“He’s not so bad. He might even make a decent brother-in-law.”
Colt slowly turned his head. “If you weren’t one of my best friends, I’d coldcock you right now. You do realize he’s the head of the Chilani family now. Hell, look at your side of the aisle. Basically, all law enforcement. Now, look at her side of the aisle. Half are associated with the mob. And you say he’s not so bad.”
Dax glanced to where Lily stood with Ryan and her sister Lora. That was the extent of the Chilani family in attendance. He wouldn’t necessarily say half of her side was associated with the mob. Lora didn’t hold a grudge against Travis or Sarafina for what happened to her father. Although, Lora was single-minded and selfish. Dax figured she was glad her father was out of the picture so she could do anything she damn well pleased without anyone to stop her. Not even her mother could stop her anymore.
Mrs. Chilani hadn’t taken it so well. Since the incident, she had disowned Travis and rarely spoke to Lily and Lora. She had locked herself inside her home, conversing with very few people. The people she did associate with concerned Dax. One of them being Franklin, who thus far, had managed to avoid arrest. They hadn’t managed to arrest all of Martin Chilani’s men yet. Building evidence took time.
Travis was the head of the operation now. As far as Dax knew, he was slowly trying to bring his father’s business legit. With the help of the FBI, he had been doing a decent job. Of course, with any operation, there were always a few problems.
Mrs. Chilani was one of them.
Dax didn’t want to worry about any of that right now. Not today.
“Travis isn’t bad. You know that. He’s been helping us bring down the Chilani operation. So, worry number one checked off. Considering there are only about ten to fifteen people on each side of the aisle, I wouldn’t say half is associated with the mob. And third, Travis saved her life. He’ll always be good in my eyes. Now fix the damn bow tie without choking me.”
Colt laughed as he stepped closer and attempted one more time to make the bow tie as straight as possible. “As my friend, you could at least tell Travis that my sister is off-limits.”
“Oh, you’re not afraid of him, are you? Tell him yourself.” Dax coughed once, then glared as best as he could standing so close to Colt. “Note to self. Don’t say shit like that when you have your hands around my neck.”
“Good idea, buddy.”
“What’s a good idea?” Ryan asked as he slapped a hand on Dax’s shoulder.
Dax shoved Colt’s hands away again. “You fixing my bow tie is a good idea. This idiot has no idea what he’s doing.”
Ryan laughed, then went to tackle the bow tie. “I see Travis is taking a liking to your sister, Colt.”
“I’m trying to pretend that’s not happening. Can we change the subject? Like, shit. How in the hell did you do that so fast?” Colt said as Ryan stepped away from Dax, the bow neatly tied and precision straight.
“I’ve been married before. Plus, I’ve been to way too many functions requiring a bow tie. Nothing to it.”
“Thank you, Ryan. I’m ready. Where’s my bride?” Dax said, his eyes searching the room like he was on a stakeout and needed to pay attention to everything going on.
“Regretting the fact she’s marrying you. Vegas? Really?”
Dax turned around and smiled at Travis. “You don’t like the little chapel we picked?”
“It’s Vegas. Fina doesn’t strike me as the type to get married in Vegas. She deserves better.” Travis held his ground. Dax had to give him props for that, especially with Ryan and Colt standing there as well.
“Deserves better than me, you mean?”
Travis shared a look with Ryan, then turned back to him. “Not really. You make her happy so that’s all that matters to me. She deserves a big wedding full of beautiful things. Not tacky ridiculousness. At least this minister, or whoever the hell that guy is up there, isn’t dressed like Elvis.”
Dax chuckled. “She actually wanted Elvis, but I talked her out of it.”
“Yeah, right.” Travis crossed his arms.
“Trust me, Travis. Do you think I give a shit where I get married as long as I get to marry her?”
Travis whipped his arms wide. “Fina honestly wanted to get married in this little rinky-dink chapel in Las Vegas? No bridesmaids. No groomsmen. Just a small guest list.”
“She did. And what Sarafina wants, Sarafina gets.” Dax slapped him on the shoulder. “This is what she wanted. Hey, you know what Colt wants?”
Colt groaned and backed up while Travis burrowed his brows, then shifted his gaze to a petite blonde in a pink dress. “She’s smart, beautiful, and very nice.”
Colt took a step closer to him, pointing his finger. “Exactly. My sister is nice. Unwritten rule, you don’t take nice girls home from a wedding.”
Travis grinned like the devil. “Good thing we’re in Vegas. Not possible to take her home.” He shrugged, yet his smile never wavered. “I know the rule. Fina would kick my ass.”
“I would, too. Although, perhaps I should know what we’re talking about so I know why I’m kicking your ass,” Dominic said, joining the small circle.
Dax grinned at Dominic and the way he was protective of Sarafina. She had so many men who cared about her. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was that she picked him to love with all her heart.
“The rule. You wouldn’t know about it since you know…” Travis shrugged, yet smirked.
Dominic’s brow rose. “Since I’m what? Gay?”
“Yeah. Since you’re that.”
Dax found it very amusing these two never got along. Not even after Travis saved Sarafina’s life. Dominic still disliked Travis. But today it wasn’t acceptable. Nothing would ruin her day. He cleared his throat. “Gentlemen, let’s keep it peaceful. For Sarafina.”
“Of course, Dax. I saw your friend struggling with your bow tie, but I see it’s been fixed.” Dominic smiled.
“Ryan to the rescue,” Dax replied.
“Good. I just finished checking on Sarafina. She’s almost ready. Are you?” Dominic asked.
“I’ve been ready since I asked her.” He would’ve married her the same day if he could’ve.
“You make her happy. I’m so glad she met you.” Dominic winked and then turned to Travis with his hand outstretched. “Truce for the weekend.”
Travis eyed his hand warily, then shook it. “Truce.”
“I’m going to grab my seat by Freddie. Perhaps you all should as well.” Dominic walked away.
“Who made him the boss?” Travis watched Dominic take a seat, his tone of voice insinuating he considered himself the only boss around.
“Truce, remember, Travis?” Dax said, wondering if being in charge of his father’s business was starting to get to his head. They still had a ways to go to completely diminish the business. He needed Travis to stay on the straight and narrow. Of course, if he voiced any of that concern to Sarafina, she’d say he had nothing to worry about when it came to Travis.
So, he wouldn’t worry.
“You know I can’t stand—never mind. I’m going to take my seat by the beautiful woman I was talking to earlier. Maybe I am ready for a nice girl.” He smiled at Colt and walked away.