Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 47597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 190(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
By the time they're done, the entire vineyard looks like an enchanted garden, with soft light flickering everywhere. Deputy Warner pulls onto the property with Judge Haskins in tow, just as Zoya slips out of the winery in a red dress that hugs her curves. Her hair is piled on top of her head, her makeup soft and smoky.
I groan softly, pacing toward her.
"You look fucking edible, princess," I growl, pressing into her from behind.
She gasps softly before melting against me.
My lips touch her shoulder. I don't really give a fuck who sees us. I need to touch her just to remind myself that she's real.
"You can thank Nadia," she murmurs. "She picked the dress."
"And you wear it like it was made for you. Christ. How am I supposed to make it through this entire wedding with you looking like that?"
"Oh, I'm sure you'll find a way." She peeks over her shoulder at me, grinning. And then her expression turns sober. "Is everything ready?"
"Yeah, it's ready. Guests are already dressed and filing out to take their seats. How is Nadia?"
"Excited," she says. "I thought she'd be upset about the change, but she didn't even bat a lash. I think she's just ready to be Teo's finally."
"They've been waiting long enough."
"Yeah," Zoya whispers. "I should go. Can you get everyone in place?"
"Already on it, baby." I brush my lips across her cheek. "Go support your sister. We've got it handled out here."
She turns to slip back into the winery and then pauses, grabbing my hand. Her eyes meet mine, her expression brimming with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispers.
"For what?"
"For everything."
I cup her cheek, my expression soft as I stare down at her. "You don't have to thank me, Zoya."
She beams up at me, and it takes everything I have not to pull her into my arms and mess up her pretty lipstick. Instead, I release her with a groan, my eyes on her ass as she hurries back inside.
I'm not entirely surprised when Knox materializes at my side before the door even closes behind her. He crosses his arms over his chest, stretching his suit to the limit.
"You are the one reason she brought Connor," he says.
"I am," I murmur, not denying it. I respect the man too much to lie to him.
He nods as if he expected the answer. "My Nadia had a rough road to love, but I always knew it would turn out well for her in the end. It has always been Zoya who worries me. She is stubborn. She tries to ignore her heart. It is not good for her."
"She's learning."
"This is good, but she is…special. She needs patience and laughter and independence." He pauses, watching me carefully. "But she also needs man willing to help slay her dragons with her so she can fly. She will try to do it herself, of course, and man for her will lend his strength when hers fails. She does not need to be changed, only loved and supported. That is how she learns to listen to her heart."
"I understand, sir," I say quietly, meeting his gaze. "She's perfect exactly the way she is. She always has been in my book."
"Good, then we are on same page." He claps me on the back hard enough to knock me forward a step. "I knew you were good man, Jareth. Take care of my daughter, or maybe I turn you into wine." He grins at me like he's joking…but I'm pretty fucking sure he isn't kidding.
Maybe Zoya isn't the only terrifying one in her family.
Ican't take my eyes off her throughout the entire ceremony. She looks stunning up there with her sisters. As Nadia and Teo exchange their vows under the moonlight, surrounded by the people closest to them, those who know their story and stood beside them through every messy moment of it, Zoya discreetly wipes tears from the corners of her eyes.
She catches me staring at one point, and our eyes lock. The whole goddamn world falls away. It's just me and her, caught in something too vast to ignore. It feels like the judge is speaking to us as he talks about walking into the future together.
By the time Nadia and Teo exchange rings, I'm fucking desperate to kiss Zoya. I know she feels the same way. I see it written all over her face. I don't take my eyes from her as Nadia and Teo kiss, and everyone breaks into applause, cheering them on.
I duck behind a post as Teo scoops Nadia into his arms, rushing her down the aisle with the rest of the wedding party following behind. As soon as Zoya steps into view, I hook an arm around her waist, hauling her into my arms in the shadows.
My lips come down on hers, our kiss frantic as we stumble away from the party, disappearing from the crowd.