Irvin intertwines his fingers with mine, bringing my palm to his lips and planting soft kisses on my skin. He wets his lips before speaking.
“Thank you for doing this for me. You don’t know how much I’ve waited for this day.”
Our friends cheer and clap.
At the reception, I have a Coke and liquor in my hand, and I dance with Winter and Lyrical while rap music plays in the background.
“I can’t believe you tied the knot with Irvin,” Winter’s voice is sincere.
My eyes connect with Irvin, and he holds up his highball glass, waving. He winks, smiling, watching me like a hawk. I’ve noticed Irvin watches me all the time, as if studying me like I’m a subject. The thought sends a chill down my spine.
Keanu and Jameson smack him on the back and speak to him.
Someone clears their throat, and I turn around. Irvin’s father. He holds out his hand, and I place my palm in his. He shakes it firmly.
“It’s so lovely to meet you.” He presses his lips to the back of my hand. “My name is Preston, Irvin’s father.”
My cheeks burn, and I pull back, smiling.
Irvin steps between us, yanks me close, and glares down at his father, gritting his teeth.
“Father.” He gives him a vicious smile. “Don’t ever put your mouth on any part of my wife again.”
I can feel the tension between them.
Preston’s eyebrows pinch together, and he shoves his fingers into his pockets.
“Oh please, son. I’m not trying to steal your lady from you.”
Irvin’s jaw flexes. “I know you’re not. I just don’t want your mouth anywhere near my wife.”
I place my hand on his chest. “It’s okay, Irvin.”
His gaze softens when his eyes meet mine.
Preston grabs a glass of whiskey from a nearby waitress’s silver tray.
“It’s a bummer your parents aren’t here. I would’ve wanted to meet them.”
My chest tightens. What the hell? Why is he asking about my parents? Does he know what happened? I bite my bottom lip. Hard.
“Well, they aren’t here because of business.”
Preston cocks an eyebrow. “I spoke to your friends, and you told Lyrical your mother was a stay-at-home wife and your father owned a bank.”
I did tell her that—but that was years ago. I’m surprised Lyrical remembered. My palms grow sweaty, and I wipe them on my dress.
“Well, yeah. He did.”
His eyes narrow curiously. “What was the name of the bank?”
I play with the sleeve of my dress, avoiding eye contact. “Um, it’s a local bank in Florida. You wouldn’t have heard of it.”
Irvin tightens his hand around my waist. He frowns, gritting his teeth.
“Dad. Back off,” Irvin snaps. “I met her parents over the phone. They’re legit,” he lies.
I want to sigh in relief, but I hold my breath.
