“She knows what she wants, Alex, and she has our backing if you can make it happen. We will compensate you in any way you need.” Jagger backs me up, making my heart swell. Never in a million years did I think he would admit I could handle this myself. I glance back at him, and he nods. “Tell him what you want, flower.”
My eyes well with tears. They’re backing me one hundred percent. I never thought I would see the day. I blink them away, trying to find the words for what I want.
“What are you looking for? Some sort of fake news story from me that incriminates him?” Alex asks. “The possibilities are endless, really.”
I return my attention to Alex. “No, I want a real story. A write-up about the company and how progressive your Italian sister company is with two female CEOs at the helm. I want it online tomorrow morning for the world to see. Especially my family.”
He rubs his chin as if he’s considering it.
Ricky finishes up bandaging my second wrist. “You’ll put a massive target on your back, Daisy. You’re still recovering from such a terrible injury. Can you really handle the stress?” Ricky asks, his voice filled with doctorly concern.
I stand, my legs shaky as all hell. “I won’t be alone. I’ll have Ash, Jagger, and Cruz by my side.” Asher’s hand laces with mine and gives it a squeeze as if to back me up.
“Can you add some shit in there about her already being married to me? That fucker might be dead, but her family won’t stop,” Asher growls, and I feel his protection wrap around me like a warm blanket.
I tilt my head toward Asher. “We’re going for truth here, Ash.”
He shrugs. “Mal said paperwork is all approved with immigration. All we need is a registrar to make it official. We can sort that shit out now if we need to.” He takes my arm and pulls me away from the others. “You know it’s what I want, princess. The question is, is it whatyouwant?”
I stare up at him, gazing deep into his eyes to see the truth. I know this man loves me. Is that enough to go by? I glance back at Cruz and Jagger. They’re watching us, and I know this is as important to them as it is Asher.
“You can say no, I’ll still support you in every other way I can, but I’m in love with you, Daisy, and the idea of us being togetherforever gives me a thrill I can’t get any other way.” His smile makes it all the way to his damn dimples, melting something inside me.
I huff out a laugh, kinda knowing what he’s talking about. I get that thrill when I’m around the three of them. It’s insane and all-consuming and everything I want for the rest of my life.
“It will also ensure all the fuckers out there know we have your back no matter what,” he adds like he needs to sweeten the deal. “Your family will be forced to back the fuck off or deal with us.”
“How do we get around the fake marriage certificate?” I ask, still haunted by the piece of paper Leone presented to me back at the casino. He made it looks so real. It’s scary how these men with so much power can manipulate authorities and whoever they want to get exactly what they need. Scary and the kind of evil I want to call out. This is why I know I need to put all my fears aside and claim my position in Moretti Media. I can make a change, not just for me, but for other innocents who don’t have a voice.
Asher grins, all malicious. “Leave that to Mal. He can make that shit disappear or go round in circles for way longer than it will take our marriage to be approved. Then it will be too late. Besides, that fucker is dead as dog shit, what’s your papa going to do?”
“Malachai’s engagement party was already destroyed because of me. We can’t ask him to sort this shitshow out for us right now.”
Asher smiles warmly, squeezing my hand. “He and Dani live for this hacker stuff, it’s a piece of cake for them. And she’s decided you’re already one of the family. I’m sure they can do us one more little favor before they skip happily off into the sunset.”
“Okay, let’s add it to the story. I do feel like we’re stealing their thunder, though.”
“I think they’ll understand under the circumstances.” His lips meet mine. When he pulls back, he holds me close as we walk back to the others.
“Right, give me the details and I will send it to my best journalist. She’ll have it done by the morning,” Alex says, looking keen to get out of this place. He looks at Jagger. “You know what I want in return.” His grin is evil, and my heart sinks, having no idea what Jagger is giving up for me.
Jagger nods, his eyes dark and deadly in a way that tells me it’s a lot, whatever it is.
My eyes narrow at him to tell me exactly what that is, but I already know there is no way in hell I will ever be privy to that kind of information. They are sacrificing something to help me, and right now, all I can do is be eternally grateful. Because the four of us are now in this together. Till death do us part and all that jazz. And you know what? For the first time in my life, I’m okay with it. No, not just okay. This is what I want as well. My life with the three of them. Forever.
Chapter 33
Never Tear Us Apart
Icastaquickglance toward the boys as our celebrant finishes off saying some final words. It’s so strange just marrying one of them, when I’m so deeply in love with all three of them. But they know this means I’m tied to all of them, and in just a few moments, I will officially be a Stryker. A real part of their family.
Cruz grins at me, a wicked gleam in his eyes that tells me all the naughty things he wants to do to me when the four of us are locked up in our luxury hotel room later. Jagger is more cool and collected, acting almost unfazed that I’m standing before his brother in a dress worth thousands. It’s long and slinky, with a small train, and the silk fabric hugs my curves, looking almost like liquid in the way it drapes. He knew it was the one as soon as I put it on, and for once, I didn’t want to argue on it, because I agreed. He was even so particular that he flew in Georgina to fuss over my hair and make-up. My bruises from a week ago have faded, but she still needed to work her magic to cover up the remnants. She’s also made my hair look amazing, with a braid down one side. His lips turn up at the sides just a little, a subtle smile he has only for me. It’s silly, but the way he does it makes my heart flutter.
“You may kiss the bride,” the celebrant dressed as a drag queen announces.
Butterflies take flight throughout my body as I return my attention back to Asher. I can hardly believe I’m doing this. That he wanted to marry me and spend the rest of his life with me. But the three of them have spent every waking hour of the past week convincing me this is what they all want, and I believe them.
Asher grins at me, all dimples he’s so damn happy. He is so handsome in his fancy suit; it fits him like a glove. He wraps a hand around the back of my head and pulls me into him, kissing me dramatically, with a little dip and all.
