I see motion from the corner of my eye, and turn to see Leo join us.
Hmm, he’s alone, meaning he wasn’t with Theo…
I look back at the couple as Enrique slides it down Kataleya’s leg. Her cheeks are hot pink as she cups the back of his head, biting her bottom lip coyly. Just then, someone whistles loudly, and I turn, my heart skipping a beat when I see it’s none other than Theo, his usual trademark smirk plastered on his face.
Suddenly, my stomach knots with dread. I don’t know why, but I’m worried about him. It’s the way he’s smiling, the type that tells me he’s hiding something behind it.
I’m about to go over to him, but he won’t share anything with me, not with so many people watching anyway… maybe later tonight.
I turn back just in time to see Enrique throw the garter. Everyone cheers, and I crane my neck to see that Royce has caught the garter!
“How convenient!” someone calls.
“It’s a sign!”
“I had to catch it if my woman caught the bouquet,” Royce says, smiling over at Skyla, who rolls her eyes, but the smile on her face gives away what she really feels.
“I think it’s only fair you two lead the next dance,” Kataleya says as Enrique pulls her into his arms, kissing her forehead.
Everyone cheers as Royce makes his way over to Skyla, and then, to not only my surprise but everyone’s, he goes down on one knee. I instantly realise that Enrique, Kataleya and Azurawere in on it from the way they exchanged looks.
Skyla’s eyes widen slightly. “What…”
“Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife, Love?” he asks quietly, taking out a dark green velvet ring box as silence fills the room. “Because you are all I want. Now, and forever.”
There’s a moment of silence as Royce’s sister gasps, and then Skyla nods vigorously.
“Yes. Yes! I’ll fucking marry you!” Skyla says as she throws her arms around Royce’s neck, throwing him to the ground as she kisses him. Someone covers Kai’s eyes, and I see Kaden giggling as Mama sends a spiral of fireworks into the sky.
I smile as I cheer along with everyone, giggling silently as Aunty Kiara strokes Grandpa Alejandro’s arm to calm him down. I look around at the happy faces, wishing Jayce were here. He’s the only one missing.
“How did you know I’d say yes?” Skyla asks teasingly.
“I might have asked for some advice on that,” Royce admits.
“It was the girls, wasn’t it? You guys knew, didn’t you?” Skyla smiles as she looks over at Kataleya and Azura, who are both grinning as Royce helps her to her feet.
“Obviously!” Azura says as Kataleya nods. “And Kat suggested today.”
“Thanks,” Skyla says. “Mama, did you know?”
“No!” Aunty Kiara says, fighting back her tears. Skyla smiles before turning back to Royce. “And FYI… I’d say yesto whatever you ask for, Magic Fingers.” She kisses him passionately as others break into applause.
I sense someone watching me and turn just in time to catch Theo’s eye. Everything around me seems to fade, and it’s just him and me, and before he can look away, I give him a small smile. Not one of stubborn defiance or to tease him, just a small, genuine smile that asks for nothing in return.
His smirk fades slightly, and he looks away. My own smile fades as I turn my attention back to the couple as Royce places the ring on her finger.
Theo, you’re worrying me.
The music begins playing as Skyla and Royce begin dancing, and slowly, others begin joining the dance floor. But despite the beautiful warmth of the evening, something about Theo has left me feeling uneasy.
Tonight, once everyone is asleep, I’m going to talk to him.
It’s late atnight, and I’m struggling to sleep. We’ve all been given rooms in Enrique’s parents’ villa. Allie and the rest of her family are staying at Kataleya’s home; Kataleya and Enrique have now gone away. The Westwoods, the Nicholsons and the rest of the Rossis are here too, and I’m lucky I’m staying in the same place as the Westwoods. I’m just waiting for everyone to fall asleep so I can go find Theo. I know he got his own room, so did Ares, leaving Carter and Renji to share.
But people are still up and awake. When finally the distant hum of chatter dies down, I feel a little relieved. I’m tired after the long day, but I refuse to sleep until I’ve spoken to him.
I crack open my eyes, staring at the glowing digits of the clock that sits on the bedside table.
