Page 143 of Where the Wicked Reign

He lifted a shoulder. “Apparently, the one set to marry us came down with a nasty bout of food poisoning last night. The entire church, actually. They were hosting some sort of feast and the food was contaminated.”

“Nasty.”

“Yeah. The guy who married us was a stand-in.”

I nodded, my focus slipping as I looked out at the courtyard full of so many vehicles that were in view from our current position. The urge to sneak out with Nico and the boys through the dark of night and get the hell out of here was incredibly strong.

Fortunately, Nico pulled me back to the moment, asking me, “Do you like anything about this day? Carnations everywhere… I know you hate those for sure. The same with them serving wine.”

“The food too. My father knows I can’t stand seafood. Also, come on, seafood at a wedding? Really?”

“Wow, he had it all covered, didn’t he? To make you as uncomfortable as possible.”

“I do likethis,” I said, gesturing at his sleek gray tux that his muscular body filled out extremely well. “And seeing Milo and Julian sneaking me sweet, reassuring glances here and there.” I stepped up to him as he was in between drags and whispered in his ear, “And thinking about what awaits me when we get back to your place tonight.”

Nico whispered back in hot words, “Do you want it dirty?”

“Mmm, always. Fucking filthy.”

“Fuck,” he groaned. “You’re pushing me to bend you over, shove that dress up and eat your sweet little ass right here and now on this patio.”

A thrill ran through me at his words. I loved the erotic threat in them.

I’d actually come to love a great deal about him.

About all three of them.

My boys.

I guess that’s exactly what they were now—myboys.

“Where did you go?” Nico asked, brushing his fingers over my cheek and startling me back to the immediate moment.

“Just thinking about the four of us.”

“How so?” he asked, looking more than a little intrigued.

“I just—”

The squealing of tires coming from the courtyard had my words catching in my throat and both Nico and I swinging our heads in that direction.

At first I thought it was the Lone Gunners getting their attack underway, coming earlier than expected.

But as we watched a unmarked black van easily waved through by the two security guards at the gates, opening for it a mere moment later, that hope was dashed.

Still more of this nightmare reception to get through yet.

The van came to a rough stop, and two men hopped out.

“A couple of my father’s guards,” I uttered.

A moment later, they threw open the back door, and then they were dragging out somebody. As soon as I peered closer and realized who, my blood ran cold.

“Oh my God.”

“Bianca Leone,” Nico choked. “What the fuck is she doing here?”

“They must have come for her.”

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