“Hey, beautiful, that dress is sinful on you.” Aeron runs his eyes over me and my skin flushes.
“Great, another philanthropist. The charity case doesn’t need anymore attention,” she throws out.
“That’s rich coming from you. The only way you could tie Tucker down was through blackmail. Should I watch what I say, in case you turn Sir on me as well?”
“Oh come on, baby, we were good together. You can’t deny that. We were explosive and you never ran out of reasons to touch me or get me into bed, against a wall, you know.” She smiles as she turns from Aeron to stare at me. “I mean, you should know. Any girl who holds his interest isn’t left wondering what he feels like between her legs for long.” My mouth drops open and her smile only grows.
“Exactly as I thought. He hasn’t even tried, has he? Awww poor little charity case, I guess you can’t please them all.” She laughs loud but soon settles down when the music starts to play.
The bridesmaids walk down first, each with a Harkwright guy. They're all wearing similar tuxedos and my eyes swim for a second when I see Tucker walking down with… okay then.
A girl who looks to be in her twenties with a hoop in her nose, piercings lining her left ear. Her hair is dark brown with bright purple streaks at the front and bottom and cut into a fierce bob. Her eyes are lined with thick black kohl and her silver dress fits her like a second skin.
“That’s Alexa, Emmet’s sister,” Daria whispers and I’m shocked. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this.
The music changes to Ed Sheeran’s Tenerife Sea as Thallon appears with Rosalyn by his side. Her dress is ivory with silver embellishments running across the corset that falls down to her waist. The skirt flares out and falls down like a waterfall with a silvery lace overlay that trails behind her into a train.
They both look breathtaking, and her eyes are shining as she looks at Shane and I could be wrong but as I look at him, watching her with rapt fascination, I swear I can see nothing but love and adoration shining back in his eyes.
The ceremony is beautiful and passes in a blur, and it isn’t long before we’re all being led back to our room to get changed for the reception. This day is passing in a blur, and I can hardly believe that I’m here to celebrate it with them.
Daria stares at me with her mouth hanging wide open, it would be comical if I wasn’t worried that I chose the wrong dress.
“You need to say something, you’re making me nervous,” I grumble, and she shakes her head before stepping behind me and pulling my hair away from my face.
“I-I think you should keep your hair down, but we’ll clip it up at the sides so it keeps your face bare. I’d also do your makeup softer, to suit the dress.”
“I meant about the dress.” I spin around and wince as my hair tangled in her fingers.
“Luna, you look incredible. It has such a romantic feel to it, ya know? I just didn’t expect you to pick something like this for, well, him.” She tilts her head to the door, as if I need any help in deciphering who he is.
“I fell in love with it the moment I saw it, and I didn’t choose it for him. Honestly, there were so many dresses that screamed Emmet, Aeron, Tom, and Tucker. But for once, I wanted to dress for myself. It’s been so long since I had the option to.” My voice fills with resolve as I turn back around to the mirror and she sets to work on my hair. I don’t care what anyone thinks, this dress is for me.
I run my hand over the blush pink fabric and marvel at the simplicity of it. The top is a lighter shade of pink and has delicate swirls that fade into it. They don’t draw attention, they just add to it. It forms around my chest and dips low without being revealing. It’s almost like magic how it curves into my breasts and stays decent. The fabric continues down to my waist and crosses over the skirt. It’s a slightly darker shade and flares out slightly as it falls down to the floor.
Maybe it is romantic, but it’s me.
“Okay, turn around so I can do your makeup. Hand over your red lipstick as well, you are not ruining my masterpiece.” She holds her hand out and I pass it over with an exaggerated pout.
“That’s better, now close your eyes and stay still.”
I sit as still as I can while she works her magic, and then she pulls me to my feet before spinning me around. I open my eyes and take in the full look.
My eyes have a shimmery pale pink across the lids, with black mascara, which make my eyelashes look huge. My lips are subtle with a glossy sheen and she’s even added a little blush to my cheeks.
“Damn, D, you really can work miracles.”
“It’s all you, girl. Now, you go out there and make that oaf’s jaw hit the ground. Because I don’t think even he will be immune to your charm looking like this.” She pulls me into a tight hug, and I blink rapidly as I squeeze her back.
Whatever happens tonight, I’m going to try and have fun. Even if it will be with Thallon.
I step out of the bathroom with a gentle shove from D and Thallon looks up with a bored expression on his face. It falls away. He stands there, staring at me. I watch as he swallows before he starts to walk towards me.
“Little Mouse.” It comes out gruff and I can’t speak. Mainly because I’m worried if I do, he’ll go back to looking at me as though I’m worse than all the Harkwrights combined.
“You know she isn’t a mouse, right?” D steps out with her hands on her hips and the spell is broken.
“Excuse me?” He raises his brows and she smirks.
“My girl may be a little meek at times, and occasionally I want to slap some sense into her.” I spin fast and my skirt billows out and she laughs. “But, she isn’t a mouse. She has called the guys out on their shit, and stood up for herself when needed. So yeah, maybe she is quiet and a little shy, but how do you expect her to deal with all the rules working against her? With guys like you constantly trying to demean and belittle her. Maybe you should get rid of your preconceived impressions and actually get to know her. I mean, where better than at a wedding. Have fun, kids.” She pats me on the shoulder before she sways out of the room and he stares after her.
I wonder if he is as awed by her as I am.
“Right, let’s get going.” He strokes the back of his neck before offering me his arm. I hesitate before sliding my hand into the crook and we make our way to the reception. Neither of us say a damn thing, and not for the first time, I wish I could see inside his mind.
“For crying out loud, Alexa, that is enough. Either you control yourself, or you leave,” Sir’s commanding voice reaches us as we step into the room, and I meet the eyes of each of my guys as they find me.
“Give it up, old man. I’m just having a little fun,” a husky voice says followed by a dirty laugh and my eyes snap to the girl who walked down the aisle with Tucker.
“I can’t believe that’s Emmet’s sister.” I don’t know why I say it out loud, but I’m not expecting a reply.
“All the girls are a little, let’s just say, wild. You’d be amazed at the stories us guys could tell you.” He moves his hand to the small of my back as he steers me further into the room and over to our table.