Page 61 of The Crush of Christmas Past
To my surprise, he obeys, submitting to the escort without a fight. Not that he has much of a choice—no one is reckless enough to take on a team of armed agents.
We watch his departure in stunned silence. As soon as he’s out of view, Sienna turns to face the crowd.
“I know we’re here for a wedding,” she begins, her words carrying through the hall. “Unfortunately, my fiancé had other plans. I’m grateful for your presence, so let’s pivot. I’d love for you to stay and enjoy what was supposed to be our reception. We’ll turn a failed ceremony into one of my family’s classic Christmas Eve parties. Dinner, dancing, holiday cheer. The best part?” A faint smile curves her lips. “You don’t have to sit through any boring vows.”
A wave of nervous laughter slices the tension.
“I’m sure you have many questions,” she continues, her composure never faltering. “I can’t share any details yet, but I can promise this: my family and I are safe. And so are you.” She gestures toward one of the exits. “Through those doors to the food and music!” Concluding her speech, she retreats from the spotlight and out of the room.
The atmosphere shifts. After a few beats, guests loosen their muscles and their lips, relaxing into their seats as conversations spark to life. Concern gives way to something lighter, warmer, and a lot more merry.
I glance up at Theo, and the rest of the world fades to static. My pulse hammers, every nerve tuned to his frequency, thrumming with a single question:Now what?
As if reading my mind, he rises and offers his hand. “Come on. Let’s catch up with Asher and check on Sienna.”
I press my fingers to his waiting palm. “Lead the way.”
My mind is ready. My body is already following.
All I have to do now is hold tight to my heart.
Twenty
Isla
Thebridalsuiteistucked away from the music and the clink of glasses in the grand hall.
As Theo and I approach, a tense conversation filters through the open door.
“You’re not myproblem?” Asher’s voice trembles with raw emotion. “Seriously?!”
Sienna’s response, though quieter, carries just as sharp an edge. “You don’t owe me anything.”
Theo’s knuckles hover near the doorframe. Before he can knock, Asher speaks again.
“Is that so?” He’s facing away from us, but the frustration rippling through his posture is evident. “I’ve already failed at protecting you once. Why—”
“You had no wayof protecting me—protectingus—from what happened!” Sienna’s words slice the air. Her arms are crossed, chin lifted in defiance, but grief shrouds her eyes. “And we promised we wouldn’t talk about it. You really think my wedding—”
“Fakewedding!” he interjects.
“No less fake than your girlfriend!” Sienna lets out a hard, shaky exhale. Her palm presses to her forehead. “What’s going on? Why are we fighting?”
“Because fighting is better than not talking at all,” Asher fires back. “If we stop, it’s all over. Again.”
Theo’s breath shifts against my hair as he leans closer. “We should go.”
I nod, relieved.
We’re about to retreat when Sienna’s gaze lifts, landing on us.
“Oh.” She blinks, then schools her expression. “Hey.” A small, controlled smile paints her lips. “How long have you two been standing there?”
I wince. “Uhh…”
“Long enough,” Theo volunteers.
“Glad to have an audience to make me feel like an even bigger idiot,” Asher mutters, rubbing the back of his neck.
