Page 114 of The Marine

“Easy,” Marshall says, and I glance over his way.

I hate that I had to be called out, but he was right to do it. I didn’t realize, but I’m standing with my legs parted, looking ready to rush the asshole.

I adjust my stance and rub the back of my neck. But I don’t look away as he places a hand on the small of her back and leads her toward the guests.

“Take over, Adams.” I tell Marshall, using his surname, knowing I have to fulfill my wedding duties now.

“All well,” he says, and I stride down the side of the seating area and move to stand next to Josh and Ryder.

“He here?” Josh asks, straightening his cuffs.

“Yup,”

He glances at me.

“Hands all fucking over her.” I grind.

“Do not fuck this up for me.” Ryder warns. “One more hour.”

“It’s fine.”

“It better be.” He shoots me a death glance.

I get it.

But he knows how this works. If anyone is in danger, we will move into action. His job is to protect his wife—soon-to-be wife—and I respect that.

Mine is to protect Briar.

The music starts and I spot her darting away. Kael reaches out and grabs her arm. She falters and spins her head around, fear lining her face.

Goddamn asshole.

I hope he does something really stupid so I can kill him.

“Stop. You can’t kill her fatherandher husband,” Josh mutters.

I mean...I can.

“Fake husband. And I didn’t kill her goddamn father.” I grunt, hiding my words under a cough.

“I’ll kill you both if you do not shut it.” Ryder shuffles on his feet.

I smile.

He’s right. We need to focus on making this a special moment for him and not about Briar’s soon-to-be non-husband.

I glance ahead and silently curse. The woman I love is walking toward me, holding a bouquet. I thought I wanted to marry her before, but the sudden overwhelming image of her in a big white dress coming to sayI dohits me like a ton of bricks.

And reminds me that she never will.

Briar takes her time meeting my gaze while I can’t rip mine away from hers. The emotions sparking between us almost take my breath away.

Then she narrows her eyes.

A warning.

A reminder.

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