26. Ava
Today is Lucy and Sebastian’s big day. The house has never been this chaotic. Everyone is walking left, right, and centre. In and out of the kitchen. Up and down the stairs.
Lucy demanded everyone but her bridesmaids and I leave the house so she can have some peace and quiet. Of course she doesn’t want Sebastian to see her before the ceremony, so he left with Jaxon and Kayden a little while ago.
I stand in front of the mirror in the hallway as I look at the pretty dress clung to my body. I press down against my stomach, flattening the soft material. I don’t remember the last time I felt comfortable in my own skin. But right now, I have a spark of confidence in my heart, and I’m enjoying every second of it.
My dress is navy with a square neckline that shows off my collarbones—Phia added a dash of highlighter to make them pop. A small band runs around my waist and pinches just below my bust before the rest of the dress falls down to the floor.
I’ve been anticipating this day for a while, and I’ve voiced my concerns to Gemma in our recent sessions. My brain forces me to overthink every little detail, when in fact I need to take the day as it comes. There’s no point dwelling on the future; it hasn’t even happened yet. Gemma said not to put pressure on myself, and I’m not. I should take a breath and step away if I become overwhelmed.
But I’m going to enjoy today. I feel pretty for the first time in years, and I don’t want anything to dampen this mood, especially since we’re celebrating true love.
“Ava!” Phia shouts from the hall. “We’re ready to go!”
I quickly grab my belongings and make my way towards them. My eyes fixate on Lucy as she adjusts her dress. It’s strapless and tight at the waist, making her hourglass figure look incredible. The dress fans out at her feet with a small trail behind her, and it’s embellished with white beads for extra detail. I’ve never seen anything so gorgeous in my life.
“You look beautiful, Lucy,” I say, unable to take my eyes off her.
She squeals with a bright smile. “Thank you.” Her hands take mine. “I’m so nervous!”
I squeeze her fingers. “I know, but enjoy it. Think of the excitement instead. This is your day.”
Lucy’s face crumbles, and then she draws me into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here, Ava.”
I relax into her embrace. “I’m glad I’m here, too,” I admit.
“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!” Phia yells as she ushers us out the front door and towards the white cars.
When we pull up outside the manor a few moments later, I stare out the window in awe. I saw the pictures online, but they do not do this place justice whatsoever.
It’s a huge white manor with four wide pillars and pink flowers around the walls. A small fountain with a sculpture of a lady sits in the middle, and there’s a large set of grand stairs that go up to the building with golden features.
I pop the car door open as we halt to a stop. My head turns to find Jaxon waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I attempt to walk properly in these black heels on the pebbled floor, but my feet haven’t forgiven me yet from Lucy’s night out.
My eyes take in Jaxon’s tall stature. A man in a suit. My goodness.
Handsome doesn’t even cut it. He’s in a league of his own. And out of mine.
His attire is grey with black dress shoes and a dark tie. His stubble is trimmed neatly and his dark hair is swept back and placed with perfection. My mouth turns alarmingly dry.
Lucy approaches him, and he meets her halfway. He smiles at her before leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. Her bridesmaids follow close behind. Once he steps around his sister, his eyes flick to mine.
Those blue eyes dilate in ways I can’t understand. It makes my legs clench as he admires me boldly. I slowly make my way over to them, and Jaxon leans forward to slip an arm around my waist. He roams my face, and the corners of his lips flick upwards.
“There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe how beautiful you look right now,” he says huskily. “Goddess, I can’t believe I’m all yours.”
A whimper escapes my throat as blood rushes to my face. “Thank you,” I whisper, savouring the placement of his hand on the small of my back. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
“I know.” He smirks. “I can hear your thoughts.”
My gaze widens. Heat spreads across my cheeks, burning darker than ever. Oh, crap. I’m drowning in mortification—I need the ground to swallow me whole.
He chuckles softly, his nose running along the edge of my cheek. “Goddess, you are so adorable. I think we need to try harder in our lessons on shielding. Two might not have been enough.”
“Please,” I say desperately. “Save me from this humiliation.”
His mouth stretches into a gorgeous grin. “Nothing to be embarrassed about. But once the wedding is over, we can work a little harder on the techniques. I know it will make you more comfortable. Although I have to admit, I’ll miss hearing your sweet little thoughts.”
I gulp when he winks. “I’m convinced you love to tease me.”
“Yeah,” he drawls. “Just a little. I like seeing you blush.”
“Right.” Lucy steps towards us. “They’re ready for me.”
I step back and press my cheek to Lucy’s. “I’ll see you guys in there,” I say before giving her shoulders a supportive squeeze.
My gaze catches Jaxon’s quickly as I give him a soft smile.
I’ll see you soon, baby, Jaxon’s voice floats through my head as I take the stairs up to the manor, beaming from ear to ear.
The ceremony wasa beautiful celebration of love and tenderness. I couldn’t stop my eyes from watering when they exchanged their vows. Never have I witnessed anything so pure, and I’ll treasure this day forever. It just might have restored my faith in happy endings.
Jaxon walked Lucy down the aisle and to see their sibling bond was like no other. It must have been hard for them to know their parents couldn’t be here to share this special day with them.
After the ceremony, we arrived at the reception, and I mingled with some of Jaxon’s pack. We listened to the speeches and raised our glasses. Then, it was time for the cake to be cut and to get drunk—Lucy’s words, not mine.
I’ve seen Jaxon in passing a few times, but this is his sister’s wedding. I don’t want to get in the way. When everything starts to get a little overwhelming, I step outside to grab some air and refresh my lungs.
My eyes fall on a white gazebo with pink and cream flowers woven into the arch with fairy lights dangling from the roof. I pause for a moment and admire the perfect scenery. A smile covers my lips as I step inside, allowing my fingers to brush the delicate roses and carnations.
Where are you? Jaxon’s voice floats into my mind.
A shiver of comfort rushes to my heart. Outside.
It doesn’t take long for Jaxon to find me. My skin tingles when he’s right behind me. I close my eyes at the sensation—the bond growing and glowing and everything in between.
When I turn around to face him, I stop breathing at how beautiful he is. It’s a sight that will be engraved into my mind forever.
Jaxon walks towards me. His blazer and tie are gone, and now his shirt sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, showing off his impressive forearms. His gaze roams my face and body agonisingly slow. His eyes turn a notch darker when he meets my gaze. “I’m sorry I’ve not spent much time with you today, Ava. It’s been hectic. Lucy was getting angry because the chef didn’t include some special salad dressing, and I had to sort it ou–”
A little laugh rumbles from my chest at his distress. “Jax, it’s fine. You are being her fatherly figure today, and everyone is expecting you to sort out all the disasters. It’s okay. I’ve been enjoying boosting my own confidence.”
“You never fail to amaze me,” he exhales with adoration in his eyes. “Starting now, I am not going to leave your side.”
I try to hide my smile but fail miserably. “Good.”
Joy swarms my sternum like a big hug.
“I haven’t stopped thinking about you all day.” His voice is raspy.
My heart pounds against my ribcage, heat creeping up my neck and across my exposed chest. I can’t hide from him; it’s already too late. He steps closer, his tall frame towering over my body.
“T-thinking about what?” I ask curiously.
Jaxon’s eyes flare at my question. “I’ve been thinking about how amazing you look in that dress.” He slides his hand against mine in a gentle caress. “I’ve been thinking how beautiful you look.”
I’m unsure if I’m capable of breathing right now, especially when he looks at me with those soft eyes that I believe were made for me—and only me.
My lips part, and his gaze flicks downwards. He pauses for a moment before he says, “I’ve been thinking about how much I want to kiss you.”
Holy hell. My heart clenches like someone has squeezed it.
Jaxon closes his eyes and pulls back, dropping my hand. “I’m sorry,” he apologises with a heavy chest. “That was incredibly inappropriate. You’re not ready for that.”
When he opens his lids, they’ve returned to dark blue. I shudder and attempt to ignore how clammy my hands have become. I glance at his lips. They look soft and downright kissable.
I remember my sessions with Gemma. I want to claim back my desire and affections with my consent, my body, and my consciousness. It’s my choice.
“Maybe I want you to kiss me,” I whisper.
Jaxon looks at me so intensely, so hard that I lose my breath. “Don’t say things you don’t mean for the sake of me, Ava,” he states. “I don’t want any maybes. I want you to know for definite.”
“I do,” I say fearlessly. “I know what I want. I want you to kiss me. I want to feel close to you. I want to feel empowered.”
Jaxon blinks a couple of times at my declaration and then takes a step closer. His hand slides against my cheek, and I shiver. There is a twitch in my brain that is yelling at me to step away, but I ignore it. It’s not real. It’s my insecurities speaking. Jaxon would never hurt me.
He leans down slightly and brushes his lips over mine in the sweetest kiss. The sparks that ignite inside my body are indescribable. My head swims in the clouds at the feeling of his lips. Euphoric.
A few seconds later, he pulls away and looks at me. I know he felt that, too.
All I can think is—it was way too short to be our first kiss. I want more. I need more. I need…him.
For once, I pray he can read my mind because I’m sure words will fail me right now. All my limbs are numb from satisfaction and relief. I need him to understand I want more. His mouth fits mine devastatingly well.
The corner of his lip twitches into a gentle smirk before he dips his head back down, tugging my face closer with his palms. His mouth closes over mine, but instead of being sweet and soft, it’s deep and passionate. My toes tingle. It’s like he’s waited years to be able to do this, and right now, he’s savouring every single second.
Slowly, his lips start to caress mine, and I kiss him back with urgency. I latch onto his wrists as he walks forward, forcing my legs to move backwards. He gently grazes my bottom lip with his teeth before sliding his tongue into my mouth. I moan at the contact, and every single thought in my head empties.
All I know is him.
My back hits the fencing of the gazebo, and I place one hand on the edge to steady myself. Jaxon wastes no time reaching down underneath my dress and hoisting me up onto the ledge, holding me tightly so I don’t fall. He positions himself between my legs, angling my head so he can kiss me harder.
My hands snake over his shoulders, and I clasp them behind his neck, sliding them into his hair. He smiles against my lips, which has me shaking. Blood roars in my ears, and I ignore the rest of the world. His tongue slips into my mouth again, gently caressing mine with yearning strokes.
Jaxon bites down on my bottom lip, and I can’t suppress the groan that escapes the back of my throat. He grips me tighter and wraps a hand around my back to push us impossibly closer. A light growl erupts from his chest, which catches me by surprise.
My head becomes dizzy. The bond. The connection. The emotion. Everything is getting too much. I slowly pull away, but I keep my eyes closed, resting my forehead against his chin.
I inhale a wave of air and fill my lungs to the maximum. I desperately want my head to stop spinning and to come back down to planet Earth. He presses his lips to my forehead with a feather-light kiss, and eventually, I suck up the courage to look at him. My cheeks redden when I realise what we’ve just done. I don’t regret it—at least, that’s a positive. His eyes make me feel seen.
Then his warm, loving lips press to the pulse on my neck. I sigh into his touch and angle my head for better access. All of his kisses are tender and purposeful yet make me hot and bothered at the same time.
The strap of my dress falls down my arm, and Jax uses this as an opportunity to work his way to my collarbone and over my shoulder. I let out a small whimper of pleasure because his lips are like pure fire against my skin.
A spark taps in my head, and everything becomes tighter, louder, and heavier. I’m out of my depth here. This needs to slow down before I trigger myself.
“Jax,” I say softly.
He instantly removes himself from my shoulder and glances at me with deep-rooted concern. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head to reassure him. “Nothing,” I admit. “Just a bit overwhelmed.”
He slides the strap of my dress over my shoulder and offers me a peaceful smile. “Then we’ll stop,” he says quietly. “Never be afraid to tell me anything. Okay?”
“Okay.” I bite my lip. The skin is sensitive from where the memories of his mouth have been. “We should get back to the wedding.”
“You’re right.” He nods.
I jump down from the ledge with the help of his hands on my waist. “Like I said, I’m not leaving your side,” he whispers in my ear and squeezes my fingers at the same time.
I’m flushed with a thousand different emotions, but contentment is at the forefront. My entire expression screams—I’ve had the life kissed out of me—but I’m convinced he kissed life into me instead.