Audrey catches them with catlike reflexes, somehow without dropping her own bouquet, and stares down at the mass of flowers as though in disbelief.When she lifts her gaze, vulnerability shines from her shocked green orbs.
Wicked delight spears through me.I give the flowers a suggestive glance and smirk as I relish her reaction.
Hurt and betrayal flash through her eyes before she turns away and offers the bride her bouquet, but the woman refuses to take them back.
Left with both bundles, Audrey avoids my eyes throughout the entire ceremony.My aggravation fades to amusement as my perfect little baby doll plays the part of maid of honor to perfection.She fools everyone in the congregation except for me.I see through her whimsical smile to the growing mix of panic and fury hidden underneath.
When Matteo kisses his new bride, I capture Audrey’s attention by leaning forward, propping an elbow on my knee, and sliding my glasses higher on my nose.The unexpected softness in her gaze from watching her friend tie the knot nearly undoes me.No matter how tough of an exterior she portrays, she’s still the love-starved little girl I knew in my youth.
I won’t leave her behind again.
She’s mine.All mine.
She yanks her gaze away and cheers as the newlyweds rush down the aisle.I grit my teeth in annoyance as the wedding procession follows them out, then send Edgar and his idiot sidekick—who’ve remained blessedly silent—a warning glare before nearly grinding my teeth to ashes as I shuffle out with the crowd.
After weaving through the masses and leaning against the last pillar in the covered archway between the church and the street, I wait with growing impatience as venue staff hand out packets of uncooked rice and line everyone up along the edge of the walkway.
Audrey, Liam, and the other man trying to poach my woman take their place beside the limo.I push off the pillar and absently accept a bag of rice from a passing waiter.
A cool breeze ruffles my hair.Audrey’s luscious red locks tease along her back as she smiles at Liam.
A fist closes around my heart.
She once only looked at me with such trust.I move closer to her through the crowd, but a feminine hand slips onto my arm.Taloned fingers dig into my sleeve.I know who it is before I even look.Only one woman has the audacity to grab me.
Marilyn Swanson, heiress to New York City’s largest corporation and therefor the most sought after bachelorette, presses her augmented breasts against my arm and bats her fake lashes at me.
“Pookie, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.Why didn’t you sit with me during the ceremony?”
Her painted lips pull downward in an exaggerated pout.I slide my arm out from hers despite the mini daggers glued onto the ends of her fingers.
“I’ve told you before, Ms.Swanson, I’m not interested,” I say.
When she grabs my arm again and simpers as she shakes her head, her blonde extensions brush against my shoulder.
“You know I love it when you’re mean to me, but don’t take it too far.Don’t you think the bride’s dress was a little understated?When we get married—”
The crowd cheers as the newlyweds emerge from the church.Rice flies through the air and skitters across the walkway.
I meet Audrey’s bright green eyes and enjoy the emotions flitting through her expression as she studies the leech on my arm before she catches herself and dons a haughty mask.With a dismissive frown, she turns away and joins the celebration.
I extract my arm from Marilyn’s cloying grip and push through the crowd before she latches on again.When she huffs and stomps off, I smirk and open my packet of rice.
After tossing a few handfuls and congratulating the newly married couple from afar, I move back toward the pillar and lie in wait as Audrey hugs the bride and gives Matteo’s arm a gentle, playful punch.
My heart lurches in my chest even though his smile comes and goes faster than the time it takes to blink.
The couple says farewell to their friends and family before Matteo helps his bride into the car.
Everyone waves as the car drives off.Several ladies cry.A few gentlemen offer them tissues.Children throw rice in each other’s faces and scream as they weave through the crowd.The crisp autumn wind cools my face even as the sun streams down on my head.
People meander back into the church.
Audrey gives the two men she’s been flirting with all day a little wave before turning toward the parking lot.
I catch her by the crook of her elbow, swing her back against the pillar, and press my front against hers.
With the marble blocking us from most of the crowd, I cover her mouth with my hand and tilt her head back to enjoy her expressive eyes.
