Page 21 of Ashes

Sienna placed a hand on my chest, and her kiss was hesitant, but I grabbed the back of her neck and yanked her closer, swallowing her protests by deepening the kiss.

My tongue slipped into her mouth and I could feel her giving in, her arguments turning into a delicious moan.

Fuck, she tastes good.

I gripped her harder, losing track of where we were and who was watching.

Her tentative tongue met mine and I found myself craving every single one of her tastes, desperate to savorher in every way possible. Which was when I pulled away because this was a simple business transaction and I couldn’t allow myself to wantanythingwhen it came to her.

I hadn’t intended to kiss her like that, but there was no stopping me. As soon as our lips connected, I reacted on instinct. And the only thing my body was directing me to was claiming what was mine.

Our gazes met for a brief moment and the hint of lust hiding behind her eyes wasn’t lost on me.

The officiant cleared his throat and hesitated before saying, “The bride and groom, everyone.”

We turned to face a befuddled crowd.

I heard a slight click fill the room, but before I reached underneath my suit jacket again, the glass on the far left window broke and a scream of agony filled the space.

Well done, Valentina.

I pushed Sienna behind me, covering her with my body. Then I grabbed her wrist, pulling her behind me toward the emergency exit as everyone brought out their weapons again.

After I’d gotten Sienna out safely, I gave the altar one last glance, finding Mateo on his knees with a bloodied hand held to his shoulder.

He looked up, rage transforming his features. “N3al?—”

I shut the door behind me, cutting the rest of his sentence.

Sienna tried to wrench herself free from my grip, but I held her tighter, walking toward my car.

“I have to go back in there,” Sienna shouted, resisting.

“No, you don’t. You’re coming with me.”

“But my fam?—”

I turned around so abruptly, she flinched backward.

“Would you just stop fighting me already?” I groaned.

What had I gotten myself into?

This is why you don’t make rash decisions,my mind reprimanded me.

I sighed and loosened my grip. “Your family is just fine. It was someone on my team who took the shot and they won’t do anything to your family unless I say so.”

She finally stopped her fighting enough for us to make it to the parking lot beneath the hotel.

I let go of her hand, unlocked my car, and lifted the door open for her.

“Get in the car,” I ordered. “And do not force me to make you, Sienna,” I added before she could protest.

She muttered something inaudible in Spanish under her breath and got in the car, settling into the passenger seat.

Kai spoke into my ear as I rounded the car. “Jamal, what the hell was that?”

“I’ll see you guys at home,” I said, dismissing him. I cut communication before they said anything else, turning off and throwing my earpiece into my pocket.