Flame and Ink: An Anthology (Happy Ever After #1)(4)

“I…I don’t know how it came to this,” Sassy said, this time anger and a hint of sadness lacing her tone. “I started saying yes to things to make your mother happy, and frankly, it was easier than fighting, you know? I mean, hell, we’d already said yes to the wedding in New York, and I didn’t feel like making all the decisions when we were going to have a party later in New Orleans anyway.”

Ian ran his knuckles along Sassy’s cheek, even as he squeezed Rafe’s hand. “This isn’t us,” he said calmly.

Rafe wrapped his arm around Sassy’s shoulders so the three of them were touching, connected as they were meant to be, as they would always be.

“Take me home,” Sassy said, her voice strong, not a hint of tears. “Take me home, to the penthouse, then back to New Orleans when we can.”

Rafe met Ian’s gaze. “I can sneak us out of here if you want to follow.”

Ian let out a breath. “My mother is going to freak.” He smiled then. “Too bad I’ll miss the look on her face when she sees us go. Your bike in the garage?”

Rafe grinned. “Hell, yeah.” He turned to Sassy. “What do you say about getting on the back of my bike in that dress? It’ll make a pretty picture.”

“Runaway bride?” Sassy asked, even as she put both hands on her skirt and lifted ever so slightly so she wouldn’t trip as they ran.

“Runaway grooms, as well,” Rafe said smoothly. “Let’s do this our way.”

“Our way,” Sassy said.

“Our way,” Ian whispered.

Rafe pressed his lips to both of his lovers’ mouths, one at a time, just a hint of what would come later that night.

“Then let’s do it, biker babe,” Rafe said. “Our man will be in his car behind us, probably making plans as we go.”

Sassy laughed, and Rafe’s shoulders relaxed. They’d be walking out of a wedding that had taken months and way too much money to plan, and yet he didn’t care. They’d figure out the next step soon, but whatever that next step was, they’d be doing it on their own terms.

They wore each other’s ink, had made vows with the art that covered their skin, and soon, they would make their own vows.

Their way.





THREE


Ian’s mother wouldn’t dare scream or shout. That wasn’t the way the calculating, cold woman worked. But he could sense the fire behind him as he drove off behind the two loves of his life.

For as long as he lived, he’d never forget the look of Rafe on his bike, his black tux elegant on his dangerous body. Sassy sat on the bike behind him, the tulle of her dress not so elegant in the way it billowed behind them as they drove off on the Harley. They both wore helmets, but Sassy’s veil danced along with the wind as Rafe drove along the busy roads.

Ian followed in his car, using his Bluetooth to make plans and contingencies. He should have done this in the first place, but he’d stepped back to make Sassy happy. Only he hadn’t made her happy, and had hurt her and Rafe in the process.

For all their promises of communication, they’d hurt themselves because they hadn’t wanted to essentially hurt the others. Well, he’d do his best not to have that happen again. He couldn’t promise it, not when three hearts were involved, but he’d do his damned best.

By the time he pulled up to his penthouse and parked in his private garage, Rafe was helping Sassy off the back of the bike. Normally, she’d be able to hop off on her own, but the dress got in the way of that.

His phone buzzed, and he hit ignore as soon as he saw the readout.

“Your mom?” Rafe asked as he cupped Sassy’s ass. Ian nodded.

She grinned and cupped Rafe’s dick. Damn he loved that woman. Rafe let out a groan before stepping away.

“Hands off, darling. No need to get arrested. We’re technically still in public.”

She rolled her eyes, looking far happier than Ian had seen her in weeks. Damn it, he shouldn’t have let his mother take control.

“Stop looking like that,” Sassy said then wrapped her arms around Ian’s waist. He immediately held her close, needing her scent to center him. “We made mistakes along the way, but all couples and triads do. We’re going to do this our way, remember?”

Ian kissed her softly then stepped away so they could move toward the private elevator. “I remember. I’m just going to apologize for my family once. I’m sorry they took over, and I’m sorry I let them. I’m sorry that somehow it become a Steele show, rather than what we wanted and needed our wedding to be.”

Sassy leaned into his hold as they rode up to the penthouse suite. Rafe stood on her other side but had his hand on Rafe’s shoulder. He loved it when the three touched at once. It just drove home that they were a true triad in all ways that mattered.

When they walked into the living area, Sassy turned toward both of them. “Someone unzip me. I need to put on normal clothes.”

Ian grinned as Rafe beat him to their love, slowly unzipping her. She shivered, and Ian licked his lips.

“No sex,” she said softly. “We didn’t have sex last night and we won’t until we’re married.” She winced. “I know it’s silly…”

“We just walked out on our own wedding,” Rafe added. “I get the superstitions.”