It’s been three months since we rescued Anaya from Raul’s grasp, and so much has happened since then, but the best out of all of it is having finally dissolved Anaya’s marriage to that lying, cheating, psychopath killer.
Oh, he’s still very much alive, much to my dismay. But after we failed to pull the necessary information from him, we handed Raul over to Cárdenas and his men. They’ve kept him under lock and key with only daily rounds of torture to keep him company.
I’m surprised he’s lasted this long, that his body hasn’t given out. But then again, he is a special kind of crazy, so I guess that’d make sense. Whatever. I don’t give a damn if Daniel keeps him away from me and my family.
El Jefe’s brother almost cost me the love of my life, and had it not been for WRATH securities being able to trace the ring I gave Anaya—despite it not being triggered—then I’m sure I’d be singing a different tune, needing that asshole’s head on a silver platter.
“You ready, brother?” Jack steps into the room as I give myself one last glance.
I’m standing in front of our full-length mirror, looking at the linen suit Anaya picked out for our special day. My girl, despite all her bravado, was ready to tie the knot as soon as we were able. And I, of course, was more than ready to officially call her mine.
Today is the day we become a family, giving the woman of my dreams and the child she carries my name, binding them to me for all of time.
She’s everything I thought I wanted and more.
Like a gift I don’t deserve, Anaya soothes a part of me that had long been shoved into darkness. A deep fear of rejection that I never really analyzed until she came into my life.
When she left me to go with Raul, my soul shattered, despite the walls I’d erected. But like a Trojan horse, she’d already snuck inside my heart, digging her little claws in deep and taking residence inside my soul.
It’s no secret that I was destroyed by what I thought was her rejection, and I don’t forgive easy, but when I saw that she’d only done it to spare my life, that she’d risked going with a man she knew was capable of death and deceit—that sort of sacrifice is eye opening. And thankfully, because she’d already laid claim to my heart, I could see. See that this woman was meant for me, my soon to be Trojan Crown, infiltrating my darkness and tearing it all down with her love.
Not only did she satisfy that basest of carnal pleasures, letting me dominate and care for her, but she showed me it was okay for me to let her love me, showing me I too was worthy of her devotion.
Letting out a slow breath, I know deep in my bones that the woman I’m marrying is my soulmate—the one person I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life with.
Turning, I see all my brothers standing behind me, all with wide smiles and clear joy in their eyes. Clapping my hands once, I beam back. “Oh, I’m beyond ready.”
“All right! Let’s get this party started.” Jace hoots and hollers.
Matt shoots him a smirk. “You sure you want to be done with your brotherly duties so quickly? Seems to me like you’d enjoy as much time away from that baby momma of yours.”
Jace grimaces, the truth of Matt’s words written across his face as plain as day. “Yeah, I’m not gonna lie. She’s a bit much, but what can I do? It is what it is.”
I shake my head, clapping a hand on my younger brother’s shoulder. “You know, just because she’s having your baby doesn’t mean you have to marry her.”
Hunter clears his throat. “Especially when you’re looking at her daughter the way you do. That’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
Jace pales at Hunter’s words, giving away their veracity. My poor brother got a cougar pregnant—a one-night stand he’s now promised forever to. Unfortunately for him, he seems to have the hots for her barely legal daughter.
“It is what it is, and today is not about me. It’s about celebrating Austin and Anaya getting married.” Jace pins us with his glare, and we drop it… for now.
We all love him too much to let him throw his life away by tying himself to someone he doesn’t love. I know the consequences of that all too well. Blanca and I got married because of a pregnancy scare, and looking back, I don’t regret it because of Amanda and Alex, but had I had the chance to just have her as the mother of my children instead of also my wife, I would’ve probably done things a little differently.
“Come on.” Jack opens the door to my room. “Let’s go watch you make Anaya a Crown.”
I step out into the hall and toward my future, ready to make that woman mine. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”
Anaya
“You look stunning.” Mom tears up as she takes me in.
I’m wearing a strapless cream-colored dress, covered in lace and flaring from the knees down. As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one. And if I really think about it, that’s how it happened with Austin.
From the moment I saw him, I knew he was different. It was visceral, all consuming, and there was definitely no escaping that cranky Crown. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. He may not be perfect, but he’s perfect for me.
Never in a million years did I think that I’d find a partner in life that would understand my broken bits. Not only does he see them, but he’s able to put them back together and make them whole.
“She really does.” Pen sighs wistfully, her hand going up to dab at her eyes.
“Oh no. Don’t you start crying too. Then I’ll start crying and I’ll ruin the makeup Cassie did.” I’m shaking my head, ushering the girls back when the makeup artist and stylist in question slips a compact into my small bag.
Cassie has been a godsend. She’s the wife of one of the owners of WRATH securities and apparently, all of them are friends with the Crown brothers so we’ve seen a lot of them over the past couple of months. It’s been amazing getting to know them, and each one has become an instant friend.
“It’s for later, when Austin messes up all of your makeup because he can’t get enough of you.” Cassie waggles her brows, sending Pen into a fit of giggles and my mom blushing.
The door to our room swings open and Bella, Aiden’s daughter and William’s wife, walks in. “The groom is in position. You ready, babe?”
“Yes.” I bite my bottom lip as I stare into the full-length mirror once more. “More than ready.”
I’m about to turn toward the door when a booming voice seeps into the room. “Where is she? Where’s my girl?”
Bella shrieks, “Austin! It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding!”
She’s not even done speaking when Austin barges into our room, his look one of hunger and desperation as it lands on me. “The wedding is now. I’m done waiting.”
My mouth is hanging open as this neanderthal of a man swoops down and carries me bridal style. “Austin! What are you doing?”
“I’m carrying you to the altar. Isn’t that obvious?” He’s dead serious, and I can’t help but shake my head and laugh.
As he presses my body closer to his, the cheers of our guests envelop us in their warmth and joy, and I know I wouldn’t want this day any different. The way he loves me, hard and fierce, is part of the reason I’m so lost for him. Austin Crown may be far from perfect, but he’s perfect for me, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him by my side.
