Page 88 of Lords of Ruin: Savage

“You call them back and tell them they need to wait for round two.” Vincent presses his lips on mine fleetingly. “And three.”

33

WILLOW

The wedding dressgleams under the vanity lights, an intricate design of flowers embedded at the waist of this perfect satin masterpiece. It’s beautiful, expensive, flawless—just like this wedding is supposed to be. Just likeIam supposed to be.

Vincent took care of everything. We are getting married in an exclusive indoor Japanese garden.

It’s a dreamscape—an ethereal blend of nature and luxury, where the air is thick with the soft scent of cherry blossoms. Delicate petals float in the koi pond that winds its way through the room, lanterns casting a warm golden glow over the stone pathways. A towering sakura tree stands at the center, its branches stretching toward the ceiling, dusted in pink like something out of a fairytale.

Everything feels like a fairytale except for me. I feel out of place and unsteady, like I don’t belong here.

“Absolutely not, Rudy. I’m walking her down the aisle,” Jasmine’s sharp voice cuts through my thoughts.

I blink, looking up at her and Rudy, who are now facing off like two boxers in the ring.

Rudy scoffs, folding his arms over his chest. “Uh, no. I’m her bestguyfriend. It’s only fair.”

“She doesn’t need a ‘best guy friend.’ She needs the OG, the ride-or-die,me,” Jasmine shoots back, her blue eyes flashing.

“Oh, so suddenly I don’t count?”

Their bickering should be comforting. Normal. But today, it barely registers. My heart is hammering too hard in my chest, my body too hot under layers of silk..

This should be the happiest day of my life. Everyone says so. Everyoneexpectsit to be. But the more I sit here, staring at my own reflection, the more I realize that what I’m feeling isn’t excitement. It isn’t even nerves.

It’s fear.

Because I’m marrying one man when my heart belongs to three.

I exhale shakily, my fingers tightening around the armrest. It’s Cast’s face that floods my mind first, the way his green eyes darken when he looks at me, the way his voice drops when he whispers in Spanish, turning my name into something sinful. The way heownsevery room he steps into like he was born to rule it.

Then Damien—cold, distant, unreadable. Except with me. With me, he unravels, his hands rough and possessive, his touch a brand hotter than any ring ever could be. Hehatesneeding me. Hates that I’ve wedged myself into the cracks of his armor. But I have, and now neither of us can change it.

I want them.I need them.

And I’m about to walk down the aisle to someone else.

I can’t breathe.

Panic rises, sharp and sudden, clawing at my throat. My vision swims, my pulse pounding so loud it drowns out Jasmine and Rudy’s argument. I push out of my chair, mumbling something about needing air.

Neither of them notices as I slip out the door, my dress rustling against the marble floors.

I don’t know where I’m going. I just know I need togo.

My feet move on instinct, leading me down the hall, past guests that are visiting the gardens, past the life I’m supposed to be stepping into. I don’t stop until I find the janitor’s closet. It’s dark, cramped, the air thick with the scent of cleaning supplies, but it’sprivate. It’s safe.

My hands tremble as I dig my phone out of the silk pouch hanging from my wrist. Cast’s name stares back at me.

I shouldn’t call.

I should turn around, walk back to my dressing room, and play the part of the perfect bride.

Instead, I press dial.

The phone rings once.

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