Page 46 of Dangerous Love

“See you soon,” April sang as they marched out the door.

As soon as they left, I dashed to the minibar fridge, my stomach on the hunt for the infamous iced chocolate. The plastic bottle felt cold to the touch, my belly expanding with relief when the sweet liquid hit the right spot. My shoulders relaxed, my whole body at the mercy of the drink filling me up with dopamine.

“Ahhh,” I murmured after the third gulp, my eyes shut to the rest of the world for a moment.

“Hey, baby girl.” Riley’s thumb glided over the top of my mouth, wiping milk as he gave me a tender smile.

I leapt to my feet, my lips curling as my arms snaked around his waist. Relief instantly flooded me when I took a whiff of his cologne. “I missed you.”

In a black tux, his shoulders stretching the white silk shirt displayed beneath the purple vest, he looked amazing. He’d styled his hair in spikes, his jaw covered in a short stubble that made me want to kiss every inch of him. He ran his fingers through the ends of my hair. “I miss you too.”

“Miss me?” I poked his ribs. “I’m right here, silly.” When I looked up, Riley’s face was lined with a sombre expression. I moved back and asked, “What’s wrong?”

A small smile replaced whatever was there before. “Nothing.” He hugged me tight. “Today’s the wedding, and we’re not gonna worry about anything else. Just relax together. Sound like a plan?”

“A perfect plan.” I squeezed him once more. “Is it time for us to go down?”

He sighed. “Yes.”

I forced the bittersweet emotion down my throat. “Is this where we pretend we’re just friends?”

He kissed my forehead. “Yes.”

I closed my eyes, ignoring the anger and frustration punching me in the stomach. “Is there anything I can say to make you reconsider whatever crazy story you’ve created in your mind?”

He clenched his jaw, his body tensing under my hold. “No.”

Tears welled in my eyes as I studied the coldness spreading through his features. “Why do I feel like I’ve already lost you?”

His gaze stared at an invisible point ahead until he spoke, his tone as cold as a winter’s morning. “We have to go, Sienna.”

I nodded and made my way out of the hotel room, until I stood by the lift. Riley followed, his strides determined. I stabbed the button a hundred times like it would make it move faster. Thirty seconds later, the doors opened. Riley motioned me in first, and I stepped into the elevator in silence as we travelled the five levels to the ground floor. As soon as we shuffled forward, a giant ‘Mr and Mrs Curtis’ wedding sign flashed. And we paused, our eyes taking in the decorations and romantic love hearts hanging all throughout the reception area.

“Wow,” I whispered.

“It’s incredible.” Riley lifted his gaze until he was staring at the fairy lights occupying the whole room. He grabbed my hand. “Come on. Let’s see what our families are up to.”

As soon as we were placed in our respective spots, Riley and me on opposite sides of the bridal procession, murmurs increased as we waited for the groom and bride to enter the hotel chapel. Soft piano music began to play, electrical tension spreading as excitement for Grace and Avery’s big day grew palpable in the air.

Next to me, April gripped my hand. “It’s happening,” she murmured as the door opened and a dazzling Avery stepped into the chapel.

Tears welled in my eyes as I watched my big brother advance towards us. His steps were measured as he followed the pace of the music, his fists clenching and unclenching until he stood in front of the marriage celebrant. Memories of our last decade together flashed in front of me, gratitude oozing through my pores. God, I loved this man. He’d saved me in more ways than one, and I couldn’t have been happier for him. Our eyes met. He winked at me, a protective edge lacing his pupils. I smiled back, emotions choking me.

Then, the music stopped, and the voice of an angel broke through the quiet space, every lyric slicing through my core until there was nothing left but raw intimacy for the people around me. I turned towards the crystalized vocals, my heart stopping when I registered Riley, his eyes closed while singing ana cappellarendition of “Endless Love,” the celestial sound resonating through the high ceilings. Like the world stopped on its axis, the double doors opened and a stunning Grace materialised on the other side.

In an amazing white corset dress that trained behind her, she moved slowly, one step at a time, her eyes glimmering as they landed on Avery. Like nothing stood in their way, like two magnets pulled together by existential forces, they smiled at each other as if their lives were forever intertwined.

I fought the tears spilling down my cheeks, a quiet sob quickening my breath as Avery’s eyes grew wet. His Adam’s apple moved up and down with every step his bride took towards him. When she was almost there, he extended his hand. Shaking, she gripped his fingers, and he closed his palm over hers and pulled her forward. He kissed her before they moved in front of the celebrant.

An invisible heat warming my side, I glanced across the intimate space, my breath hitching when I registered Riley’s gaze enveloping me. It was intense, a mix of burning desire and deep love. And yet, there was something more lacing his darkened pupils.Pain?I gave him a reassuring smile, my eyes falling back on my brother and his bride as they exchanged vows.

* * *

“Oh my god, I’m stuffed.” April chuckled as she pushed her plate away. “But it was delicious.”

I nodded as I took a sip of my lemonade. “That’s an understatement. I think I’ve put on five kilos.”

Next to us, a young couple dashed towards our table. A woman with deep-red hair waved at me as she pulled a chair by April. Her counterpart, a hot stud with bright-blue eyes, stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders. “Raven, have you met Sienna?” April asked, her fingertips grazing my wrist. “She’s Avery’s little sister.”

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