Page 63 of BounBound By Scars

Kabir already owned all of it.

I turned to look at him again, but this time, his eyes weren’t on me. He was talking to Zane now—reluctantly, half-distracted. And somehow, that hurt even more.

“Gah! Shit luck,” Inez muttered, clicking her tongue. “I thought weddings were good for picking people up.”

“Inez…” Mateo groaned, rolling his eyes as he dragged her away.

I offered them a small wave, even managing a weak smile.

But as I turned back to the table and lifted my glass again, the champagne didn’t taste like anything at all.

I’d made a mess of everything.

Kabir was slipping further away. And I didn’t know how to fuckingtalkto him anymore.

Kabir

She looked radiant.

I had watched her walk down the aisle with a grace that had blinded me. Those supple curves hidden behind the wavy ripples of her lavender dress.

Fuck.

This was hard—keeping my thoughtsfriendly.

I knew she was looking at me during the vows. I could feel her gaze heating up the side of my face.

Knowing I’d fail and glance at her, even briefly—I made sure to engage in non-sensical conversations with Zane.

I was doing fine until Sebastian had slid his arm around her waist, his eyes challenging me to do something.

But I didn’t.

I had promised Amelia I wouldn’t interfere. So I wouldn’t.

But it was so fucking hard to not stride over to her and yank her from his embrace.

Everyone was seated now. I couldn’t find Amelia initially. But then I saw her—standing next to the makeshift stage.

It was time for the speeches.

The second Logan took the mic, I braced.

This man never opened his mouth without chaos riding shotgun.

He tapped the mic, leaned into it like he was about to confess to murder, and grinned. “Hi. I’m Logan. Best man—to the brideandthe groom. Certified nuisance.”

A ripple of laughter followed. Zarek visibly exhaled through his nose. Already tired.

“But I’m also the guy who’s been with Zarek since before he decided to stalk his now-wife like a Victorian ghost.”

The crowd laughed louder this time—Leora most of all. Zarek shot Logan a flat look. The kind that usually preceded a threat.

“Oh, don’t look at me like that, Zar,” Logan said, waving him off. “You were a full-blown menace. Remember when you planted cameras in Leo’s house? The devices she used to call you a coward!”

Leora was doubled over in laughter now. Zarek’s ears were turning red. But all I could think of was how I had never called him Zar. Not once.

“And you’re lucky it was me being the voice of reason,” Logan went on, placing a dramatic hand over his chest. “Which, I’ll admit, was new for me. Usually I’m the guy saying‘sure, Ghost, let’s breach the cartel base with no backup and a bad attitude.’But this time, I said no. I said—‘maybe don’t stalk the woman you have every intention of claiming.’”