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So, slowly but surely, I’ve been filling the canyon myself. Love and affection from my husbands help, and so does getting to know my new brothers.
“That’s alright. She’ll come back to us one day, and until then, I have three new siblings to get to know,” I murmur, squeezing her tight.
Lainey pulls back again and links her arm in mine. “Formally introduce me? My first impression was one of them mumbling under his breath about sleeping arrangements for five people.”
I laugh as I lead her across the small chapel, knowing exactly which brother that was. “Ah, so you met Tommy then.”
MATTEO
“Congratulations, Rossi.”
I accept the champagne flute from Rush’s outstretched hand with a tight-lipped smile. “Thank you. This your idea?” I tip the glass slightly to the left, the bubbles swirling to the rim.
He chuckles under his breath as he stops next to me, sipping from his own champagne flute. “Nah, you can thank Alaina for that.”
I watch my wife with rapt attention as her cousin envelops her in a hug. “Thank you for coming. I know it meant a lot to Madison.”
Her full name feels heavy on my lips, the weight of her being tied to me permanently in such a public way causes my trigger finger to twitch. It puts her on the board, a face for my enemies to target.
It makes her my one and only weakness.
My thoughts pull up short as Cherry and Alaina link arms and walk toward her long-lost brothers, flute glasses dangling from their fingertips.
Two weaknesses now.
Fuck.
I drain the glass in one swallow and roll my shoulders back.
“I need allies, Rush.”
The next boss of the Brotherhood, an Irish family that plays by their own rules, looks at me with a shrewdness he’s known for. We’ve always been on good terms, and a few months ago, I freely gave them some critical intel that saved one of their own. I can only hope that mutual respect we’ve been cultivating for years can grow into a true alliance. I have a feeling we’re going to need it.
“We’re family now.”
I dip my head in acceptance of the easy words that hold so much more value than thirteen letters and watch my wife talk to her brothers. Aries hovers a step behind her, most likely giving her the illusion of space. I clock Dante’s and Leo’s gazes straying to her every few moments despite the conversations they’re having with the remaining members of the Brotherhood—and apparently, Alaina’s men. It seems the Walsh women are going unconventional with their relationships.
“And when it’s inconvenient? Will we still be family then?” I keep my voice even and my face blank but inside my muscles coil tight and my adrenaline starts to flow in anticipation of his response.
He claps me on the shoulder. “Like I said, man. We’re family. And I don’t know how you do things in your family, but in mine, we stand together.”
The double entendre isn’t lost on me. I nod my head a few times. “Family.”
Wolf meanders over to us with an open bottle of champagne. I hold out my glass without a word and he fills it before handing the bottle to Rush. The three of us are silent as we watch the scene in front of us. The digital clock in the corner of the room displays the timer countdown until we have to leave. The last ninety minutes went quick.
“Where’s the after-party?” Wolf asks.
My lids lower at the prospect of an exclusive after-party with my wife.
Wolf chuckles under his breath. “Alright, Rossi. I guess we’re on our own then, yeah, Rush? What’s good in Vegas?”
Rush lifts a shoulder. “Fuck if I know. We’re not usually this far west for fun. I’m sure we can find something to . . . occupy our time.”
“Excellent thinking, as always, brother. I’m going to go get our girl.” Wolf leaves his glass on the table next to us and stalks toward Alaina and Cherry. He stops behind her, leaning his face into her neck. Whatever he said has her head tipping back as she laughs.
I’m riveted to their interaction. It’s without reservations, effortless.
Do we look like that?
