Heat rose from my neck to my cheeks under his scorching gaze. I was sure I turned a deep shade of red, matching the color of my gown.

The gown he gifted me.

I was glad I didn’t wear it before. It wouldn’t have held the importance it did today. My action would speak what my words couldn’t say.

Last night he asked me a question, and here was my answer.

When I reached the altar, he gave me his hand, and I took it. His gaze didn’t leave my face as he pulled me closer. So many emotions swirled across his stormy grays, but the one that stood out was light, happiness. Though an eagerness fought along.

“Dude, we’re here to attend Caleb’s wedding. Not yours,” one of the groomsmen joked as the crowd cackled with mirth.

Blushing, I stepped away. When he didn’t move from his place, continuing to watch me, I pointed toward the aisle. Tess walked down the red carpet with Dad. With a beautiful bouquet in her hand, she wore a blinding smile on her face. Seeing the bride’s arrival, he finally stepped back.

Both bride and groom’s gaze didn’t move from each other as they stood before the priest after Dad handed her hand to Caleb. Love and adoration shone in their eyes as they took the vows to cherish and care for each for the rest of their lives.

During the ceremony, Ace’s eyes didn’t move from me. His jaw ticked, fists clenched and unclenched. An annoyance plastered on his handsome face.

“Can you finish it already?” He glared at the priest. At the command of his deep, dark voice, that poor man sped up his lines.

“Man, shouldn’t I be the impatient one? Your girl isn’t going to run anywhere. Easy there,” Caleb murmured to him, making Tess giggle.

Cassie bumped her shoulder with mine, winking at me. I ignored her.

As soon as the priest announced the bride and groom as husband and wife, he didn’t wait a second before striding to me. Grabbing my hand, he dragged me away from the altar.

“Ace, what are you doing? I need to be there.”

“Trust me, Rosebud. Nobody in the world needs you more than I do right now.”

And I let him drag me behind him. His tight grip around my hand told me his impatience. But a figure became a hindrance in his way.

Halting in his tracks, his shoulders tensed. His nostrils flared as his sharp jaw ticked. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I need to talk to Em,” Warner replied, his features stoic.

His grip around my hand tightened. “You didn’t answer my question. What are you doing here? Who let you in?”