Authors: A.J. Bennett
Truth or Dare (16 page)
Ethan held out his arm and Grayson linked hers through his.
“Give me a minute to get in my seat. I’ll tell them to start the music.” Luna kissed her sister and gave her a squeeze before running back toward the gazebo.
Luna nodded at the Celtic band awaiting the word and slid into her seat next to Hunter. Grasping his hand, she smiled. The music started playing and a collective gasp rang out as soon as Grayson and Ethan appeared. Grayson truly was glowing; she had an ethereal look about her. Luna was so happy for her sister.
Derrick’s eyes were locked on Grayson’s as she got closer. His usual rugged face was softened as it always was when Grayson was in the room.
Ethan kissed her on the forehead before handing her off to Derrick. Luna couldn’t help but wonder if he would do the same for her one day. As if Hunter was thinking the same thing, he lightly squeezed her thigh. Luna looked over and smiled.
Grayson and Derrick stood facing each other, hands linked. Luna was struck by how perfect they were for each other. She’d never seen her sister look happier.
Of course, when her sister did something she went all out. A pagan high priestess preformed the ceremony, including a hand fasting. Luna had to admit the ceremony was beautiful, and it said a lot that Derrick humored her sister making it perfect for her. After vows were exchanged, Derrick’s hand went behind Grayson’s neck and he pulled her into a long, slow kiss. All the guys were making loud cat calls as the Priestess pronounced them husband and wife.
Luna laughed and turned to kiss Hunter. Her emotions were running high from the wedding.
Everyone stood up to congratulate the bride and groom.
Her niece ran by and Luna reached down, scooping her up. It was crazy how big she’d gotten. Luna spun her around and the little girl giggled, wriggling in her arms.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Luna asked, dropping the girl to the ground.
“Hiding from my brother.”
“Oh, in that case you better get going. If I see him I’ll send him in the other direction.”
“Who’s he?” she asked, pointing at Hunter.
Luna smiled. “His name is Hunter.”
“Are you going to marry him?”
Luna’s eyes widened. “The only person getting married today is Grayson.”
She tilted up her little face, and Luna bent down and kissed her niece on the forehead before she hurried off, holding her dress up as she ran.
“You’re good with kids,” Hunter said quietly.
Luna tensed for a moment but relaxed. The past was the past and she had so much to look forward to. “I’d like to have at least three.”
“Is that so? And do I have any say in the matter?”
“Not really, but how many were you thinking?”
“Six seems like a good number.”
Luna swatted him. “Bite your tongue.”
Hunter laughed and threw his arm around her, pulling her into him.
When she glanced up, she saw Marcus walking toward them. He was missing his usual crooked grin. She wondered if he was having a bad day.
When he got close enough she threw her arms around him and gave him a tight squeeze.
Even in the fresh air she could feel the tension. She turned to look at Hunter and his eyes were on Marcus and Marcus was returning the stare. What the hell? She didn’t have time for macho egos.
“Marcus this is Hunter. I don’t think you ever officially met.”
Hunter remained silent. Luna wished he’d say something or wipe that possessive look off his face. It made her uncomfortable. Marcus was her best friend and it was important to her for some reason that they liked each other.
Luna grabbed ahold of Marcus’s arm and pulled him to the side. “Why are you acting like this?” she hissed.
“Like what?”
“Like a jealous boyfriend.”
Marcus looked away, his jaw clenched. “I just don’t want you to get hurt that’s all.”
“I don’t think my sex life is really any of your business and you’ve never interfered before.”
“You’ve never brought anyone around before.”
Luna dropped her hand and sighed. “I really want you guys to get along. Can you at least try for my sake?”
Marcus grunted something she couldn’t understand.
“You’re my best friend. I need you in my life.”
Marcus’s shoulders relaxed. “I am acting like an asshole. I just get protective of you, I guess.”
“And I love you for it, but really my private life is private unless I come to you for advice.”
“Duly noted.”
“Now can we get back to drinking and having a good time? I noticed some unattached females hanging around.”
Marcus rolled his eyes. “I’m not interested.”
“Well you need to find someone to entertain you. That’s probably why you’re so grouchy … you need to get laid.”
Marcus threw back his head and laughed. “You never mince words, do you? I’m sorry and I’ll make an effort to be nicer to your date.”
“Thank you.” Luna pulled him in for a hug and kissed his cheek.
“Now that we got that settled, where the hell is the food? I’m starving.”
The rest of the evening passed without any drama. At one point, Hunter and Marcus were actually talking and seemed to be getting along. The after party was a huge success. Lots of drunk guys singing and having a good time.
Derrick and Grayson had already snuck off for their honeymoon; a week at a cabin in the woods. Not exactly Luna’s idea of a good time, but then again if she was with Hunter alone anywhere would do.
Luna could feel his eyes on her. She turned and Hunter pulled her into his arms, his mouth finding hers in the dark. She melted into satisfied in a way she’d never known was possible.
NOW OR NEVER
Grayson's Story
a new adult novel
18+ Due to sexual content and language including casual sex and flawed characters.
Twenty-one year old Grayson Alexander finally breaks away from an abusive relationship and finds herself free for the first time in three years.
Determined to enjoy her new-found freedom, Grayson is intent on sticking with 'no strings attached' relationships—one-night stands, and steamy sex.
But she didn't plan on Derrick.
Her attraction to the sexy man in uniform quickly turns into an unhealthy relationship. They both try to resist the pull, but neither can stay away.
When tragedy strikes, Grayson realizes it's now or never—walk away or make it work.
Available in PRINT and E-BOOK.
About the Author
A.J. Bennett lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and bulldog. She’s addicted to coffee, popcorn and books.
To find out more about A.J., checkout her website:
Ajbennettauthor.com
