Page 107 of Bound

No glasses today.

He looks older without them.

Or maybe I have finally stopped seeing him as the nervous younger brother at the edge of Lucian’s shadow.

He looks at Cass like there is no one else in this room. “Cass,” he says, “You look beautiful.”

And for once, Cass is speechless.

Interesting.

Then they stare at one another long enough for the room to grow uncomfortable, and neither one realizes it.

They are lost in one another long enough for it to hit me;

She doesn't need another man to guard her. She needs the man who becomes her partner.

Could that man be Gregory?

Here I am on my wedding day, suddenly more interested in whether my sister should be marrying my husband-to-be’s brother.

Sounds unnatural, but it’s the most natural thing.

Gregory can meet Cass's sarcasm. Cass can tease him mercilessly. Intellectually, they are a pair.

Then, Ryan.

Our precious little boy.

Gregory isn't merely protecting Ryan and Cass. He's engaging Ryan, entertaining him, teaching him, and becoming part of Ryan’s household rhythm.

He’s the normalcy Cass and Ryan never had.

That Cass never thought she’d need.

Looking at the two of them, I’m tearing up.

Finally, Gregory turns to me. His smile is soft. “Erin. If Lucian is capable of crying, seeing you in that dress is the closest he’ll get.”

I give a genuine laugh. Then he says, “Ready?” and the nerves kick in full force.

Am I ready?

To make a commitment not only to a man who once terrified me, but to his entire Mafia family as well.

No.

Yes.

Terrified.

Certain. I say, “Absolutely.”

And I mean it with my full heart.

For the first ceremony at least. The traditional one. The one when I know what to expect.

Still, I cling to Gregory’s arm as the ballroom doors open.