Chapter 43
The string quartet’s melody shattered as glass rained down from the skylight. Screams erupted as men in black suits rappelled through, automatic weapons trained on the crowd. Vincent’s arm shot out, shoving me behind him as Marco materialized at his side, pistol drawn.
“Everyone down!” A voice bellowed through the chaos. “Now!”
The wedding guests dropped to their knees. Only Vincent, Marco, and I remained standing as a man strode through the parted crowd. His salt–and- pepper hair and expensive suit couldn’t mask the coldness in his eyes.
My blood ran cold.
“Joey.” Vincent’s voice carried across the silent ballroom. “Crashing my wedding? That’s low, even for you.”
Joey’s laugh echoed off the walls. “When I heard the great Viper was getting married, I had to see for myself.” His gaze landed on me. “Though I must say, this is an interesting twist. Thomas Rivers‘ ex–wife?”
Vincent’s shoulders tensed. “Leave her out of this.”
“Oh, but she’s already in it. Has been since the day she was born.” Joey took another step forward. “Did you tell her about her grandfather, Vincent? About how you failed to protect the old man?”
My fingers dug into Vincent’s arm. This was the Joey that Thomas had mentioned.
Marco’s finger tightened on his trigger. “One more step and-”
“And what?” Joey spread his arms wide. “You’ll start a war in front of all these distinguished guests? In front of the bride?” His men pressed their weapons closer to the hostages‘ heads. “I don’t think so.”
I gripped Vincent’s arm tighter as Joey’s cold eyes swept over us.
“What do you want?” Vincent’s voice remained steady, but I felt the tension in his muscles.
“A chat. You and the lovely bride will accompany me.” Joey gestured toward the exit. “We have much to discuss.”
“Leave her out of this.” Vincent shifted, trying to block me from view.
Joey’s laugh sent chills down my spine. “Not a chance. She’s part of this now.”
Everything happened in a blur. Two men grabbed Vincent from behind, pressing a gun to his temple. Another pair seized my arms, dragging me away from him. I struggled against their grip, but they held firm.
“Marco, drop it.” Joey pointed at Marco’s raised weapon. “Unless you want to see your boss’s brains splattered across his wedding suit.”
“Do what he says,” Vincent commanded, his eyes locked on Marco.
Marco’s jaw clenched, but he slowly lowered his gun and placed it on the floor. The wedding guests remained frozen, watching in horror as Joey’s men marched us toward the exit.
They shoved us into a black SUV, rough hands forcing our heads down. Someone yanked my veil off and replaced it with a thick blindfold. The fabric scratched against my skin as they tied it tight.
“Vincent?” I called out, panic rising in my throat.
“I’m here, cara.” His voice came from beside me. “Stay calm.”
The SUV engine roared to life. As we pulled away from our ruined wedding reception, I reached out blindly until my fingers found Vincent’s hand. He squeezed back.