Page 22 of Private Dancer

I try to speed walk past the three of them. Lifting the train of my dress, I hook it over my arm. I’m inches away from freedom when a large arm grabs me around my waist and hoists me over his shoulder.

“Damn you, Alec, put me down.” I hiss and smack his back.

“Not until you hear us out.” He smacks my ass in the church, of all places.

I am so going to kick his ass once I’m right-side up again.

The church guests don’t seem bothered by the maid of honor getting kidnapped. Even Ella is yelling for me to get my men.

I finally broke down and told her all the details of my time with Alec, Jake, and Ryan. Not leaving any details out. It almost broke me having to relive every moment of our time together with my words.

We reach a black limousine waiting outside the church. Alec finally releases me, but not before he slides me down his body, making me feel every hard inch of his body.

Ryan and Jake climb into the limo first, and I follow, with Alec right behind me.

“Make it quick. I need to get to the wedding reception.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“We’re sorry Bri. We had no idea Karen planned on firing you.” Jake starts.

“She confessed everything to us the day you were fired,” Ryan adds.

I uncross my arms and throw them up in the air, “What took you so long to tell me?”

“We knew you needed some time to process everything that happened and to fix all the damage Karen caused.” Ryan continues.

“We fired Karen,” Alec says.

They didn’t know I was being fired. My heart skips a beat. Is that true, or is this just another lie?

I have to guard my heart and put as much distance as I can between us, “Thank you for letting me know. Now, if you will, please let me go to the reception.”

“No, we aren’t letting you go, Bri. We love you.” Ryan says, reaching out to caress my cheek.

I want to pull back, but I’ve missed their touch so much.

“How can I trust you after all this?” My damn lip trembles at my question.

“We know it will take time. But we plan on groveling until you finally forgive us.” Alec says, squeezing my hand.

I look between the three of them, knowing they already own my heart. I’m tired of fighting this and pushing them away.

“I might not like you guys right now.” They stiffen at my words. “But that doesn't mean I don’t love all of you.”

The words are barely out of my mouth when I’m engulfed in a group hug.

“We love you too, Bri.” They reply.

“Then take me home and show me how much you love me,” I say.

“Are you sure? Don’t you want to go to Ella’s wedding reception?” Ryan asks.

I know my friend won’t mind if I miss her wedding reception. She’s the first person who would understand.

“Yes, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

Epilogue

Ten Years Later-Bri

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