Page 2 of Forbidden Desires

When we arrive at the elegant venue, my heart pounds in my chest. The sprawling three-story building is adorned with twinkling lights and blooming flowers, creating a picturesque scene straight out a fairy tale.

“I love you, Dex,” Pete reminds me, his voice steady, despite the underlying nerves. “More than anything. And that won’t change, no matter what happens tonight.”

I nod, taking a deep breath. “I love you too, babe.”

As we step inside the venue, the flurry of activity from hotel staff draws my attention. Servers carry trays laden with glasses of champagne, florists adjust centerpieces bursting with fresh blooms, and a coordinator waves a clipboard while issuing brisk orders. There’s a hum of urgency in the air—everyone racing to finalize the details before guests flood in.

“I’m supposed to help check on the set-up,” Pete murmurs, tugging at his tie again.

I grab his hand to stop him from undoing the damn thing. “It’s fine. You’re fine. Let’s focus.”

He nods, but I can see the tension tightening his shoulders again. As we weave through the crowd toward the ballroom to locate Ethan and Cole, or perhaps Ethan’s fathers, so we can find out what they need us to do, I have to make a concentrated effort to get my nerves to settle down.

We finally spot Ethan near the far side of the ballroom. He’s deep in conversation with one of the servers, his sharp suit and easy confidence making him stand out among the chaos. He spots us approaching and excuses himself, a polite smile replacing the more serious expression he’d been wearing.

“Pete, Dex. You both clean up well,” Ethan says, clapping Pete on the shoulder before turning to me with a nod of approval. “Thanks for coming early. I know this might look like the traditional wedding but Cole’s too much of a control freak to have left the last-minute details to the wedding planner, so we’ve been running around down here instead of being ensconced in our separate rooms ‘getting ready’.” He says the last two words with air quotes and both Pete and I chuckle at the visual.

Ethan joins us in our laughter but too soon, his smile falters. “Listen, I need to ask you something,” he begins, his tone softer. “Obviously, Suzie is here. I just need you to be careful, okay? I don’t want a repeat of the night at the club, and she really just needs a break, please?”

Pete interrupts, his voice calm but firm. “I’ve no plan to hurt her, Ethan. At most we’ll have a calm civilized discussion.”

Ethan looks unconvinced but doesn’t push further. Instead, he sighs and rubs the back of his neck. “Fine. Just don’t blindside her.”

Pete gives a small nod, but he doesn’t verbally agree, and I can tell Ethan notices. Apparently deciding not to press further, Ethan clears his throat and gestures to the far side of the room.

“Now, I need someone to check on the bar and make sure the liquor delivery is complete. They’re supposed to have an extra case of the good bubbly. Can you follow up with them?”

“On it,” Pete says immediately, seemingly grateful for the distraction. He squeezes my arm briefly before heading toward the back of the room.

Ethan turns his attention to me. “Dex, can you track down the wedding planner? There’s been some confusion about the menu, and I need to make sure it’s resolved before the reception starts.”

“Sure thing,” I say, forcing a casual smile, though my chest feels like it’s in a vice.

Pete’s calm demeanor was an act—I know him too well to miss the way his hand had tightened on my arm before he walked away. And now, I’m left here, trying not to let my nerves show in front of Suzie’s big brother.

The man in question thanks me and strides off toward the stage where Cole is gesturing animatedly at a florist. I glance at Pete, who’s weaving his way toward the bar with single-minded determination. I tell myself to focus on my task and head toward the planner, but as I step into the hallway leading to the kitchen, something catches my eye.

Pete is heading toward the other end of the room. His destination?

A woman.

Even from this distance, I can see her blonde hair shining under the soft glow of the chandelier. Her pink dress is the perfect complement to her skin tone. She’s breathtaking.

I don’t need to get any closer to know who it is.

Suzie.

I guess it’s time.

CHAPTER TWO

Suzie

Weddings are supposed to be magical. A celebration of love, new beginnings, and all that good stuff. And for my brother Ethan, this one really is. He's marrying one of his best friends—and honestly, they're perfect together. Watching him find someone who makes him laugh like that, someone who sees every part of him and still chooses him? It makes my heart burst with happiness.

But let's be clear: I'm here for my brother. That's it.

What I'mnothere for is Pete. The best man. My ex-boyfriend. The guy who broke my heart, shattered it into so many pieces I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to put it back together.

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