Page 186 of The Penalty

I picked up the platinum ring and put it on my finger.

“Found it,” I proclaimed, holding up my hand. Two relieved faces broke into smiles. “But it stays with me. Where’s the other box?”

“Here.” Maxim handed it to me. “You’re a lifesaver.”

I smiled at the boys. They looked so excited and nervous. “Love you guys. If that was the pre-wedding sex romp, I can only imagine what you’re planning for later.”

“Bring Xavier up and we’ll—”

I let the door shut behind me, ending Killian’s proclamation. I did hear them laugh when I walked away.

Now that I had both rings in my possession, I went back to the event space, found Max’s cousin and gave him the ring meant for Killian. Thanks to that unexpected little side adventure, the wedding was running late.

Max worked really hard to plan the timing to a tee. They’d have the ceremony at eleven-thirty, parade around the room to greet everyone, and then have roughly five minutes to spare before the clock struck midnight.

Conversation floated around us as we took our places near the civil officiant.

Guests quieted down when the opening notes of the entrance music played.

Max walked in the room first. Killian followed about thirty seconds later and stood next to Max. The way they stared at each other should be immortalized in sonnets.

They looked so happy. My heart swelled.

As they recited their vows, I scanned the crowd, finding Xavier with little effort. Then again, it’s not hard to pinpoint a tall, athletic god with tousled dark hair, a tattoo on his neck, and his hands adorned with silver rings. He was seated at the end of the row, his face neutral but his eyes alight with emotion.

I couldn’t help but smile. Not too big, just subtle enough so he knew it was only meant for him. Butterflies raced through my stomach when his mouth tipped up in a soft smile of his own.

A stolen moment just for us. Those were harder and harder to come by these days. Not that I minded. I knew being in a relationship with a superstar British soccer player could never be kept in the shadows.

Besides, it made stealing these moments fun.

I wanted to steal millions more.

The ceremony was short, concluding with about eight minutes remaining until midnight. I hugged the boys, congratulating them and kissing them both on the cheek. Before Killian waltzed off to celebrate, he pulled me into a tight hug.

“Love you, baby girl. I wouldn’t want anyone else standing by my side to witness my wedding.”

“Love you more.” I looked up at him. “Of course, if you’d asked anyone else I would have disowned you.”

“Pfft. You’d never.” He reached in his pocket. “I have something for you. A belated Christmas present.”

I took the small, black and gold marbled envelope. “Fancy. What is it?”

“Gee, maybe if you opened it.”

“Oh hush.” I lifted the flap and pulled out what looked like a business card. It, too, was black and gold marble. My eyes widened when I saw the scripted lettering. “The Guild.”

“It’s a trial pass to see if you’d like it there. Max and I secured it for you. You’re allowed to bring one guest. And since you have company for a couple days…” his voice trailed off.

“Nothing says I love you like friends giving friends special access to an exclusive sex club,” I teased.

“Oh my god, just bring him.” Killian yanked me into another tight hug. “Also, if you don’t leave here tonight engaged, I will riot.”

Laughing, I squeezed him. “Manage your expectations.”

He kissed my forehead, linked arms with his new husband, and disappeared in the crowd.

Five minutes until midnight.

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