Page 66 of Protection for Nichole

She shook her head. “No. We’re getting married today. I’m not letting some fucking dick stop this. You’re mine, and I’m yours.”

Jesse sat back, meeting her gaze. “I don’t know who could do the ceremony.”

“Peach does them,” Griz said from the front of his car. “I’ll call him.”

Nichole sat back and listened as Griz explained the situation to Peach. He said he would be over at Sharp’s house in thirty minutes. Griz called Shine and told him to tell everyone the wedding was going to take place.

She leaned her head against Jesse’s shoulder and sighed. When she’d come out here, she had only expected to find a guy who might turn into a sometimes lover. Instead, she had found a family. The men on his team were solid, and Danika quickly became a true friend.

“Thank you,” her whispered words made Jesse lean in closer.

“I would do anything to save you.”

She met his gaze. “Your friends are amazing.”

“They’re your friends now, too.”

She choked out a laugh. “Even Apple.”

His smile warmed her. “Yes. Even Apple.”

Meeting Jesse years ago had changed her life, and she hadn’t even known it. Back then, she never thought Zabel’s son would come after her. If he’d found her at any other time in her life, no one would have come after her. She would be just one more missing woman.

Jesse hadn’t just saved her with his love. He’d saved her from a fate worse than death. She loved him and respected him. He made her life so much better and gave her so much happiness.

When Griz stopped the car, the door was pulled open, and she saw Danika standing there, tears streaming down her face. She hopped out and Danika pulled her into a tight hug.

“I thought I would never see you again. I’m so glad you’re safe.”

Her tears were back, and she squeezed Danika tighter. “These guys are amazing. I’m safe because of them.”

Danika’s laughter was broken up with a sob. “They are amazing.”

Sharp came over and pulled Danika away from her. “Hey, let’s go in. We have a wedding to get to.”

Danika took her hand and pulled her close again. “Let’s go fix your makeup.”

She followed Danika inside, glancing back to make sure Jesse was right with her. The wedding would give her great memories for this day instead of it being something terrible.

Danika helped her wash her face and found her a beautiful blue dress from her closet. “Well, you have something borrowed and something blue, too.”

Nichole laughed. “I’ve never paid attention to that stuff.”

Her friend shrugged. “You know, it doesn’t really matter. It’s all superstition. What matters most is love.”

“I do love him.”

Danika stepped back. “You look beautiful. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Let me go make sure the guys are good.”

She nodded as Danika left the room. She closed her eyes, her emotions rising high. She had to force away the memory of Devon and that other jerk touching her. It would stick with her for a long time, but thankfully, Jesse had saved her before thetruly terrible stuff happened. The door opened, and she pasted on a smile, forcing away the horror playing in her mind.

“They are ready.”

“Perfect. I am, too.”

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