Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
JASMINE
“I swear my body has never been this relaxed,” I hear Danielle sigh from somewhere within the hotel suite we are using to get ready. “We need to go back to that spa as soon as possible so I can have another full body massage.”
“Is it the massage you want to go back for? Or that god, Manuel?” Abbi asks.
“Well, if one comes with the other, who am I to say no?” I hear Danielle reply as the girls laugh.
I try not to giggle whilst putting another layer of mascara on my eyelashes. Danielle, Verity and Abbi are all in the main room getting ready while I hide in here.
Giving my makeup one last check, I step back and look at my outfit. Running my hands over my tight white lace dress, which hugs every one of my curves perfectly. I want nothing more than to send a picture to the guys so they can see how sexy I look and feel. But part of me wants to tease them as well. I smile to myself, knowing precisely what Christian would say about that.
“You trying to top from the bottom again, Sweetheart ?” Maybe I am, and why not? As much as I love the guys taking control, I enjoy watching them squirm as I turn it back on them every now and again.
“Jaz, your phone is vibrating!” Verity calls. I give myself one last look in the mirror before walking out of the bathroom.
All three look at me and grin excitedly.
“Oh, Jaz, you look beautiful!” Abbie gushes as Verity fans her face whilst fluttering her eyelids.
“I’m going to ruin my eye makeup by crying!” she sniffs before rushing to me and throwing her arms around my neck. “You look like a real-life bride!”
“But a slutty one who knows how to get what she wants,” Danielle teases as I look over Verity’s shoulder. “And let's face it: you always get exactly what you want when it comes to the O’Reillys,” she winks as Abbi and I laugh while Verity looks shocked.
“Danielle! Jaz does not look like a slut!” she exclaims before looking at me, “But she’s not wrong about getting what you want,” she smirks before stepping back. She hands me my phone, and I remember her saying it was vibrating. Just as I’m looking at the screen, seeing I have a missed call, Layton knocks on the door and enters with his hand over his eyes.
“You are safe; we are all dressed,” I laugh as I pull up Christian’s number.
“Better safe than sorry,” Layton laughs. “Christian’s trying to call you-” he stops when he sees my phone against my ear and me pointing to it. “Well, be sure to point out I still told you,” he calls whilst walking out of the room.
“Hey, Sweetheart. You okay?” Christian answers. My heart races as it does every time one of them calls me terrified that something has happened to one of them. Even though they are sure all threats have been taken care of, I still can’t help worrying.
“I’m fine. Are you?” I ask, trying to keep the worry from my face and voice.
“I’m okay, Sweetheart, but I have to go deal with something. So, I won't be there when you get back tonight, sorry.” Disappointment courses through me. As much as I’m looking forward to tonight, I’m looking forward to the hot sex I have been promised afterwards. As much fun as I will have with the other three, it feels like Christian is missing more and more.
The guys have held back from anything sexual since my memories come back, but I have told them I’m ready and made a point of reminding them of that all day to be sure. I refuse for that psycho bitch to destroy another part of my life. I love sex; my four men make me feel amazing, and that is what I’m focusing on, nothing else.
“When will you be home?” I ask as I listen to Christian’s car engine.
“It will only be the one night, I promise. I will be home before you know it tomorrow. This should be the last thing I need to do before the wedding. So you will have my undivided attention until we return from our honeymoon.”
“Really?” I ask excitedly.
“Absolutely,” I can hear the smile in his voice and find myself squealing excitedly. I don’t think we have had more than a few days together without him having to leave for something work-related since we came home from the two weeks at the villa after I was kidnapped.
“I’ll hold you to that,” I tease as Christian laughs.
“I’m sure you will.”
“Who’s going with you if Terry is here?”
“Sean’s doesn’t have anything going on, so Mykela’s with me. Now go and enjoy your evening. I know Verity has put a lot of work into everything.”
“I will. Be careful, Daddy, and message me when you get wherever you are going,” I order. I hear Christian promise he will before telling me he loves me and ending the call.
For a moment, I hold the phone to my chest and smile, thinking of having him with me for two whole weeks.
“I hope he knows not to call again,” Danielle warns with an arched brow when I walk back into the room.
“He just called to tell me he would be away for the night,” I reply, placing my phone on the coffee table.
“Is he taking McIntire with him?”
I turn to Abbi and frown.
“He didn’t mention anything, why?” I ask as she rolls her eyes and finishes her drink.
“Because that man is a pain in my arse! He’s always sniffing around and telling me what to do and where to go. He had the nerve to tell me not to drink much today.” She makes a point of filling her wine glass to the brim before taking a big sip. “As if I wasn’t going to drink at your hen party.”
“Is that why you’re on a mission to drink as much as possible?” Danielle laughs as Verity and I share a look.
Abbi has been drinking a lot today. She was started from lunch onwards, even at the health spa, where we spent the better half of the day. It wouldn’t have surprised me if she had a few drinks before lunch as she kept sneaking to the changing rooms.
“Hey, I’m just enjoying myself. It’s not every day you get to enjoy a wedding like Jasmine’s.” She declares, grinning at me before taking another deep drink.
“Can you believe it’s only a week until the wedding?” I turn to see Verity grinning at me. “I swear it feels like we started planning everything only yesterday,” she adds, filling two glasses.
“Tell me about it,” I laugh, taking a glass of champagne from her. “Who would have guessed at the start of this year, the two of us would be in happy, committed relationships with multiple guys,” I laugh as we clink glasses.
“Or friends with me,” Danielle smiles sheepishly.
“Yeah, I didn’t expect that at all!” I laugh as I toast with her. “Nor would I have met you,” I add, quickly tapping my glass against Abbi’s. “Which brings me to something I need to ask you.”
Abbi looks at me nervously.
“What?”
Smiling, I place my glass on the table and turn my full attention to my friend.
“I understand why you pulled out of being a bridesmaid, and I don’t want you to feel pressured into anything. Losing your dad the way you did was heartbreaking.”
“Why do I feel like there is a but on the way?” she asks, looking at the three of us, her eyes wide with worry.
“ But , I wanted to let you know that the offer is still there if you have changed your mind. I completely understand if you still don’t want to, but I wanted you to know that I would still love you by my side if you wanted to be.”
Her eyes instantly fill with tears.
“Oh, Jaz, I would. I’ve regretted pulling out but thought it was too late. You get married in a week, and I don’t even have a dress.”
“Yes, you do,” I answer, passing her glass to Verity so I can take Abbi's hands in mine. “I never cancelled the order; it is still at the shop and ready for you to try on. They will alter it for you the same day we go for the final fittings, and it will be ready for the wedding.”
Tears slip through her lashes as she stares at me with a hand over her mouth.
“Are you serious?”
I nod through my own tears whilst smiling.
“Absolutely. You have still been with us every step of the way, and I can’t imagine you not standing with these two when I marry my men.”
Abbi squeals before throwing her arms around my neck. I hug her back, desperately trying not to cry.
“Thank you, Jaz.”
“Don’t ruin your makeup!” Danielle laughs behind me. Abbi and I step apart, grabbing tissues from Verity as she waves them at us, giggling as we dab under our eyes.
“I’m so happy right now!” Verity giggles excitedly as she throws her arms around Abbi, who hugs her back. Considering they only met one other time before tonight, they instantly became friends. Danielle and Abbi have known each other for years, thanks to their fathers knowing each other, but they never really talked before we started planning the wedding.
Looking around the room at my three bridesmaids, I realise just how much my life has changed for the better since the O’Reillys made me theirs and as much as I love them for saving me, I love the strength they have given me as well. I would never have had the guts to stand up for myself against Danielle or anyone before them. There really is nothing in this world that would make me give up those four men.
I go to pick up my phone, feeling the need to tell them how much I love them, but Danielle grabs it and places it in her bag.
“That is being confiscated for the night. You can have it when we are on our way home,” she declares. Abbi laughs a little too loudly next to her, making me wonder just how much she has had to drink today.
“You know they will freak if they can’t get hold of me,” I point out.
“They already know you won’t have it. None of us will.”
“What?” I ask, confused. Danielle smiles at me before turning to Verity.
“You and Christian worked out the rules, so you can explain.”
Verity smiles as she turns her attention to me.
“Because the O’Reillys have upped security, there have been a few changes to tonight. But don’t panic. I ensured they were all good and wouldn’t impact the amazing time we will have.”
Taking a deep breath, I sit on the edge of the sofa and try to prepare myself.
“Okay, hit me with them.”
“Okay, so rule number one, which you already know, is no social media.” I nod, as we had all promised not to share our locations today in case my socials were being watched.
“Rule number two: no phones. I don’t think you’ve noticed, but we haven’t had our phones all day, only you. Tonight, no one other than Layton and two other security guards will have their phones. Everyone’s meeting us at the club and has already agreed, and we have told them it's due to publicity and the O’Reillys having designated photographers there, which they have organised. Luckily, Layton’s sister took photography in college and still does it on the side. So, all moments are still going to be captured.”
I look at Danielle, who lives on her phone. She rolls her eyes, shaking her head, and I can’t help but laugh.
“FYI, I don’t like that rule. But I will do it for you,” she sighs, sipping her drink, but I don’t miss how one side of her mouth lifts.
“Rule three,” Verity announces, returning my attention to her. “The venues for tonight have changed, and no one is to know where until they arrive.” I’m not even surprised by that one.
“Let me guess, it’s one of their clubs, which they closed for the night to ensure they can control who goes in and out of it.”
“Ding. Ding. Ding. We have a winner!” Danielle announces loudly as the rest of us laugh.
“Yes, even I don’t know where it is. All I know is a chef is there to make our food for tonight, as well as bar staff, waiters and plenty of security.”
“So, how does everyone know where to go if you don’t even know?” I ask, frowning. Nearly all the other dancers from the school and a few people who work backstage and costumes are coming.
“I have been busy organising pick-up times from people's houses the last three days. Security is helping to pick people up and deliver them to the club. They also know to hand their phones over to security if they feel the need to bring them. They will all be searched before getting into the cars, so they don’t try to sneak any phones in. They have all agreed and know that if they don’t comply, then they will be removed.”
“Which none of them want because they know they are having a night in an O’Reilly club with a free bar!” Danielle smiles, turning to Abbie as they tap their glasses together.
“I’m sorry you all had to go to so much trouble.” I look around at my friends before focusing purely on Verity. “You have so much going on, and you have still organised all of this for me.”
“You deserve this, Jaz, more than anyone we know. Your men agree, which is why it’s been worth every moment of stress. Plus, it was nice to have something different to focus on.” I can only imagine what's been going through her head with everything. I’m about to tell her how much I love her when there is a knock at the door.
“Ten-minute warning, ladies!” Layton calls as he pokes his head through the door.
“Shit! We still need to do the finishing touches!” Danielle snaps as the girls all jump to their feet.
“What do you mean by finishing touches?” I ask, looking around, worried about what they plan next.
“I’ll get the stuff!” Verity calls, rushing towards the room where she had got ready.
“I need to pack,” I quickly announce, hoping to get out of whatever they have planned.
“Oh no, you don’t. The three of us are already packed, and Jason’s coming to get your bits, as he knows what is yours better than anyone,” Dani smiles.
“Only because he bought it all for me,” I laugh. Other than the outfit Verity chose, Jason bought me everything I own, including my makeup and hair accessories.
“Spoilt brat,” Danielle winks. I shrug whilst sipping my drink.
“They love it when I’m a brat,” I tease as she rolls her eyes and Abbi giggles.
“Oh, I want someone to be a brat for. Eddie isn’t into that at all.”
My head snaps up as Danielle stares at her too.
“Who?” I ask as Abbi starts chewing on her bottom lip.
“No one, just a hookup.” I can tell she's lying, but as I open my mouth to push further, Verity comes back into the room with something white hanging over her arm.
“Turn around,” Danielle demands, grabbing my arms and forcing me to do what I’m told. I feel something slide into my hair and realise what it is.
“Damn it, I thought I had gotten away without having to wear one of these,” I laugh.
“Not a chance, you have to wear one, it’s the law,” she winks as something goes over my head.
“And a sash? Really?”
“Yes, I’m the maid of honour, and I say you have to wear one,” Verity declares behind me before walking into view. She moves in front of me and adjusts the sash.
“Oh, Jaz, you look amazing. Here.” She shoves a champagne flute into my hand, and the girls all step back and start clapping their hands excitedly. “Quick, get a pic to send to the guys!” Verity says, pointing to Danielle's bag.
“Fine, but only because they will probably turn up if we don’t.” She pulls out my phone and unlocks it before holding it up. I quickly pose and have fun as she takes a couple of pics before I help her send them to the group the guys and I have.
“Now that’s all done. It's time to get this party on the road!” she announces as we all clink glasses and start laughing before finishing our drinks and heading for the door to enjoy the night ahead.