Chapter 9
nine
. . .
Marco
The twinkling lights strung across the Columbus Zoo’s expansive pavilion gave the reception a cozy, romantic ambiance. Laughter and chatter mingled with the melodic strains of the jazz band, creating a joyful cacophony that filled the evening air. I stood at the edge of the dance floor, nursing a glass of champagne and watching pairs sway in each other’s arms.
As usual, my gaze drifted to Meghan. She was a vision in her emerald bridesmaid’s dress, the silk clinging to her in all the right places. But it was the way she moved, the graceful line of her neck as she threw her head back in laughter, that truly captivated me. She was dancing with Wick, her body molded to his as they spun and dipped in perfect synchronicity.
They looked so right together, so perfectly matched. As if they were made for each other. My hand tightened on my glass.
“Looks like they’re having fun.” Callie’s voice startled me out of my brooding thoughts. I turned to find her standing beside me, watching the dancing couple.
“Who?” I strong-armed my face into a smile .
Callie plucked my glass from my hand and stole a sip. “Don’t be dumb, Marco. You know I’m talking about Meghan and Wick.”
I snagged another glass from a passing waiter and took a gulp. The bubbles fizzed on my tongue.
She sighed, exasperated. “You better shoot your shot before Wick finally pulls his head out of his ass and realizes he’s in love with her.”
“Oh, he knows he’s in love with her. He’s just too stupid to do anything about it.”
Callie snorted, shaking her head. “No, not stupid. Too stubborn. Too scared. He’s so damn worried about ruining their friendship, about what Emmett would think, that he’d rather suffer in silence than take a risk.”
My mind whirled. She was validating some of what I had deduced already. The feelings I had confronted Wick about at Emmett’s bachelor party. Most of the feelings anyway. The part about him wanting me? That had been a shot in the dark. Because the way he looked at me, while it looked an awful lot like hatred and jealousy, I also sensed a hint of lust.
I barked out a laugh. “Great. Where, exactly, does that leave me?”
Callie sighed and punched me softly on the arm. “You deserve to be happy, Marco. And if Meghan’s the one who makes you happy, then you need to fight for her.”
“And say what, exactly? ‘Hey Meghan, I know we’ve been fucking for the past year, but guess what? I actually have real feelings for you, even though you’re clearly hung up on your brother’s best friend.’ I don’t hold a fucking candle to him, Cal.”
“Are you kidding? Marco, you’re one of the most amazing men I know. You’re kind and funny and loyal. Any woman—or man—would be lucky to have you.”
I smiled, touched by her faith in me. “Thanks, Cal. But let’s be real. I’m not exactly boyfriend material. I’m a mess. I’d only end up hurting her in the end.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but I held up a warning finger. “It’s okay, really. I’ve made my peace with it. Meghan and I have a good thing going. No strings, no expectations. It’s better this way.”
Even as the words left my mouth, I knew they were a lie. The truth was, I wanted those strings. I wanted the expectations, the commitment, the whole damn fairytale. I wanted to wake up next to Meghan every morning and fall asleep with her in my arms every night. I wanted to be hers, in every sense of the word.
But it was a pipe dream. Her heart belonged to someone else.
Still, as I watched her spin in Wick’s arms, her face flushed with happiness and champagne, I couldn’t help the flare that sparked in my chest. If there was even the slightest chance that she could feel something for me, something real and lasting, then I had to take it.
I had to at least try.
Downing the rest of my champagne in one swift gulp, I set the empty glass on a nearby table and squared my shoulders. Callie eyed me warily, her lips pursed. “Marco, what are you up to?”
I flashed her my most charming grin, the one that never failed to get me into trouble. “Just going to cut in for a dance with the lovely Meghan.”
Callie rolled her eyes, but the suggestion of a smile tugged at her lips. “Just be careful, okay? Don’t do anything stupid.”
I winked at her, already backing away towards the dance floor. “Me? Stupid? Never.”
I made my way through the crowd. My heart pounded and my palms were slick with sweat. But I couldn’t back down. Not when everything I wanted was so close, just within reach.
Wick’s hand rested on the small of Meghan’s back, possessive and protective all at once. Meghan’s head was tipped back as she laughed at something he’d said, her eyes sparkling. They looked so damn good together, it made my teeth ache.
But I pushed down the bitter jealousy and smiled as I tapped Wick on the shoulder. He turned, his brows drawing together as he registered my presence.
“Mind if I cut in?” I asked, my voice smooth as honey. “I think the man of honor deserves a dance with the most beautiful best maid, don’t you?”
For a moment, I thought he might tell me to fuck off. But then Meghan was turning toward me, her lips curved in a soft smile. “I’d love to dance with you, Marco.”
I experienced a swooping sense of triumph as she placed her palm in mine. This time, I got to steal the girl.
I drew her close, my arm sliding around her waist. Her body was soft and pliant in my embrace. I breathed in her Jasmine and orange scent, letting it fill my lungs and settle into my bones.
“You two make quite the pair,” I said.
“Who?”
“Come on, Meg. You and Wick. Anyone with eyes can see the way you look at him. Like he hung the fucking moon.”
“I don’t?—”
“Don’t bother denying it,” I said, cutting her off gently. “I know what it looks like.”
“I’m sorry. I just don’t know what to do,” she whispered.
I hated how broken she sounded. I reached up to tuck a stray curl behind her ear, letting my fingers linger on her cheek. “You take a chance on something new. On someone who sees you, really sees you, and wants you for exactly who you are.”
“And who might that be?”
“I think you know.” I pulled her tighter to me. “You look stunning, by the way. I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you.”
Her fingers tightened on my shoulder as my lips grazed her ear. “Marco,” she breathed, my name a plea and a warning all at once. “We shouldn’t...not here.”
“Why not? We’re both single, consenting adults. There’s nothing wrong with a little dance between friends.”
She bit her lip. Her gaze darted over my shoulder to where Wick stood, watching us. “It’s not that simple, and you know it.”
“Might not be simple, but it can still be fun.”
Meghan’s eyes slid back to my face. “You’re bad.”
“The worst. But you like me that way.”
I spun her out and then back into my arms. “We’ve always had something special, Meghan. You can’t deny that.”
Her breath hitched as I dipped her low, my face hovering inches from hers. “Marco...”
“Come on, Meg. Play with me.”
Her eyes ignited at my challenge. She surged up, back still arched, and kissed me right there on the dance floor. When we broke apart, I righted her. “That’s my girl.”
I couldn’t stop grinning as we swayed together. Over her shoulder, I caught a glimpse of Wick’s stormy expression. He looked like a sexy, vengeful God. I loved the feeling of his eyes on us, and I couldn’t help the images that flashed through my mind.
Wick watching while I ate Meghan’s sweet pussy.
Wick watching while Meghan sucked my cock.
Wick watching while I fucked the life out of her .
“People are staring,” Meghan’s lips brushed my neck, making my scalp prickle.
“ People aren’t staring. Wick is staring. And let him, Meg. If he wants you, he can come and get you. Until then, you’re mine.”
A shudder wracked her slim frame.
“Come with me.” I led her out of the glittering reception hall, her fingers laced through mine as we wove between the mingling guests. I caught Callie’s eye as we passed. She sent me a knowing wink before turning back to her conversation.
The cool night air was a welcome respite from the stuffy, crowded pavilion. I guided Meghan along a winding stone path, the sounds of music and laughter fading behind us. Moonlight pooled on the ground, painting everything in a silvery glow.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“It’s a surprise.” I squeezed her hand and led her deeper into the zoo grounds, the path growing narrower and more secluded with each step. The sounds of the reception were replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional soft hoot of an owl.
After a few minutes, we reached our destination—a small, secluded exhibit tucked away in a quiet corner of the zoo. The enclosure housed several species of nocturnal animals.
The area was dimly lit, surrounded by the soft sounds of creatures waking. It provided a private and almost surreal atmosphere under the starlit sky. Towering trees with gnarled branches stretched their leaves towards the inky skies, as if trying to reach the glowing moon above. Shadows danced across the winding path, cast by the silver light filtering through the dense canopy of leaves.
As we ventured further into the habitat, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of it. The air was heavy with the earthy scent of damp soil and greenery. It awakened some primal instinct deep within me. Meghan’s dress shimmered like the iridescent scales of a mythical serpent, clinging to her in a way that made my heart race and my fingers itch to explore every inch of her body.
“Marco, what are we doing here?”
I stepped closer, placing my hands on her hips and pulling her flush against me. “I wanted a minute alone with you, away from prying eyes and brothers’ surly best friends.”
Meghan’s tongue darted out to moisten her lips. Her eyes fluttered closed as I leaned in, my mouth meeting hers in a feather-light caress. I swallowed her soft whimper, deepening the kiss until we were both breathless and trembling.
“What the fuck are you doing?”
The sharp voice cut through the rustles and chirps of stirring critters. We sprang apart as if scalded, whirling to face the intruder. Wick stood there, fury radiating from him.
“Wick! What are you doing here?” Meghan’s hand flew to her throat as if to steady her racing pulse.
“I asked you first.”