Like the universe conspired to make sure we'd be standing here together, despite every reason we shouldn't be.The world narrows to just this—his hand in mine, his breath against my hair, the gentle rocking of our bodies to music only we can hear.
When he kisses me, it's soft and deep and full of promise.His lips are warm, and I can taste the champagne on his tongue, sweet and intoxicating.My hands find the lapels of his jacket, holding him close as if I could somehow pull him deeper into this moment, make it last forever.
We separate slowly, reluctantly, and I rest my forehead against his chest.His fingers thread through mine like they were always meant to live there, and suddenly the world stops trying so hard to be complicated.
"We should head back to the wedding," I say finally, though every part of me wants to stay here in this perfect bubble we've created.
Instead of responding with words, Nate kisses me again, deeper this time, and heat pools in my stomach.His hands slide down to my waist, pulling me closer until there's no space between us, until I can feel his heartbeat against mine.
"God, I want you so badly right now," he whispers against my mouth, his voice rough with desire that sends fire through my veins."Do you think they'd notice if we?—"
I laugh, swatting at his chest playfully.
"Easy, boy.Behave."
He tilts his head up to the sky in mock defeat, and I can't help but grin at his expression—the way he looks like a man tortured by his own restraint.Taking his hand, I tug him back toward the lights and music and celebration.
"Come on, Romeo.Let's go dance."
As soon as we reach the reception, I notice Jake standing near the edge of the tent, his face pale and strained.There's something in his eyes that makes my stomach drop—a fear I recognize all too well.
"What's wrong?"I ask, approaching him quickly.
Jake looks between Nate and me, his hands shaking slightly before giving his attention to Nate.
"You're right.About everything and I don't know what to do."
The music continues around us, couples swaying and laughing, but our little corner of the world has suddenly become very still.I feel Nate tense beside me, his protective instincts kicking in.
"What happened?"Nate asks, reaching out to touch his brother's arm and surprisingly, Jake lets him.
Jake shakes his head, looking young and scared despite his height.
"He's behind a lot of shady shit and now I am too and fuck.What have I done?"
My heart breaks for him.
This is the moment I've been dreading—when Jake would have to face the truth about his father, when the careful walls he's built would finally crumble.I glance at Nate, seeing my own pain reflected in his eyes.He knows what this feels like, the awful moment when you realize the person who was supposed to protect you was the one hurting you instead.
"Hey," Nate says softly, his voice gentle and sure."I'm here.We're going to figure this out together.I promise."
Jake nods.
Around us, the wedding celebration continues, a reminder that joy and pain can exist in the same space, that life is always more complicated than we want it to be.The music swells around us, and I feel the weight of this moment settling into my bones.
Tomorrow we'll have to deal with whatever comes next.
But tonight, we're here together again, and somehow, that feels like everything.
CHAPTER24
A BROTHER’S BOND CAN NEVER BE BROKEN
NATE
Morningsafter big events always feel wrong to me, they’re too quiet, too honest.Like the world hasn’t put its armor back on yet.
This house is no exception.
