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“Like I was saying…” Mav continues, where I had so rudely interrupted him by my gnawing envy, now calmed. Although still watching the wayDazedoesn’t lean toward my husband, but toward Kallum, and that settles me a bit more.Except Kallum couldn’t look more disinterested if he tried.
Minutes tick by while we’re discussing that they should marry in Tibet, where polyandry is still somewhat practiced, when the chair beside me is pulled away from the table.
“Gentlemen,” Maksim says, unfastening the buttons on his sleeves and rolling them over his forearms. Slivers of his tattoos peek through, and God, why is that suddenly so sexy? I’ve seen multiple men do that, but when Maksim or Parker does it, it’s like a visual aphrodisiac. Maybe it’s because I know what happens when he tends to…unwindaround me. He takes a seat beside me and drapes his arm on the back of my chair. “Sabrina tells me congratulations are in order?”
Jonas grins. “Yeah, we’re going back next week when we have more time to be able to design the ring to our specifications. Once we finish designing it, it’ll go to a craftsman or… blacksmith or something. It’ll be ready for pickup in about three months. So a week or two after her birthday, If things go according to plan, we’re thinking of taking a surprise trip to Spain, getting Raven’s Abuelo’s blessing, and then flying to Tibet and getting married immediately after.”
I straighten up in my seat, surprised. “Immediately? Three months? No long engagement or wedding?”
They all nod, and Damon says, “We’ve waited long enough,” just as Maverick says, “We’re ready.”
Then Jonas says, “Besides, with the games starting soon, I can't take too much time off if I really want to make a name for myself. I’ll be traveling non-stop if we make it to play-offs.”
“What’s wrong, Sabrina?” Maksim asks, fingertips trailing the top of my shoulder. I let the sensation glide through me.
“We’ll be in England in three months. Mum and Derrick’s tenth wedding anniversary, remember? They’re renewing their vows. We won’t be able to make it.” I groan, lifting my eyes to my best friend's men, and then sigh loudly. “But it’s a good day to get married, I suppose. Look at Mum and Derrick. Ten years now.”
“Maybe we can meet them afterward.” Maksim suggests.
Jonas laughs. “Uhhh… No offense, guys, but you're definitely not invited to the honeymoon. Not unless everyone gets real cool, real fast, about some real weird, kinky stuff.”
Damon and Maverick chuckle, and I hear Parker and Niko snickering behind me. I roll my eyes. “Oh! Then we can have a small party at the mansion when you get back!”
The guys nod as Damon answers, “That sounds fine.”
I squeal and clap my hands together. “I am so excited,” I sigh happily. I reach over, grab my glass of water, and take a sip just as our waitress brings out enough food to feed an army. That’s when I realize three plates are for Jonas.
“Jonas!”
“What? Don’t judge me! I need to feed my muscles. They have us running these crazy drills. I’m so hungryallthe time! I’m like a black hole.”
Damon leans over and places a sweet kiss on Jonas’ cheek, and he relaxes into it. Jonas turns his head and kisses Damon on the lips. “You eat, pup. I’m making your favorite later for dinner.”
I avert my eyes. The moment between them is so sweet, it feels like I'm intruding. I don’t even catch what Jonas replies – only that Niko and Parker have finally sat down. Niko to Maksim’s left, and Parker to my right, and with only Raven missing because she’s busy at the studio perfecting her demo, it almost feels like… like I’m sitting withfamily.
Picking up my fork, I dig in, only to be surprised by a tap on the shoulder. I turn around, and there she is – soft chocolate waves, caramel eyes, and a broad, genuine grin that feels like it’s meant for just me.
I stand up and hug her, and when she squeezes me back, it doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t burn. It doesn’t feel like I’m being slathered in dirty slime. She lets me go, pats Parker on the shoulder, and moves about the table, kissing each of her men, before taking the empty seat by Maverick. Suddenly, I understand why they wanted such a large table. I peer over at Damon and nod in gratitude.
Now.Nowthat we’re all here, IknowI’m surrounded by family.
So why can’t I shake the feeling that it’s all good too good to be true?
“Jealousy looked delicious on you,” Maksim whispers in my ear, the warmth of it tickling, and I melt even more into his side. We’re on our way to the courthouse, since he’s done with his Very Important Meeting, and I still have to speak to Anna Mayhew about whatever it is that she found. Parker is following us in the Escalade since Maksim still has to go back to… wherever crime bosses go during the day.
It’s the first time I've been in one of his vehicles in a while, and I’m still reeling that he’s gotten rid of the leather.
I scoff. “I absolutely was not jealous.”
“No?”
“No…”
“Could have fooled me. But… in case you were jealous, you should know, Duchess, it’s only ever been you. No one before. No one else now. No one ever after, if it isn’t you.”
I blink and look out at the traffic, having slowed the closer we get to the courthouse. “Please, Maksim, I stalked your entire life prior to us getting married to make sure there wasn’t any bad press involving you. You were photographed with nothing but bombshells. Piss on me, but don’t tell me it’s raining.”
“Sabrina. Look at me.”