Ride or Die (Rejects Paradise 4)

Tears well in my eyes as the music flows through the church. She’s absolutely breathtaking, and judging by the way Roman is watching her, he considers himself to be the luckiest man that ever walked the planet.

Mom’s eyes come to mine, and a blinding smile takes over her face. Her cheeks fill with the sweetest blush, looking both overjoyed and embarrassed by having all this extravagant attention on her. It’s a great look on her. It suits her well, and though it’ll be a big change for her life, she’ll quickly settle into it and thrive like she’s never thrived before.

I can’t believe it’s only been three weeks since we sat in that restaurant, watching as Roman got down on one knee and proposed to Mom. I mean, I understood that it was going to be a quick engagement but when Colton and I returned home from ending Vincent DeCarlo two weeks ago to find Mom and Roman sitting in the living room with the most expensive and extravagant wedding planner I’d ever seen, I knew it was only a matter of days before they said I do.

Hendrix went nuts the second a date was made, and the very next day, she was dragging me along to dress fittings and making sure that everything was going to be perfect. I have to admit, it’s all been a great distraction from the Wolves, but it’s not going to last forever.

Nic has been biding his time. He hasn’t made a move, and while it makes me feel as though I’m walking on eggshells, I’m grateful. It’s given me this time to truly enjoy being with Mom. We’ve gotten to make all these crazy decisions together and live a dream that neither of us thought we’d ever get to be a part of. I mean, when we flew out and personally met with the designer, it was a dream come true. I didn’t think that making a dress in two weeks was possible, but she came through. She must have had an army working on it day and night. Though, the excessive check Roman wrote her probably had a little something to do with it.

I’m not fooling myself though, I know Nic is coming. It’s just a matter of time.

Just as promised, Christian completely took over everything with the Wolves. Every few days, I get a call from him, letting me know what’s been going down or if he needs my approval to make a move on something. In all honesty, I always leave the decision up to him. I don’t know right from wrong when it comes to gang activity, and I fear that I’m going to bury us under a pile of shit that we won’t be able to get out of.

Having Christian taking the lead has been a massive relief. It was like having a weight lifted off my shoulders, and while Russo isn’t exactly thrilled about our little arrangement, it’s working, and that’s all that matters. I think I’ve been there maybe three times in the last two weeks, and every time I show my beautiful face, the mood and vibe I receive inside the den becomes easier and easier to deal with.

Drix discreetly steps into my side and nudges me with her elbow, so much excitement bubbling up within her that she can barely keep herself contained. “She’s coming,” she squeaks, pointing out the obvious.

“I can see that,” I laugh, trying to keep my amusement on the down-low, only making her roll her eyes and squeal again.

I smile wide and instantly look back at Mom as she reaches the end of the aisle and steps into Roman’s arms.

He holds her so tenderly, as though she’s the most precious creature that he’ll ever lay his eyes on, and I absolutely love that for her. They take each other's hands, and as they whisper little nothings to one another, I can’t help but glance back at Colton sitting in the front row.

His eyes are already on me, looking at me as though he’s just waiting for the day that we get to do the same thing, and honestly, the thought doesn't completely suck. I’ve never taken myself as the kind to get married young. Hell, I never even considered marriage at all. It’s always been a piece of paper that tied me to someone else, and the whole concept scared me, but with Colton? I don't know. I might be open to persuasion.

His eyes roam over my body, taking in the soft silk that drapes over me. He follows the line down over my breasts and past the soft curve of my stomach which thankfully isn’t showing any signs of my impending doom. His gaze drops lower to where the top of my thigh peeks out of the high slit. As his eyes leisurely travel back up to mine, he runs his tongue so slowly over his bottom lip, sending an electric pulse shooting right through me. ‘I’m going to fuck you in that dress tonight,’ he mouths.