Crockett handed him the wedding band and Colton slipped it onto Brigit’s ring finger. “Better together and together forever.”
In the sixteen years that Sin had known Colton, he’d never once heard him openly express his feelings when it came to love. Lust, sure, but never love and never this heartfelt. He had every confidence Colton and Brigit were a forever kind of couple. Like Maverick and Carly. Like Crockett and Alexandra, and Jagger and Taylor. Not one to be envious, he admired what these men had found…what they’d worked hard to achieve. And what they’d fight to keep for the rest of their lives.
Brigit beamed up at Colton. “I love you with everything I am, Colton. I didn’t want to fall in love with you, but I couldn’t stop my heart from wanting who it wanted. I love so many things about you. Your long, wild hair.” She paused while a burst of laughter rippled across the room. “I appreciate that you treat me as your equal and how you trust me completely. I love your quiet strength and how you make me feel safe. You make me believe that together, we can do anything, conquer any goal, and overcome any challenge. You are my home, and being in your arms is the best place on earth.”
A collective sigh filled the room as guests dabbed tears from their eyes.
She took the wedding band from Crockett and slid it onto Colton’s ring finger. With a smile that made him smile, she said, “Married forever, in love always. Best friends for all eternity.”
When the minister pronounced them husband and wife and announced, “Colton, you may kiss your bride,” the audience erupted in applause.
As Colton’s lips met Brigit’s, Sin glanced over at Evan. Again, she was waiting. Several seconds passed while he appreciated her beauty and grace. Before turning his attention back to the bride and groom, he flashed her a smile.
And damn if he didn’t make her blush.
* * *
Just because Evangeline couldn’t stop staring at Sin didn’t mean she was going to speak to him. She would make sure sweet Sammy was handed back to her daddy and then she’d pony up to the bar and enjoy a high-quality vodka with a splash of tonic. She’d mingle with anyone and everyone but the one man who had once made her squirm and scream in ecstasy.
Being checked out by Sin was like being under a microscope. Those piercing eyes drilled into her soul, laying her naked before him. Memories from a year ago still stirred her in the best ways. He had made her feel powerful and vulnerable at the same time. It was a heady combination that used to leave her flying high.
One night, three months into their “relationship”, they had just finished playing in a private room at The Dungeon. Behind closed doors, masks and clothing were discarded. On this particular night, he had removed her blindfold and unstrapped her wrists from the bedposts, then lay beside her to offer aftercare. That evening, he’d been able to relax her so deeply she’d climaxed three times. How could she not? Everything about him turned her on. His face, his body, the way he looked at her, the way he touched her. There was something about his gravelly, commanding voice that pushed her over the edge. She lay there with a smile that she could not hide. Sinclair Develin was able to do to her what no other man could. Relax her to orgasm and take care ofallher sexual needs.
“How was it for you tonight?” he had asked.
“I want penetration,” she murmured.
He stopped massaging her wrist where the strap had been.
“And kissing. You deprived me of that tonight.”
“I can incorporate that into a scene.”
She spread her legs. “I want them now, Sin. Find a condom, unless intercourse isn’t something you’re interested in doing.”
While he covered himself, she straddled him. She was soaked and dying to take him inside her. She had never wanted anyone like she wanted him. As soon as he rolled on the condom, she sank down on him. And then, her mouth found his. Their tongues met in an explosive kiss that went on and on and on. She had fantasized about this, and now that she had finally gotten what she wanted, she couldn’t slow down, couldn’t take him in her deeply enough. She was on fire.
Her groans were met by his. Their collective moans resonated off the walls. They were animals, clawing and grinding on each other.
Their orgasms rocked them both. She collapsed on him, panting, until she kissed him again.Best sex I ever had, every single time.
The months of working on her control issues had been a rousing success.
Blinking away the fantasy, she crossed her legs to suffocate the need. They were no longer kink partners or sex partners. His interference in her case prevented her from doing her damn job. Because of him, she had no mom, no baby, no toady and —most importantly—no Uncle Charlie. Her hot trail had turned tundra cold. While frustration colored everything red, she feared her anger could easily be turned into desire, with very little prodding on his part.
As the wedding party filed out, Dakota held out his hand and Sammy jumped off the chair. “Bye E-Leen.”
“Thanks for taking care of her,” Dakota said as he scooped up his daughter and headed out.
Once she and Tucker had entered the reception ballroom, he saw some friends and invited her to chat with them, but she excused herself and headed straight for one of the many open bars. With two vodka tonics in hand, she made her way to her assigned table for the sit-down dinner. Evangeline purposefully sat with her back to the head table so she wouldn’t be distracted by Sin.
After a first-class meal that included too many courses to count, several in the wedding party made funny and heartwarming toasts. As soon as she turned to listen to their speeches, she and Sin locked eyes and her slow-n-steady heartbeat accelerated into triple digits.
You’re acting like Pavlov’s dog. Stop. He’s someone you used to know.
She looked away. But she couldn’t stop sneaking peeks at him. And every single time, his sexy, sly smile graced his beautiful face.
Cocky bastard.
