The Professor (Forbidden Encounters 1)

“You’re smirking,” Sebastian said from across from me.

“I am. I can’t wait to ruin them,” I said, lacing my fingers together and laying them over my stomach. I have waited too long for this. I just hoped no one noticed me when I walked into the church.

Hopefully, I wouldn’t burst into flames at the steps. Not that it would matter.

The ride was quick since we stayed in the closest five-star hotel.

“Show time, boys,” Owen said as he climbed out of the car. The hot summer day in California made its way into the car, causing my body to sweat under the suit.

My shoes landed on the black pavement of the parking lot nestled in front of the old white church. It was quaint, small, and historic.

Cheap.

I curled my lips and tugged on the lapels of my jacket. How could Brian marry her here? My wife deserved the best of the best, not some small church in the middle of fucking nowhere. I glanced around and saw people pouring into the church, ignoring us, laughing, and smiling at all the cute farm looking decorations.

Tacky.

“I’m going straight upstairs to line up my shot,” Sebastian said as we all walked toward the doors of the church.

“We will take the sides.” Heaven jutted his chin out toward Grayson and slapped his hand on my back. “Just in case he decides to run.”

“I’ll take the back,” Owen said. “Nothing can go wrong. Follow the plan. No improvising.”

We had been planning this for months… ever since I saw the announcement in the paper. We knew every inch of this church by studying it so much. Nothing would go wrong. Nothing ever did with the Underground Kings.

I buttoned my suit and ran my hand over my slicked-back hair. People stared at me as I walked through the church doors alone, probably wondering if I was the devil himself with all the tattoos on me. Granted, most of my body was covered but they couldn’t see that. All they saw was my hands, my neck, and the side of my skull. Old women gripped their bibles, and husbands wrapped their arm around their wives as if I'd tempt them with my wicked ways.

Probably would.

“Excuse me,” I said, giving a kind smile to the elderly woman sitting in the third row from the back.

“Oh, of course,” she said and stood up to allow me in.

“Thank you. And may I add, you look lovely.” I gave the old gem my most charming smile, and she slapped my arm, blushing. She wore a simple light pink dress with low nude heels and had pearls around her neck. Her grey hair was curled and poufy, and she had large pink earrings clasped on her lobes.

“Oh, aren’t you sweet,” she smiled. “My Henry, God rest his soul, loved me in the color pink, so I always wear it in his memory.”

“Well, he was a smart man. Pink is your color.”

She giggled, and the aged sound made me grin. “You’re trouble, aren’t you? Just a rascal.”

“Maybe a little,” I said, holding up two fingers to show a tiny space. “What’s your name?” I asked her. I wanted to make sure she got out of here when the chaos started.

“Ingrid and you, young man? You know, my neighbor is quite lovely. She’s single.”

“Jaxon. And if she is anything like you, I'm sure she is.”

“Oh,” she shook her slender, wrinkled finger at me. “You’re trouble.”

You have no idea.

We sat in silence after that on the hard-uncomforted pews that were older than Ingrid. The Holy Bible sat on the shelf that was attached to the back of the seat in front of us, and it mocked me, trying to make me feel bad for what I was about to do.

The music started and everyone stood. I helped Ingrid to her feet, and she gave me a grateful smile. “Are you here for the bride or groom?” she whispered as the bridesmaids walked down the red-carpeted aisle.

“Both.” I made sure to keep my voice low and my body hidden behind Ingrid, as much as it could be, so no one saw me.

Here comes the bride.