Page 99 of No Longer Safe

Fuck.

She looped her arm with mine and we both put on fake smiles for the photographer and videographer in front of us.

“I know the truth, Alexei,” I almost didn’t catch her whisper. It almost made me trip and falter. “I know it was your father.”

I didn’t say anything because what was there to say? It wasn’t like I could take it all back. It wasn’t as if I could say ‘Okay, now that you know, we can be together’.

“Did you hear me?”

It was a long walk to the altar and I hated it and loved it all at the same time. There were snowflakes collecting on her eyelashes and I wanted nothing more than to swipe them away. I wanted to pull her into my arms. It felt like my heart was shattering all over again.

“I know you loved me.”

I stopped walking and then somehow recovered and pulled her along beside me. “None of that matters.”

She kept her smile frozen on her face. “Yes, it does. We don’t have to listen to him. We can pave our own path.”

“We can never pave our own path. Get it out of your head. I’m marrying Vina.”

It was heartless of me. I could see it on her face, but I didn’t care. I had to protect her and this was the only way to do that.

Chapter Sixty-Four

Audrey

“I knowpronounce you husband and wife!”

Ace dipped Carina backwards and everyone jumped to their feet to cheer as he kissed his bride. I told myself as I swiped away a tear that I was crying for them and how emotional weddings made me, but in reality, I was crying for my heart for it had been ripped out once again. I was stupid for thinking I could change anything and I was stupid for trying to do it at my best friend’s wedding.

We looped arms again to follow the bride and groom back down the aisle and into the mansion, but this time neither one of us said anything. For the people and the cameras we smiled, but inside I was dying. I hoped he was too. As soon as we untangled our arms, Vina was coiled around him. My parents were quick on my heels and if they hadn’t been, I would have fled. Wedding reception be damned.

My dad took me into his arms and I breathed in his earthy scent. I’d missed him so much. I’d missed them both so much. When all of this was over, I was getting a one-way ticket back to wherever their home was. They’d recently settled in Oregon but didn’t know for how long. Knowing them they would get the itch, end up back in their camper, and find themselves in Maine next.That was just how it went with them. I loved it and hated it all at the same time.

Mom wrapped her arms around the both of us and I took a deep breath. I was definitely planning a trip. How I’d gone so long without a hug from the both of them was beyond me.

“How are you holding up, kiddo?” Mom was wearing a long-sleeve navy blue shimmering dress and my dad was actually in a tux. They cleaned up so well.

Dad waved Mom off. “She looks beautiful is what you should be saying.” My heart warmed at the compliment. Dad was the prize winner of compliment-giving growing up. We never doubted our worth under his roof. They were the best parents.

“Was that him?” Mom whispered and my heart sank all over again.

I nodded and kept my face passive.

Mom pulled me in for another hug. “We can’t wait to eat all the amazing food inside.” My mom giggled all the tension left my shoulders.

Dad nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes, and that cake! I bet it’s incredible too.”

They were such foodies. I loved them so much. I shoved both of them into the warmth of the house. “Mingle. Go congratulate the new couple. I’ll be along in just a second!”

They did a little happy dance that would have embarrassed me any other day and sashayed into the house— if you could even call it that.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and immediately texted Georgie.

I know you have the weekend off, but I would love to see you when I head home from the wedding. I need a pick-me-up meal since I had to coexist with Alexei today. I planned to come home and eat takeout but I could really use your company.

Georgie

I thought you would never ask. I’m bored at home. I’ll have the best meal of your life waiting for you.

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