Page 113 of Declan

Cheers erupt around us, loud and wild. Connor raises her bouquet in celebration, and Kian lets out a sharp whistle. I pull Viviana into my arms, tilting her back as my lips crash onto hers. For a moment, the rest of the world disappears. My kiss is possessive and controlling, yet overflowing with the love I feel for her.

We head to the tent in the middle of the garden. It’s beautiful—white, with candles everywhere, black-and-white linens, various tables laden with food, and two bars stocked with Guinness and whiskey. I laugh, shaking my head.

“Two bars?” I raise an eyebrow, locking eyes with her.

She shrugs. “I heard the Irish Consortium men drink like hell,” she says, amusement dancing in her voice, making me smile.

“It’s not just the men, firecrackers,” I joke.

She looks different tonight—truly happy. There’s a light in her eyes, and her smile is plastered on her face the entire time, like a masterpiece frozen in time.

She runs off to Selma; the two of them have been spending a lot of time together, and it’s been good for her.

Viviana works as a freelance web designer now, and she’s brilliant at it. She mostly works from home but spends a couple of days a month at the penthouse for meetings.

Connor usually goes with her. I try to give her space, but she knows there’s only so much I can allow without compromising her security. Connor and two of our best men are always with her when she’s in town.

At the estate, though, she’s free to roam as she pleases. She loves the lake, so I built her a natural swimming pool on the property where she’s safe.

Alek is dead and buried, but his cousin is still out there. It’s been a year, but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. Last time, the Dark Wars went quiet for years before the attacks started again. I’m not taking any chances, especially after our conversation last week about having kids. We’ll wait another year or two. That gives me time to make some changes to the estate… make it baby-proof.

“Beautiful wedding, mate,” Flynn’s voice cuts through my thoughts as I lean against the bar with a whiskey in hand.

“Thanks, brother.” I raise my glass in acknowledgment.

Flynn stands next to me, unusually quiet. And if there’s one thing Flynn isn’t, it’s quiet. So, I followed his gaze to a girl. A nerdy-looking girl with glasses, dressed in a black-and-white suit, sitting at a computer. I grin.

“Didn’t think you were the nerdy type,” I say, taking another sip.

Flynn’s lips twitch at the corners.

“I’m not,” he mutters, taking a swig of his Guinness. “Just looking.”

“Right.” I snort. “You’ll break her in two, mate.”

He throws me his signature grin. “And that’s always fun.” His eyes snap back to her. “Who is she?”

Before I can answer, Viviana slips next to me, her arm curling around mine. “Autumn,” she says, amusement dancing in her voice.

Flynn snaps his head to her. “Wait… Autumn?” He snorts. “Who the fuck names their kid Autumn?”

“Hey!” Viviana smacks his arm. “I love that name!”

Flynn raises his hands in defeat. “Fine, fine.” He turns back to the girl.

“I met her when I needed photos for a company. They wanted them for their website. She’s an incredible photographer,” Viviana continues, her fiery eyes locked on Flynn.

“Photographer, huh?” Flynn repeats, and I see that look in his eyes.

“For fuck’s sake, Flynn,” I groan, throwing my hands up. “A girl like her with a primal arsehole like you?”

Shit.

I freeze, feeling Flynn flinch beside me as Viviana’s eyes open wide like a lighthouse. Her mouth drops open in a perfect “oh.”

“Primal?” she says in shock.

I turn to the bar, letting Flynn deal with this mess. He hits me in the arm.

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