Page 98 of Love Me Reckless

I try to breathe deeply, but my throat clamps shut and my face gets hot.

You have everything you need to change that, princess.

If that’s true, then why am I terrified?

“We love you too!” Sofie and Ava cheer.

A knock on the door is followed by Cassie calling out, “Five minutes!” makes us jolt apart.

Icy needles race down my spine. My queasy stomach churns.

I lift my hem so I can step into my satin shoes, but I’m shaking so hard that it takes all of my concentration.

“Kirilee?” Sofie asks, rushing over to steady me. Her concerned eyes fix on mine. “You’re not okay, are you?”

I suck in a sob, but my breaths are so fast I sound like I’ve run a marathon. “I don’t know.”

Ava cradles my shoulders, her compassionate gaze sweeping over me. “Tell us what you need, girl. Some fresh air? Water? To sit down for a minute?”

“I need…” I try to think of an answer. “To know I’m not negligible.”

Sofie and Ava exchange a worried glance.

“You’re the brightest light in this room,” Sofie says. “Hell, the brightest lightin this county.”

“Has someone tried to make you feel otherwise?” Ava asks.

Promise me you’ll keep shining that beautiful light of yours,Sawyer told me.

How can I do that?

“I need…” I look to each of my friends, drawing on their strength and courage. “…to get out of here.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

SAWYER

I check my watch again.I’m no wedding expert, but the guests are seated, Kirilee’s mom and grandma have been escorted to the front row, Birch is standing at the altar with his groomsmen. Where are Sofie and Ava?

Where the fuck is Kirilee?

I check the back of the hall, where Jeffers St. Claire stands with his arms behind his back waiting for his daughter, a stoic expression on his face.

Next to me, Zach frowns. “Something’s up,” he says in a low tone.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Shit, I forgot to silence it. Quickly, I slip it from my suit jacket pocket. But on the screen is a message from Kirilee.

This is Sofie. We need a little help.

My pulse taps into my temples.

Zach and I share a quick glance before I type out my reply.

Is Kirilee OK?

Can you pick her up at the service entrance in 5 minutes?

Zach whips out his phone and starts texting. “Go,” he says to me.

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