature.
They stare at our group with mild annoyance, his mother with a tight smile, not yet noticing their son among us. Jackson shuffles closer to Ethan, creating space for them to sit, and casts me a knowing glance.
Mr. Abercrombie pulls out a chair for his wife, and, on her way to her seat, Maryanne’s gaze flickers between Reece and me.
Her hand flies to her mouth. “Reece?” Her expression shifts from disbelief to shock to utter confusion. “I didn’t even recognize you. What happened?”
What happened?Huh?
He acknowledges his parents with a curt nod. “Mom, Dad.” His voice is clipped, formal, devoid of warmth.
My hand finds his, our fingers intertwining, his grip on me almost painful.
His mother steps closer, her eyes widening. “I saw pictures, but… Is that—” She squints. “Is that a name on your head?” She clutches her pearls—literally.
Reece turns to me. I lean over, and sure enough, he has my name tattooed on his scalp, blending with the intricate designs that climb up his neck. I don’t know how I missed it. Apparently, I was too preoccupied with kissing him.
I can’t help but grin. “Te amo,” I mouth.
His eyes soften, and he mouths it back. “Te amo.”
The pastor stands ramrod straight, his hand gripping the chair, his military background evident in every inch of his posture. “That’s…quite a statement, defacing your body.”
Anxiety and awkwardness swirl in my gut. Reece’s jaw tightens, but he remains silent.
There’s no affection between any of them, and although his father frightens me and I’m nauseated, I extend my hand. “Hi. I’m Aurora. It’s lovely to meet you.”
His father doesn’t so much as glance at me.
His mother clasps my hand between both of hers, her touch warm and gentle. “It’s nice to meet you, dear. You look nothing like your pictures online.”
I don’t even know what to say. Thank you?
***
Jackson
Sadie claps her hands. “Everyone, sit! The first course is about to be served.”
