Page 60 of When We Fall: Part Two

Security was all over the place. For every three guests, there was at least one guard. I’d worked my ass off to make this a safe event. I considered letting my new guys work the event, but decided I needed them on the streets working. The saints of hell, as they preferred to be called, were definitely dedicated. I appreciated men like that.

“Should have had this at the house,” E said, drinking from his glass as he looked around at all the guests. “Or made it way fucking smaller.”

I grunted. He may have a point, but I knew it was essential to have it this way as a demonstration of power and confidence.

But fuck, I was fearful.

I’d woken that morning with butterflies in my guts. I brushed it off as being nervous because this was a huge milestone in my life. In just a few weeks, I’d be a married man.

“Where’s Rosalie?” I asked, looking around for her.

“She’s still in the bathroom with Jamie. Cole is outside the door waiting for them and on the phone with Colten. He sayshe’s stuck in traffic and his parents’ flight was delayed due to a thunderstorm in Detroit.”

I nodded tightly. It was just as well—fewer people. I already felt like there were too many here. The thought that this was a bad idea kept repeating in my head.

“Let’s just get through this, man,” I said to E, who nodded tightly.

I smoothed my tie down and made small talk with guests, a smile on my face. When Rosalie finally returned to me, I wound my arm around her waist, introducing her to the people she didn’t know.

She hadn’t invited many people from her side. In fact, it didn’t look like anyone from her side even showed up.

That really pissed me off.

John and I would soon have words.

“Can we dance?” Rosalie asked an hour and a half into the festivities, her eyes glittering.

I gave her the first genuine smile of the evening and held my hand out to her. I took note of Fox at the bar, having a drink with Cole while E stood next to them, looking around cautiously.

He was on edge, too. He’d been doing so well lately. I prayed he wouldn’t lose his shit tonight.

I spun Rosalie onto the dance floor, my hands on her waist.

“You look stunning, Sunshine,” I said. “I don’t know if I had the chance to tell you.”

“You have.” She grinned up at me. “Twice.”

I chuckled at that. “Well, each passing moment you look even more breathtaking.”

“Aw, you don’t have to sweet-talk me. I already said yes.”

I grinned down at her, relaxing a little.

“I can’t wait for this party to end. When it’s over, I’m going to fuck you on every damn table in here.”

“I don’t want to get my dress dirty,” she said, a small smile on her lips.

“Oh, I’m going to dirty you up so much.” I kissed her deeply to a few catcalls.

She pulled away, her cheeks flaming red, and looked around. I liked it when she blushed. She was always going to be my sweet, shy ray of sunshine.

I looked around the room. I hadn’t seen Vander Veer yet, which was just as well. Rosalie hated his ass, and I didn’t feel like listening to his shit.

The song ended, and I led her off the dance floor. Cole was quick to take her hand, but Jamie intercepted him and dragged Rosalie back out, much to Cole’s irritation.

I needed to find my parents. I’d barely seen them since the party started. My mom had hugged me so hard when they arrived, Emilio and my dad flanking her. They were always hard asses, but Mom was sweet as could be, always.

Now I wanted to get to the dinner portion of things so we could have a cocktail hour, then ditch this place.