Runaway (Wolfes of Manhattan 3)

“She should be easy enough to find.” I smiled. “Anyone want to go to a show tonight?”

“I already thought of that,” Roy said. “The show’s dark tonight.”

“Crap.” I plunked back down in my chair. “Roark probably has her address. We could go see her.”

“We could, but let’s not.” Rock took his seat as well. “She needs some time. We’ve got tails on her. We’ll know if she tries to run. Let’s give her space, let her think about what she wants to do. If she’s the kind of person I’d like to think she is, she’ll do the right thing.”

“As much as I hate to say it,” Reid said, “I actually agree with Rock. By the way, bro, don’t threaten me again.”

“Then don’t be such an ass.”

That got a chuckle out of Reid. “I’m sorry. I feel terrible about what this woman has been through at our father’s dirty hands. But damn it, I’ve worked too hard at this company to end up going down for that bastard’s murder.”

“None of us want that,” Roy reminded him.

“I know. I get that, but I’m the one who worked by his side, learned this business and brought in innovations that even he didn’t come up with. And now…” He shook his head. “I guess I’m still not over him choosing Rock over me.” He held up his hand. “Don’t say it. I know that’s nothing compared to what Riley and this Zinnia went through at his hands. I’m not being selfish. Or maybe I am. Who the fuck knows?”

“You have every reason to be upset,” Rock said. “This isn’t what any of us wanted. Just leave the asshole gene at the door. Got it?”

Reid nodded. “As long as you do the same.”

“Touché, brother. Touché.”

“Let’s eat,” Roy said. “I don’t think she’s coming.”

I sighed. Though I wasn’t surprised, I’d held onto a flicker of hope that Zee would show up.

She didn’t, though, and I knew, better than anyone, that she’d try to run.

I just hoped we’d be able to catch her.46MatteoI didn’t know this Zinnia, but my insides ached for her, almost as much as they ached for my Riley.

My Riley. I’d already asked her brother for her hand without telling her my intentions.

I had to tell her something else first.

Charlie had ordered a lavish Indian buffet, but it all tasted like dirt to me. Riley picked at her meal as well.

“You okay?” I asked.

“Yeah. I just…”

“I know. She’ll be okay, and so will you.”

“I’m not worried about me.” She smiled. “I have you now.”

“You have me forever, but I’m no substitute for therapy.”

“Oh, I know that. I’ll get what I need. But what I really need and want right now is for this to be over. I want my father’s case closed.”

“We all do, Sis,” Rock added.

“We seem to have the evening free,” Lacey said. “Any of you have plans?”

“Not a one,” Roy said. “We could catch a show or something.”

“Count me out,” Riley said. “Matt and I already have plans.”

I lifted my eyebrows. “We do?”

“Sure, we do. What do most couples do in Vegas?”

“I don’t know. Play blackjack? See a boobie show?” I laughed.

She smacked my arm, not lightly. “Don’t be a moron. Couples get married! That’s what I want to do!”

I nearly fell out of my chair. Had Riley Wolfe just proposed to me? In front of her whole family?

All other eyes in the room were wide…and staring straight at me.

I met Rock’s gaze. I couldn’t read it. He was as surprised as I was. Hadn’t he told me to go slowly with his sister? To give her time?

Now what?

Should I give her time? That would mean turning down her proposal, which might hurt her. I didn’t want to hurt her.

And damn, I didn’t want to turn her down either.

I’d marry this woman anywhere and anytime.

Since she’d chosen Las Vegas, why not go all in?

“You want to get married?” I asked her. “Are you sure, baby?”

“I’ve never been more sure. Please, Matt. Marry me.”

I stood and pulled her toward me, kissing her lips hard. Then I lifted her in my arms. “Absolutely, Riley. Let’s get married!”

But how would her brothers react?

I imagined a punch to my face. Or a hearty pat to my back.

I didn’t imagine what I got.

Roy stood. “That’s an amazingly good idea, sis. You want some company?”

Riley, still in my arms, met her brother’s gaze. “At the wedding? Of course. You’re all invited.”

“Yes, at the wedding, but I thought I might stand up there with you. How about it, silver?”

Now Charlie’s eyes went even wider. “You mean…?”

“Yup!” Roy dropped to his knee in front of Charlie. “Marry me. Please. I love you so much.”

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you, Roy.”

“A double wedding, then.” Lacey smiled. “How wonderful!”

Even Reid joined in. “Hmm. I’m the only one without a date for this momentous occasion but I’m sure I can fix that up in no time.” He glanced through his phone.