Chapter 31
BRIELLE
The tequila burns its way down my throat as I sit on Tanner’s lap, his arms twisted around my waist, despite my brother’s disapproving stare. I’ve had one too many drinks to be able to tell if his disapproval comes from the way Tanner so boldly holds me or the sheer amount of alcohol making its way into my bloodstream. Considering Tanner hasn’t let go of me since the moment he got out of those handcuffs, I’m inclined to go with option number two.
Mom was nice enough to allow me to invite all my friends to the reception and even nicer to allow me to sit with them, rather than be stuck sitting at the bridal table, and so far, shit is going south real fast. Sure, it was a nice gesture on her part to allow this, but honestly, it was a stupid decision. Free booze, food, and close proximity between all of us means nothing but trouble.
The bar has threatened to cut us off four times, and if it weren’t for the fact I’m part of the bridal party and the bride’s daughter, they probably would have followed through with that threat.
I’ve been dreading this wedding since that e-vite lit up my screen, but having everyone here has made it bearable. Not to mention, Jax and Riley are the best kind of entertainment I’ve ever seen, much better than the fancy string quartet that’s been sending everyone to an early grave.
“Holy fuck,” Ilaria says, slamming down her third shot glass for the night as she sits way too close to Damien for my comfort. “That one burned.”
Damien grins at her and her cheeks instantly flush, and just to rub salt in the wound, he then turns his stupid grin on me. He doesn’t say a word, but I know exactly what’s on his mind. “Tell me, Ilaria,” he says, leaning back in his seat and turning his body to face her, his stupid penguin suit long gone and replaced with something a little more his style. “Are you hitched with any of these guys?”
Ilaria laughs. “Ha. They wish,” she says, disgusted with the very thought. “Don’t get me wrong, Riley’s had me on my knees a few times more than he ever should, but then, I think he’s had just about every woman in this room like that.”
Riley grins from across the table, all too proud of himself, and I pinch a green bean off Tanner’s plate before launching it at the idiot. “That’s nothing to boast about, Riley,” I laugh. “You’re practically a walking STD.”
“Got that right,” Arizona laughs, reaching for her glass of champagne while trying to avoid looking directly at Jax who hasn’t stopped staring at her all night. Hell, he hasn’t stopped since finding out about her crush on him at the lake. Only it’s not a flattering kind of stare, it’s more … stumped. It’s been a week since our camping trip, and he still hasn’t been able to wrap his head around it. Though that hasn’t stopped him from getting down and dirty with her, but the moment they’re done, he goes back into his catatonic staring state. It won’t be long until Arizona breaks though. There’s only so much of his bullshit she can handle before she’s forced to put the fucker in his place.
Riley shakes his head, leaning back in his seat. “Puuuuu-lease,” he says, dragging the word out as he hooks his arm over the back of Chanel’s chair, only to have Logan immediately shove it off. “I’m so clean I’m practically sterile.”
Tanner laughs, the sound vibrating right through to my chest. “That’s not the flex you think it is, man.”
Riley’s brows furrow, trying to figure out where the hell he went wrong as Damien starts chatting up Ilaria.
I can’t help but smile. I love moments like this. Everyone is dressed up and looking incredible. They’re all chilled and getting along. Even Chanel and Logan are getting along. Though, I wouldn’t put it past Logan to pick a fight with her soon. After all, she looks incredible in her silver silk gown, and I can see the need in his eyes to tear it off her with his teeth. He’s a fucking animal, but Chanel wouldn’t have it any other way.
A hand lands on the back of Tanner’s chair and the way his back stiffens has a chill sailing through my body. “I trust everyone is having a good time?” Orlando’s tone cuts through our table, cutting off every last conversation.
My jaw clenches and my fingers twitch for the bottle of tequila, though I can’t work out if it’s to drink or to use as a weapon. Tanner stands, shoving his chair back to come face to face with Orlando, his arm locked around my waist as he settles me on my feet, keeping me at his side and away from Orlando.