Page 144 of Raise Me Up

“Yeah, maybe for other people. I can pull it off.”

Griff rolls his eyes. “Just because youcandoesn’t mean you should. It’s a wedding, fucker.”

A flash of a wicked smile from Malek. “So you admit I look good like this?”

“I didn’t say that—”

With quiet steps, I slip out of their room.

“Stas! No! We don’t know what we’re doing!” Malek shouts right before the door clicks shut.

I book it down the hall, braid slapping against my spine.

It’s a flurry of bubbles and frizzy blow-dried hair leading up to my transformed look. Soft beach waves spill down the open back of my long silk dress the shade of champagne.

Just as I’m sliding a bobby pin along one side of my head, a message buzzes on my phone, alerting me of Beau’s arrival. My heart skips in anticipation.

I step back from the mirror and assess my reflection. The dress is classy, with a little peek of leg through the thigh to floor slit. It’s nice and all, but it’s no snapback and sweats. Honestly, Hail wouldn’t care what I showed up in as long as I’m here for him.

Grabbing my dainty purse and heels, I perform a feat of athleticism by slipping them on as I race toward the elevator.

One look at Beau when the doors part, and I’m robbed of oxygen. He’s dressed in black slacks that hug his thighs and a white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up his veiny, naturally tan forearms. The sides of his hair have been cut short, while the top was left in longer, pretty waves.

In a crowded hall of guests, I only see him.

My pulse pounds as I step out of the elevator and his head turns. I feel his eyes run down my body like a soft caress. He shakes his headin disbelief before striding over to me with a smile that shows off both heart-stopping dimples. He kisses me sweetly, right in front of everyone.

“You’re breathtaking,” he says.

If he wasn’t holding me, I’d probably float away. “Right back at you, handsome. Love your hair.”

His blue eyes shine. “Liam did it.”

I’m stunned by him. He looks so good. So filled with life and energy. It took months to get him here, and while it was hard, now I feel like we can handle anything the universe wants to throw at us.

Looping his arm through mine, Beau guides me into the grand wedding space filled with musicians and friends of my brother. Some I recognize from video chats. Others I glimpsed at Atonement’s shows when they played in the area.

Prickles of awareness spread along my skin as we step out onto the balcony. I turn to lock eyes with Liam.

And forget how to exist all over again.

“Beau,” I utter.

Liam’s a vision in his all-black suit, his long hair spun up into its usual messy bun, showing off the full extent of his strong features and neck tattoos.

Liam runs his heated gaze over both of us, conveying everything he wants to do to us in secret. Telling us we’ve only just begun. This is the tip of the iceberg, and there’s so much more to explore.

Fuck suits for looking so damn good.

What is it about a bad boy that quickens my pulse? Is it because I used to hide my own rebellious nature? This craving for danger?

“Je-sus.” Beau sucks in a gulp of air like it’s a rapidly depleting resource.

Hail stands next to Liam, holding a beer and looking dashing in a crimson dress shirt with suspenders. He’s more punk rock today than metal.

I snort. Suppose he considers that formal attire.

My twin strides over and pulls me into a side hug. “Thanks for all your help, sis. This day is perfect.”