My stomach knotted painfully.

The contents of my gut threatened to revolt.

What was she doing here?

I knew every single one of the bridesmaids. Everyone except her.

Her brilliant red hair caught my attention first, and I recognized her as the woman from the party who kissed Hawk. Daring a sideward glance, I noticed a slight frown on Hawk’s face. He’d seen her too but quickly turned indifferent to her being there. I didn’t even realize she was acquainted with the bride and groom.

Having no time to dwell on the details, my thoughts were interrupted when Rebekah walked down the aisle in a dress I knew she’d wanted for years. She was one of those women who already had their entire wedding planned out long before she’s even met her Mr. Right. She glided past without a sideward smile to anyone, eyes only for Roman. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a pang of jealousy. Not because I wanted to be the one walking down the aisle to Roman, but because my two best friends had found love with each other and kicked me to the curb in the process.

Why in God’s name did I come to this?

Was it to prove I was no longer jaded?

Was it to show Roman and Rebekah I’d moved on?

Or had I been so caught up in our off-chance meeting that I had something to prove to myself?

That I wasn’t a loser?

The question remained, however. Why did Roman want me here?

I doubt Rebekah was too keen in my attendance.

Hawk’s thumb continued drawing small circles on my lower back. It was like he could read my thoughts, so his touch was soothing. My mind started to wander. In a chapel, as a ceremony was about to take place, one man’s touch was taking me down a trail of wicked, dirty thoughts. I wanted his large, strong hands on me, in places I longed to be touched by them. I wanted to feel his strength. His possession.

Rebekah reached Roman, and everyone took a seat. Hawk moved his hand so it clasped mine and I marveled at how natural it felt. And then I wondered how other women at the front of his advances had felt when he touched them. All the women Hawk met fell hard and fast for him. I could see myself not being the exception.

Hawk Carnage had been my college crush. And since then, I’d always been enamored when in his presence. He was the one I’d always wanted but was forbidden.

But when did Hawk start having a ‘thing’ for me?

I was a late bloomer. Awkward and shy. But once I entered the workforce, I’d blossomed in many ways. I’d filled out. My curves fell in all the right places and my body slenderized in other areas. I had noticed Hawk’s wandering eye back then, but anything more than a wandering eye had been strictly off-limits.

“Ladies and gentlemen...” the minister’s voice interrupted my thoughts, “... if anyone has cause or reason that these two people should not be joined in matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

The chapel was quiet, all those present ready to see the happy couple wed. At the front, holding tightly onto Roman’s hands, Rebekah turned her face slightly, her worried eyes meeting mine.

So she had seen me.

She expected me to cause a scene.

She expected me to fight for Roman.

She expected me to give a shit.

I didn’t.

I didn’t move. I didn’t breathe.

When she convinced herself I wasn’t going to sabotage her wedding, she turned back to her soon-to-be husband and exhaled heavily.

So, she had a brief moment of fear about losing the one she loved. Of being humiliated.

And I felt a perverse sense of satisfaction.

Hawk squeezed my hand and placed it high on his thigh as the I-dos took place.

Ignoring the minister, I turned to Hawk. While his eyes were focused ahead, he was smirking.

“Yes?” he asked.

“You confuse me, you know that?”

Hawk focused his gaze on me, the five-day growth on his face making him irresistible. “As long as it’s in a good way, I’ll take it.” He turned back to watch the wedding.

I shook my head, stifling a laugh. “You’re so cocky.”

“Your cocky fiancé, to be precise.”

“Fake cocky fiancé,” I corrected.

This time, Hawk turned his intensity toward me, leaning down so our lips sat only an inch apart.

“Should we make it official?”

His words stunned me into silence. All I could do was blink. Hawk followed his proposition with his sexy as fuck wink and a quick peck on my lips.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister announced jubilantly.

The congregation clapped for the newlyweds as Roman lifted his wife’s veil and kissed her deeply. A few wolf whistles followed from some of Roman’s college friends, but all I could do was stare, too caught up in Hawk’s loose words.

Perhaps he was only joking.

Perhaps he said those things to lighten the mood, to take my mind off everything.

Everyone stood, and the happy cheating couple worked their way down the aisle, stopping to kiss and hug those closest to them. I prayed they didn’t stop at the last row where everyone in the chapel would turn and stare, watching the interaction. Fortunately, after they made it about halfway down the aisle, they hot-footed it the rest of the way, bypassing without so much as a glance.

Hawk had been holding my hand the whole time, and as the flower girls threw pale pink petals over the couple, all I could think about was the man next to me.

“Shall we, fiancée,” he teased me as we fell into step behind the last few guests making their way out into the bright sunshine.

As I took to the last step, Roman’s father spotted me and offered a wave and a smile over the heads of the other guests. I waved back, genuinely always having liked the man. Janice noticed with a double take, and placed her hand on his forearm and led him in the opposite direction. She still was a damn dragon. Seemed not much had changed.

She suddenly became the least of my worries.

“Hawk...” I started, gripping his arm. “People are staring.”

Looking around, I noticed it wasn’t me they were focused on. It was Hawk. The women seemed to maul him with their eyes. The men looked on with envy. Turning to gaze at him, I could see why. Dressed in all black with his tie the only splash of color, he looked like he just stepped out of a photoshoot. His chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and brooding eyes all could make the most stoic of people wet between the legs. That included Ms. Redhead, who while holding Rebekah’s bouquet, was all eyes for Hawk. Something about her expression unnerved me.

How was she suddenly appearing everywhere we went?

“Let them stare,” he said, breaking my thoughts. Proudly taking my hand, he led me out of the church and across the lawn to the reception and to our assigned seats, where I soon forgot about the mystery woman. I had to admit, they’d chosen well. Eight round tables coated in fine linen and adorned with glistening cutlery and sparkling wine glasses, sat perched on the lush green lawn overlooking the vineyard. It was a glorious day with the sun burning bright, but nothing compared to the burning intensity of Hawk’s stare.

I met his gaze, and I felt the overwhelming urge to straddle and taste him once more.

Perhaps there was at least one good thing that came out of attending the cheaters’ wedding.

“Please welcome to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Hopheart,” the MC announced as everyone finished their meals. A gentle applause sounded as Roman and Rebekah walked hand in hand to the center dance floor.

“They’re such a beautiful couple, aren’t they?” Bethal, the eighty-year-old woman next to me asked. She was sweet, just like my grandmother.

“Yes,” I nodded, maintaining my manners.

She shuffled a bit closer, excited for conversation. “How do you know the lovely couple, dear?”

“Oh... well...” I started, failing to create a lie. I sucked at lying. “Roman’s my ex-fiancé, and Rebekah was my best friend.”

“Oh,” she said, her brain working the words like a riddle. Bethal’s beaming smile started to fade, her eyes flicking between the two dancing. “I’m sorry, dear.”

“It’s fine. It wasn’t meant to be.”

As if having an epiphany, Bethal cheered up. “That’s right, dear. I’m on my fourth.” She nodded to the elderly gentleman next to her who hadn’t heard a word.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Hawk said, leaning across so Bethal could hear. “Do you mind if I steal my beautiful fiancée for a dance.”

This time, Bethal’s eyes lit up like a disco ball, and she even managed a blush before turning to me. “Ohh... you are a lucky girl. If you don’t want him, I could do with husband number five.”

Both Hawk and I laughed as he took my hand. Other couples were starting to make their way to the floor but when we arrived, it was just Roman and Rebekah and me and Hawk. Roman turned, catching my eye before his gaze fell to my dance partner. He looked Hawk up and down, and I would have given anything to know his thoughts. Hawk pulled me against his body, one hand holding mine, the other around my waist. I was immediately lost in his world, his cologne intoxicating me. Being pressed against his hard body in such an intimate setting had me almost delirious. He moved with such elegance, yet he dominated the space.

“You’re a good dancer,” I said, loving the feel of his stubbly cheek against mine.

“I’m good at a lot of things, Britta.”

There was an instant pang between my legs, and I wanted to know about all these other things. In detail.

“Excuse me,” a feminine voice interrupted my naughty thoughts.

Reluctantly, I pulled my face away from Hawk to see Ms. Redhead, looking perfect in her elegant bridesmaid’s gown and flawless makeup. Her round eyes were only for Hawk.

“Mind if I cut in?” she continued.

Hawk pulled me in tighter, a frown marring his face. “Yes, I do,” was all he said to the surprised woman before turning us away. I managed to catch a glimpse of her jutted jaw, her eyes moving side to side to those who may have witnessed the rejection. Turning on her heel, her long loose hair flowed behind her as the redhead stormed off into the crowd.

“What... who is she?” I finally managed.

Hawk’s eyes diverted to mine and narrowed in on something behind me. “If you want to run, you better do it fast.”

“Huh?”

“Britta...” I heard my name from that familiar voice. Hawk stopped dancing and together we faced the wedded couple, him behind me, hands resting protectively on my hips.

“Hi,” I barely managed, feeling the awkwardness. I looked between them, to their locked hands and to the smiles on their faces.

Rebekah observed Hawk and me exactly the same. Roman, however, studied Hawk and barely looked at me.

Rebekah’s smile appeared genuine, and the fondness I had toward her growing up started to return. Until I remembered her betrayal.

The smiling assassin was an apt description.

“I didn’t think you would come,” she started in a cheery voice. “I mean, Roman told me you were, but I had doubts as to whether you would.”

“Were you hoping I wouldn’t?” I asked her, not that I expected her to be honest.

She shook her head.

“No, that’s absolutely not the case.” Her face softened. “I would have had you up front with me. I mean, that was our plan growing up.”

The fact she said that startled me, but I didn’t let it show.

Why on God’s earth would I want to be a part of the bridal party after she rolled in the hay with my fiancé?

Had she been smoking some wacky-weed prior to getting married?

Realizing her error, she quickly changed tack. “But I see you’re engaged.”

“Yes.” I managed a smile to look half-convincing.

“Well...” she practically squealed, “... show me.” Rebekah reached for my hand and studied the ring. “Oh, Britta! It’s gorgeous.” Then she turned to Hawk. “You did well picking this out. This is exactly Britta’s style.”

“It’s actually Hawk’s grandmother’s ring,” I said, and he squeezed my hips affectionately.

“Well, good taste all around.”

“Congratulations, man,” Roman spoke up for the first time. He reached out and shook Hawk’s hand. “When Britta told me, I didn’t think it was true.” He laughed, and I wanted to kick him in the shins until I remembered it’s not actually true.

“Why wouldn’t you think it true?” Hawk asked, playing dumb for the sake of the charade.

“Well...” he started, a little stunned by the question. “Well, for one, I never thought Britta’s brothers would allow it. And two, I never noticed you expressing any interest in each other.”

Rebekah stayed quiet, unsure of the vibe passing between Hawk and her new husband.

“Oh...” Hawk began, annoyance in his tone. “The brothers don’t get a say into our relationship. And since you asked about the level of interest, I may fuck her hard on my office desk every day, but I don’t make it public, so how would you know?”

Rebekah erupted in laughter, but her eyes were wide in shock. She quickly went quiet when Roman shot her a dirty look.

And me? I would usually be mortified by such a comment. However, after seeing the pained envious look on Roman’s face, I could have high-fived Hawk for his creativity.

“Hard to top that.” Roman does his best to remain indifferent. That didn’t stop his eyes from wondering the length of my body. He did little to hide the fact, and I saw Rebekah’s face flash with annoyance. Hawk responded by pulling me closer against him. So close, in fact, I could feel his cock press between my ass cheeks. My knees weakened with lust, but Hawk held strong.

Rebekah slid her arm under Roman’s, but he took her hand to move her away.

“If you all excuse me, I need to check on Grandma Jane. Mom and Dad have had a few too many wines, and I’m sure they’ve forgotten about her.”

Before anyone could respond, Roman exited the dance floor leaving an awkward and stunned Rebekah.

“Job done, babe,” Hawk whispered in my ear, and I hid my smile.

“Congratulations, Bec,” I said quietly. “I hope you’re both happy with each other.”

She watched me before responding, assessing whether my comment was double-edged. Only a guilty person would think that.

“Thank you,” she finally managed.

“Are you ready, baby?” Hawk’s eyes sparkled.

“Absolutely.” We turned to leave, but Rebekah gently touched my arm. Hawk took a few steps away to give us some privacy.

“Brit,” she started. “Do you think we could meet up sometime? You know, just to talk... like old times?”

I bit my lip, uncomfortable with the idea. “I’m happy you’ve found happiness, Bec. But I don’t think meeting up like old times would be that great of an idea. Sorry.”

She nodded, empathetically. “That’s fine, I understand. It was worth a shot. I’m happy for you, though.” She looked behind me. “I remember during the summers how we used to follow the boys around and pretend to read our magazine, but really be perving over the pages.”

Behind me, Hawk laughed. “About as subtle as sledgehammers you two were then?”

Bec and I both giggled at the memory and our apparent failures. “I’ll email, and we’ll take it from there,” I offered as a way of extending an olive branch.

She smiled warmly. “That would be great.”

We said our farewells, and as I was collecting my purse from the table, I turned to Hawk. “Can you give me a second, I just need to find the ladies’ room.”

Hawk pulled me in close, his rumbling voice sending shivers coursing over my skin. “Don’t be too long, our night isn’t over yet.”

I swallowed while stepping back, wishing we could be anywhere but where we were at that very moment. Biting my bottom lip, I smiled at the smirking Hawk and turned on my heel to head into the main building, the night’s anticipation killing me.

After five minutes of searching, I finally found the bathroom and the twenty-strong lineup.

“Shit!” I said, taking a step back, wondering if I could hold it until I got home. If only I’d not finished that last champagne, I would have increased my odds.

A tap on the shoulder was followed by a quiet but friendly voice belonging to a waitress who’d been serving our table throughout the night. “There’s a second toilet in the winery shed straight out there,” she said, pointing in the direction to follow.

“You’re a gem,” I said, smiling warmly. “And my bladder thanks you.”

Making my way out of the house, I walked across the white pebbled drive and into the shed loaded with wine barrels and machinery. The scent was beautiful, sweet red grapes and mahogany wood. Walking down the dimly lit aisle of barrels, I saw the door leading to the toilet. Noises further down, however, stilled me in my tracks. I waited and listened to hear it again. Moments later, I heard what sounded like grunts. Looking behind me, I seemed to be the only one in the shed, but someone was definitely there. The grunts were quickly followed by a moan, and now I was intrigued. Taking tentative steps forward, using the barrels for balance, I walked on my toes to avoid the clicking of heels. The noises became louder the closer I got. Any closer and I would expose myself, so I stopped and peered around the second layer of barrels.

“What the actual fuck...?” I breathed when I found the fornicating couple. “That rotten fucking bastard!”

I watched, almost dumbfounded, surprised but not surprised as Roman pounded the mystery redheaded woman from behind. He had her bent over a barrel, her silk dress hoisted high on her waist, his small skinny fingers clutching her hips with each thrust. Just like his usual style, he moved with lack of rhythm and ejaculated far too quickly.

It seemed a leopard never changed its spots. Roman was a serial cheater, even having the audacity to cheat with a bridesmaid at his wedding. He stepped away from his mistress, allowing her to straighten her dress and smooth her hair.

I felt sick.

Sick because it brought back a wave of confronting memories, and sick because he was doing the same thing to Rebekah, who was under the assumption she’d just married the man of her dreams. They hadn’t even had the chance to consummate their marriage before he stuck his dick in another hole. The sick fuck.

And besides all that... why was he even cheating? He was remarkably confident for a man who wasn’t well-endowed or long-lasting.

I had to get out of there.

With a pounding heart, I considered pegging a bottle of Merlot at the asshole. But my conscience got the better of me. Carefully retreating, I heard their hushed voices as they prepared their staggered exit back to the unassuming guests. With moments to spare before they rounded the corner and accused me of voyeurism, I sprinted as best I could in three-inch heels, no longer caring if I made any noise.

I had to get back to Hawk, and as far away from these people as possible.

“Want some cake to take—”

“Let’s go!” I ordered, taking Hawk’s hand sans the cake.

“Whoa,” he laughed, bemused by the urgency. He spun me around to face him, and in my peripheral I saw Roman walking down the small slope toward the table. My eyes followed him as he met Rebekah and pecked her on the cheek like he didn’t just have Ms. Redhead bent over a barrel.

“Um...” I started, distracted. “I’m just really keen to go.” I looked at his handsome face, and suddenly things were put more into perspective. Roman may still be the same twat as before, but I didn’t want that to ruin any possibilities of a great night with Hawk.

“Whatever the lady says,” he agreed, resting a hand on my ass cheek as he led me out. With his other hand, he called the driver and as the music faded the further away we got, the anticipation of the night ahead quickly dissolved any shock from earlier.

Back in the limo, I felt my shoulders relax. Back in Hawk’s space, everything felt more balanced.

“I thought you went to the bathroom?” he asked, staring at my bouncing knee. At the mention of the bathroom, my bladder panged painfully.

“That was the intention.”

Hawk raised a curious brow. “But...”

“I kind of walked into something I shouldn’t have.”

He curved his ankle over his knee. “Okay... I’m hooked. Spill.” 

Exhaling heavily, I spilled the beans. “On my way to the toilet, I saw Roman fucking another woman in the wine shed.”

“Bullshit!”

“Not bullshitting.”

Hawk laughed. Not with humor, but disbelief. “On his wedding night? I’m sorry, babe, but him cheating on you was the best thing that could ever have happened. At least you discovered the truth before you got hitched.”

I nodded my head. I guess I was lucky in that respect. Had I have found out after the deed was done, I would have cut off his balls. “I couldn’t agree more.”

“Did you see who the woman was?”

“Yes.”

This time he raised both brows. “Well, who?”

“Ms. Redhead.” I watched carefully for his reaction, still unsure of his personal connection with her. A past girlfriend maybe? But why was he so cold toward her?

“Ms. Redhead?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said with some frustration. “The same one who’s now popping up everywhere. The same from Jarod’s party who kissed you. The same redhead who somehow found herself in the bridal party of people I’ve known for years, yet I’ve never heard of her. The same redhead who looked butt-hurt when you rejected her earlier tonight.”

“Well, I didn’t want to dance with her,” he said, shaking his head like it was an obvious answer. “Besides...” he continued, “... there’s only one girl I want to be up close and personal with, and she just so happens to be sitting in front of me now.” Hawk leaned forward and hooked his hands behind my knees, pulling me slightly toward him. I caved at his touch forgetting everything about Roman and his redheaded mistress. And in that moment, he too was the only man I wanted to get up close and personal with.