Page 80 of Danger Close

Words would never convince her of anything—actions would. This kiss was an expression of everything I was, and everything I felt. My tongue delved into her mouth, and I swallowed her moans. If I could swallow her sorrows, I would do that as well. I would consume them all from her.

I lightly grazed her bottom lip with my teeth, before reluctantly prying us apart.

Her dazed, lustful gaze looked at me with incredible love.

The word “mine” ran on a loop inside my head, getting louder, and sharper with every repetition.

She had to feel the same way…

I couldn’t be alone in this. The world wasrightwhen we sat beside each other like this.

“Everyone, take your seats! The bride’s over her customary freak out, and we’re about to get this show on the road!” Vedder called from the top of the steps that led to his loft, where Trinity was getting ready.

It was a rather undignified start of events.

“Don’t run away from me.” I didn’t just mean about the wedding. “I’ve got to go walk our daughter down the aisle.”

This was about our daughter, our family, and the rest ofourlife.

Chapter 36

Mrs. Guerro

Teri

I could hear them whispering:Who is she? Did you know he was married? I thought the bride’s mother was dead…

Each one pointed to my inadequacy as a parent. More unwarranted were the ones that suggested I was a bad wife.

“Well, if you aren’t the woman of the hour.” A sophisticated woman with pixie-short black hair folded into the pew beside me.

She was in a black pantsuit, and high heels with red soles. Louboutins. Very nice.

Her pants belled out at the bottom, almost grazing the ground as they draped over her feet, giving her the appearance of havinglonger legs than she already did. She steepled her fingers as she rudely stared at me, her red lips in a lush pout that tilted to one side.

“The bride is the woman of the hour,” I said defensively.

“Trinity?” The woman laughed. “Oh, yes. The one who stole the heart of America’s son.”

“Excuse me?” I adjusted myself, just a little, scooting down the pew to get some distance from her.

“Didn’t you know? The Griffiths are American royalty. Kamilla, of course, comes from California wealth, Hollywood and ranches. And, well, Roland is of the North Virginia Griffiths. They’re the old Washington elites.”

She put her elbow on the back of the pew, her fingers intertwined as she turned to me.

She had one of those faces that looked intense. Cunning, piercing, and full of secrets. She had half-moon eyes, smooth cheeks, and a sand-colored tan that looked gold under the gentle lights of the venue. Her lips were painted a red to match the bottom of her shoes—a deep ruby color, accented by the ruby necklace around her throat.

“If you ask me, Trinity’s marrying down, though.” She yawned, as if bored by her surroundings. “I mean, these nepo babies, am I right? Though, I guess like mother like daughter, right? Guerro himself benefits from nepotism.”

I bristled.

If she meant Joaquin Guerro came from wealth, she was mistaken. He might be rich now, but he hadn’t been when we met. I wanted this woman far, far away from me.

“I believe this row is reserved for family,” I said through gritted teeth. “If you came to see Cobra, then you’ve missed him. He’s with the bride.”

“Yes, yes.Adorablestory, that. He’s undercover, and his daughter just happens to need his help, and he comes to the rescue.” She sighed in mocking wistfulness. “Liam Neeson, eat your heart out.”

I had no idea what she was talking about.