"Who's getting kidnapped, and who's helping?" James asked, catching the tail end of their conversation.
"Elle is the one helping. Paige is the one getting kidnapped."
James barked out a laugh. "Good luck with that. Let's imagine for a second you manage to pull that off. Who's going to make sure Paige remains in place? Because we have some experience in this field, and hellions do not stay put unless their men are there to ensure it."
That wouldn't be an issue. Paige knew the lives of thousands of innocent women were at stake. But Nico had lost enough witnesses; protective custody was not foolproof. Money and power had long-reaching arms. He couldn't take that risk. He'd die before taking that risk.
"I'll stay with her," Nico said, the sudden resolution surprising the shit out of him. "I'll go into hiding. Make sure she's safe."
"And let someone else bring the cartel down?" Jack asked, incredulous.
Nico remained silent. For so long, the most important thing in his life, what defined his existence, had been destroying the cartel. Being there to see that happen. Now he wasn't so certain.
James must have noticed the tension in the air. He clapped Jack on the back. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Now, you ready to get this wedding rolling?"
Jack didn't hesitate. He nodded and followed his best man to the beach.
Nico stayed behind, watching from afar, not wanting to intrude more than he already had. But a bunch of seniors came at him like a damn avalanche and pulled him into the celebration. He signaled for his bodyguards not to intervene while some lady straightened his tie and another reprimanded him for not being properly shaved.
It looked like he was intruding on the wedding after all.
* * * *
You are so beautiful tonight
Paige smiled at the message, typed Thanks, you aren't bad yourself, and searched for Nico with her gaze. Man, she was enjoying this game he'd been playing all day.
She'd wandered to get a flute of champagne, and locating him among all the people at the reception wasn't an easy task.
Finally she spotted him. He was with the Bowens. Or the Bowens were with him. Not clear who was keeping an eye on whom while Elle and Jack were dancing.
As if he had noticed her, Nico turned around, holding her stare. He stretched his arm toward her, and she moved to him.
"Let's dance, Goth girl."
She followed him to the dance floor. Then she encircled his neck. "You didn't have to do this."
"What? Dance? I like dancing," he whispered into her ear.
"I mean attend the wedding."
His amused rumble reverberated through her body. "Such a nice way of saying it. I crashed the wedding."
"Yes, you did. Everyone is looking at us." It probably had to do with the two bodyguards always close by.
"It's because you are so beautiful tonight."
She smiled. He'd already told her that. Not that she would get tired of hearing it.
"The most beautiful woman here."
She snorted. "I think you are confusing me with the bride. I'm the neon-green-haired sidekick." So much trouble to avoid taking a dip in the swimming pool and it hadn't made a lick of difference. She'd ended up with a green head anyway.
Elle was stunning in a long, white satin dress with two big slashes at either side, showing off her gorgeous legs with every step she took. The strapless gown seemed to be suspended on her hourglass figure. Jack's jaw had dropped to the sand when he saw her walking his way.
Paige had come ahead with the other bridesmaids. Thank the Lord, there hadn't been any coconut bras to go along with the simple yet beautiful red dresses they were wearing. Then again, a red dress and a neon-green head made for a very clashing combination. Paige couldn't see coconut bras making much of a difference.
"Bullshit."
"You're saying that because you got your way with me last night."
He kissed her lips softly. "I think you're forgetting I got my way with you this morning too, Goth girl."
True. She'd been getting ready for the wedding when he reached for her from behind, kissing the crook of her shoulder. He'd undressed her slowly and made love to her. Once on the bed, another time in the shower, nailing her to the wall. Basking in all those limits he was smashing, probably.
"By the way, who was your plus one for the wedding?" he asked changing the subject.
She searched for Sean. "You see that guy cooing with that girl?"
Nico followed her gaze. "The poor bastard almost drooling?"
"Yep. That one."
"He's fallen hard and fast."
Paige snorted softly. "Wait until she starts demanding drawers."
"What?"
"Nothing. Inside joke. Sean has commitment issues."