Page 36 of Savage

I gave myself one last look in the mirror, then grabbed my purse and said, “Let’s go find your grandmother and see what’s taking her so long.”

Dalton and I made our way into the living room, and it wasn’t long before Cici came knocking at the door. After we got them situated, we said our goodbyes to them both and headed to the wedding. As expected, the church parking lot was slammed, and it took my father some time and effort to get us parked. Eventually, we made our way inside and found a seat in the back.

The decorations were breathtaking--white and gold flowers adorning the pews, an elegant chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and a red carpet leading up to the altar. Soft music played as we waited for the ceremony to begin.

It wasn't long before the music began, and Skylar started down the aisle, her dress flowing behind her. I was watching her make her way towards Lucas when I spotted Malcomb. He was sitting on the groom’s side with Cotton and Cass, and to my surprise, there wasn’t a woman sitting with him. He was alone, and he couldn’t have looked more handsome.

He was wearing a suit, which was something I hadn’t seen him wear since Prom, and the same held true for his father. They rarely ever went anywhere without their Fury jackets and motorcycles, but I must say they both cleaned up nicely. I didn’t want to stare, but I couldn’t help myself. It seemed like a lifetime since we’d been in the same room together.

After several long moments, I managed to tear my eyes away from him and back over to the actual ceremony. Skylar’s eyes were full of love and hope as she said her vows, and Lucas seemed humbled by the fact that she was about to be his. It was beautiful, and it wasn’t long before my emotions started to get the best of me. So much so my mother leaned over to me and whispered, “Are you okay?”

“Um-hmm,” I mumbled.

“Your day will come, sweetie. You’ll see.”

“I know.”

She didn’t get it. I knew I would never have what Skylar had. That chance had come and gone, but I didn’t bother arguing. I knew she would start doing that thing where she tried to make me feel better, so I kept my thoughts to myself and simply nodded.

When the ceremony was over, the preacher announced the couple as husband and wife and invited us all to join them in the reception hall. I felt a mix of apprehension and excitement as I followed my parents out of the church and across the street to the reception hall. We were about to go in when I heard Kinley call out, “Hey, Londyn. Wait up!”

Mom and Dad continued inside while I walked over to Kinley and Mark and said, “Hey, guys! I was wondering if you were going to make it.”

“We almost didn’t.” Kinley’s eyes skirted over to Mark as she said, “The twins were in rare form today. I think they’re both teething.”

“Oh, that’s no fun.”

“No, it isn’t.” Kinley looked around at all the people going into the hall as she said, “She had quite a turnout.”

“Yes, she did. I had no idea this many people were coming.” I knew Malcomb was close. I could feel him, so I suggested, “We should probably get inside and find a spot.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Kinley leaned towards me as she whispered, “We need to find a table close to the back so we can slip out early.”

“Only if I can slip out with you.”

“Absolutely.”

I followed them both inside, and just as we suspected, the place was already packed. Mark led us to an empty table in the back, and we all sat down.

As we settled in, I looked around the room. It was simply decorated with little white lights hanging from the ceiling and bouquets of flowers on every table. There was a small dance floor and an open bar that already had a long line. The guests were mingling, laughing, and seemed to be having a great time.

I, on the other hand, felt out of sorts. I was anxious and hot, and my heels were pinching my toes. A waiter came over with a tray of wine glasses. I grabbed one and quickly drank it, then immediately swiped another.

Hoping it would help ease the knot in my stomach, I drank it, too. Kinley giggled as she asked, “You okay over there?”

“Better now.”

“I guess it’s kind of hard being here with him.” She leaned in a little closer. “Especially when he’s constantly staring at you.”

“Who?”

“Malcomb.” She nodded her head to the left as she whispered, “He’s been over there staring at you since we sat down.”

Like a reflex, I turned, and my heart leapt to my throat when my eyes met Malcomb’s. He was standing in the corner with his father, and just like Kinley said, he was staring right at me.

Despite everything that had happened between us, I couldn't deny that I was still attracted to him—very much so, and I silently cursed myself for it. The man had ripped my heart right out of my chest and stomped on it multiple times. I would be a fool to let him do it again. Kinley sounded amused as she snickered, "See. He can’t take his eyes off of you.”

“He can look all he wants.” I tried to avoid his gaze, quickly turning and looking back at Kinley. I took another sip of my drink, then added, “It’s not going to change anything.”

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