The Jealous Groom by Alexa Riley
Chapter 1
Allison
“Another dance?” Charlie asks, holding his hand out to me. He’s been charming most of the night, and he’s also not bad on the eyes, but I feel nothing. When he smiles it doesn't meet his eyes, making me think he’s trying to hide something I want no part of beyond a few dances. It doesn't hurt that I know it would piss Magnus off. He’s jealous of a man I’ve never even kissed, but he thinks he owns me.
While I do love to dance, it’s almost time to go. “Later? I need a drink.” I excuse myself quickly before he can offer to get me one.
Amber is still on the dance floor, and Henry is spinning her around. Amber and I might be twins, but she’s always the one to draw attention. She’s louder and more outgoing than I am. Most of the time I think she does it because she knows I shy away from attention. So she always makes sure the focus is on her. She’s one minute older than me and has always been my protector. She’s also the one who more often than not gets us into the trouble we need protecting from.
“Is there something I need to know?” Lindsey asks when she walks up beside me.
I’m at the small bar in the corner of the wedding reception, and she looks breathtaking in her wedding dress. The event was small but not too small, with around seventy-five guests, if I had to guess. I run my hands down my light purple bridesmaid’s dress, pretending to brush the wrinkles out as I try and buy time.
“I know when you lie.” She does, so I dodge her question.
“Is there something you need to tell me? A few weeks ago you were with Amber and me in the Greek Islands, and now you’re married with a bun on the oven.” A giant smile lights up her face as her hand goes to her stomach.
“Did you ever think this would be our lives?” I glance around the beautiful castle they’ve rented for the wedding. Flowers and crystals cover everything, and no expense was spared.
“No.” I shake my head, picking up a glass of champagne and taking a sip. This is far from the life we grew up in, and even though Lindsey isn't my sister by blood, she’s my sister in every way that counts. It’s hard to remember a time without her, and I don’t like to.
Amber and I rolled around the foster system for a while because they’d been so sure we’d get adopted. We were young and cute, but it never happened. We were tainted by the life we’d had before our mother and father were carted off to jail, and we’d forever be known as the Carlito twins. We were the daughters of one of the worst drug runners in the country, and our parents did awful things. Maybe people thought it was genetic, but our father was a terrible man and died in prison. We don’t know what happened to our birth mother after she got out, but we assumed the people she informed on got their revenge.
After bouncing from house to house, we finally ended up in a foster home with Lindsey, and she became our guardian angel. She was only a handful of years older than us, but she pulled us in and watched over us. I say she’s a sister, but she’s really been like a mother to all of us, including our brother Darian.
He’s the reason we’re now living the life of the rich and famous. Our brilliant brother came up with technology I’ll never be able to wrap my mind around. He’s gone and made himself the next Bill Gates and brought our little makeshift family with him. He found his happily ever after with Rosy, and now Lindsey has found hers with Gibson. They’re all so perfect together and I envy that kind of love.
“I’m happy for you.” I set the glass down to give Lindsey a giant hug.
She deserves this more than anyone. She worked her ass off making sure we always had food on the table and a roof over our heads. She always put herself last, and I couldn't be happier that she’s found someone that will take care of her the same way. Gibson looks at her like he’s more than happy to have that role.
“So you’re not going to tell me? You still haven't filled us in about a couple of princes demanding yours and Amber’s hands in marriage.” Shit.
“Look at the time.” I pretend to look at a non-existent watch. She gives me a hard look, and it’s one that normally has me spilling all my secrets. She’s going to make a killer mom, but I don’t have time to explain. “I have to pee.” Now that’s not a lie, because I could totally pee if I made myself.
She opens her mouth to stop me, but I dart off toward the bathroom. I catch Amber’s eyes and tap my wrist to indicate it’s time to wrap it up. We’ve been here too long, and we’re going to get caught if we don't get a move on soon. It’s harder to dodge a couple of princes than one would think. Even when you’re not in their country anymore.
She nods, and I roll my eyes as I watch her pick the man’s wallet when he goes to spin her around again. I know she’ll only toss it, but it’s all about the thrill for her. For both of us really. We don’t have a reason to steal anymore, but some habits die hard.
Now we have more money than we know what to do with, and we’re at a loss. It was fun at first because we didn’t have to think about where our next meal might come from. There’s freedom in being ungodly wealthy, but there’s also been an emptiness about it.
We were just after a thrill, but now we’re in a game of cat and mouse with a pair of brothers that are either sending us to prison or the altar. We got in over our heads this time, and I don’t know how this will end.
I sneak down the hallway to wait for my sister, and I hate that we’re not saying goodbye. Lindsey and Darian are going to murder us, but it’s what we have to do.
The problem with running from royalty is that not only are they just as wealthy as we are with access to private planes and hotel bookings under assumed names, but they’re powerful. They have access to anything and everything, even things they shouldn’t.
I tap my shoe, waiting for Amber to hurry up, and then suddenly I’m trying to scream as a hand comes down over my mouth. An arm wraps snuggly around my waist, and I’m pulled against the large, hard body at my back. I know it’s Magnus right away just from the feel of him. Why was it me that drew his attention? Out of the two Strand brothers, he’s by far the meaner-looking one. From my understanding he lives up to that, and if anything he’s a better fit for my sister. Why isn't he chasing after her? A weird jealousy fills me at the thought, but I don’t have time to dwell on it as he moves his lips up my neck.
“My little bird. I think it’s time to clip those wings,” he whispers, and his warm breath fans against my skin before he presses a kiss to the shell of my ear.
His lips spur me into action, and I scream against his hand. I try to fight, but my strength quickly drains, and I know it’s over.
I belong to him now.
