That was better than watching her disappear behind fear.
The officiant lifted both hands. “Alright, alright. Before someone starts a gambling ring in the Lord’s chapel?—”
River coughed. “Too late.”
“—we’re gonna get these two married. Do y’all have vows?”
Sienna went still.
Not stiff.
Still.
Every bit of humor drained out of her face so fast I felt it in my gut. She looked at the officiant, then at me, panic flickering under the makeup Regan had carefully put on her. Vows. Promises. Meaning.
Too much.
Too real.
I knew it before she said a word.
“I don’t—” Her voice caught. She swallowed. “We didn’t write anything.”
“I’ve got it,” I said.
Her eyes snapped to mine.
So did everyone else’s.
I didn’t look away from her.
Because this part wasn’t for them.
“I don’t know how to make wedding vows sound pretty,” I said.
Edge muttered, “No one is shocked.”
I didn’t even bother threatening him. Sienna needed my eyes on hers.
“I can’t stand here and promise you the kind of forever you didn’t ask me for,” I said, keeping my voice steady even though my chest felt like it had been pried open. “That wouldn’t be fair.”
Her lips parted slightly.
“But I can promise what I know.” I tightened my fingers around hers. “You don’t run alone again. You don’t face them alone again. Anybody who comes for you goes through me first.”
The room quieted.
Not polite quiet.
Club quiet.
The kind that meant men were listening.
“My name, my patch, my house, my truck, my brothers, my life—whatever I’ve got, it stands between you and anyone who thinks they can hurt you.” I took a breath. “You don’t have to love me tonight. You don’t have to trust all of this. You don’t even have to like me tomorrow morning.”
“I don’t like you now,” she whispered.
My mouth curved. “I know.”
