Rules Of Our Own (Rule Breaker Series Book 3)

THE VENUE IS a large barn that sits in the middle of a vineyard. Just by looking at it, I can tell it’s being used exclusively for special events. The exterior is made out of a warm wood with black accents that give it a modern edge. I’m not big into architecture, but I can definitely get behind this style.

Jax, River, myself, and a nervous-looking Lucas pulled up less than fifteen minutes ago.

River steps up beside me. “How did you manage to fuck that up?”

I cock a brow at him, turning away from where Jax was talking to Lucas, who is now hopping from foot to foot on the spot.

“What are you going on abo—” My words are cut off when River’s knuckles skim my jaw as he straightens my collar. A little zing of electricity shoots through me, and my breath hitches in my chest. His gaze is focused where he adjusts my tie how he wants it, despite the fact that I know it was already perfect. My skin heats under the gentle brush of his fingers, and I swallow hard when River gives the knot a tight tug.

It feels like time stands still, even though it’s over in a minute, and he’s turning away from me, not meeting my gaze.

Gravel crunches under car tires outside, and we all look back toward the door.

“Shit,” Lucas says and makes a hasty escape out the back door toward where he’s supposed to be set up next to the altar. Pretty sure Piper would kill him if he saw her before he’s supposed to.

The girls walk in, Sidney leading the way. She goes straight to Jax, who lets out a low whistle.

Mia walks in next, and I swear my heart stops. She’s wearing the exact same champagne-color dress as the other girls, but she makes it look a million times better. Her blonde hair’s down, styled with waves like you’d see in an old movie and pulled over her left shoulder. It exposes the long, smooth column of her neck, and suddenly, my mouth waters with the need to taste her there.

Her makeup’s simple, perfectly accentuating her features with long lashes and cherry-red lips. Intrusive thoughts of those lips around my cock have me fighting against the hard-on threatening to take over.

“Fuck,” River whispers beside me, like the word fell out unintentionally.

“Yup.” My thoughts exactly.

My feet are already moving before my head catches up, and I cup the exposed side of her neck, tipping her head back. “You are fucking gorgeous, Kitten.”

Her cheeks pinken, and her gaze roams over my face, then travels down my navy blue suit. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

I see Piper’s mom and dad step inside from the corner of my eye, but I can’t look away from Mia. After three long years of waiting, it’s hard to believe she’s standing here in front of me. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and I’m not sure I can ever explain to her why she’s so important. Not without laying myself bare at the mercy of her approval.

Piper’s mom claps to get our attention. “Okay, it’s time to pair off. Jax with Sidney. Alex and Mia. Misty, you’re with Shana.”

My hand drops to Mia’s waist, tugging her closer to me.

“Mia,” River says, only a foot from us. “No matter how much I want to be the one to walk you down the aisle”—I catch the hidden meaning to River’s words, and by the way Mia’s lips fall open, so does she—“I’ve got to officiate this wedding.” His eyes roam over where my hand clutches her waist. “You two look good together.”

I clear my suddenly dry throat. “Thanks, man.”

The hint of a grin curves his lips before he replies, “You owe me.”

I nod. I really fucking do.

River walks away and out the back door. Mia huffs beside me, and I chuckle. “Don’t worry. I guarantee he’s still thinking about the way that dress hugs your curves. I know I can’t stop.”

“You are nothing but trouble.” Her gaze doesn’t meet mine, but a small smile pulls at her lips. I wrap her fingers in the crook of my elbow and stare down at her, tracing the delicate lines of her collarbone when the music starts playing. “Shall we?”

Her fingers tighten their hold. “I bet Lucas cries.”

I laugh. “I guarantee it.”

I guide her down the aisle toward the altar decorated with white flowers set against the mountainside backdrop. It pains me to let her go to take her place as a bridesmaid. I already know I’ll be counting down the seconds until I can have her next to me tonight. There’s only a handful of people here. Lucas’s and Piper’s parents and some other extended family I don’t recognize sit in the chairs facing us.

The wedding march music starts, and the back double doors open, revealing Piper. Her eyes are bright, and I follow them to where Lucas is standing. Mia was right. Tears track down his face, and his smile wobbles as his soon-to-be wife walks toward him.

The second Piper’s within touching distance, Lucas has her pulled against his chest, his mouth taking over hers in a long, slow kiss.

We all laugh, but they don’t stop until River clears his throat. “Ready?”

Lucas pulls away slowly, but not before stealing another kiss. He doesn’t let go of her hand even when he faces the altar.

“Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, we gather here today to celebrate and witness the union of Piper and Lucas. As we come together on this momentous occasion, let us take a moment to appreciate the profound love and commitment that has brought them to this day.”

River starts the ceremony, but my attention is pulled across the aisle to where Mia stands, eyes glued on the couple. Her cheeks are bloomed pink, and her eyes are glossy as she watches her friends.

“I, Lucas Knight, take Piper Adams…”

Mia swipes a stray tear with her knuckles and shares a look with an equally affected Sidney before her gaze lands on me.

“I, Piper Adams, take Lucas Knight…”

The world goes quiet as River says the words that tie the couple together, but my brain twists it as I’m frozen in place. For the briefest of seconds, I can imagine she’s the one standing across from me.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride. Again.”

Cheers erupt, and Mia’s attention pulls away from me as she wraps Misty in an excited hug. I’m still glued on the spot when Jax slaps a hand on my shoulder in a half hug. He’s grinning at me. “Treat her right, or Sidney will kill you.”

I choke. “That obvious, huh?”

He laughs, letting his arm drop. “So fucking obvious.” He looks toward where River approaches Mia and gestures toward them. “Is that going to be a problem?”

I shake my head, warmth flooding my chest. “Not this time.”

I follow River and Mia back into the barn. It’s decorated in white and gold decorations. Flowers, cards, and God knows what else. Looks pretty though.

I can’t look away from where her dress slides down her back and molds to the curve of her ass. I fist my hand to prevent myself from closing the distance and smacking it just to watch it bounce. One day, I promise myself.

There’s a long rectangular table with place settings on each side. Lucas and Piper sit in the middle, their heads dipped toward each other, and Jax and Sidney sit across from them. River sits on Jax’s left, guiding Mia to the spot beside him. One of Piper’s guests goes to sit beside her, and I step up uncomfortably close, raising one eyebrow. Not a fucking chance, buddy. “That’s my seat.”

He swallows hard and takes a step back. “Sorry about that. My mistake.”

Mia’s smirking at me when I sit next to her. “Was that really necessary?”

“Yes.” I reach under the table and wrap my fingers just above her knees. The slippery satin fabric is warm under my touch. Her gaze darts to mine, but she doesn’t move away, and I take it as permission to keep my hand there. I run my thumb in an arch, loving the way she presses into my touch.

River settles his arm behind her and cups the back of her neck beneath her hair. Her eyes darken when they meet his, and he says, “Comfortable?”

She nods in reply. Fuck, I love when she’s speechless.

The girls are all wearing matching smirks as they look at us from across the table, and Mia’s cheeks turn cherry red, but she doesn’t move.

I eat my food with one hand, never letting go of her thigh. My fingers have shifted up a few inches, and she squirms when I tighten them.

Piper gets up with an easy smile and gives Mia a cheeky wink before walking to the area that’s cleared off for a dance floor. We watch as the newlyweds twirl around for their first dance, the lights dimming low. After a few minutes, the parents join, followed by Sidney and Jax.

I lower my mouth to just above her ear. “May I please have this dance?”

Her gaze darts to me, then River. He nods and removes his hand from her. A flash of excitement takes over Mia’s face, and she smiles. I lead her onto the dance floor and pull her into my chest. Her eyes widen on mine when I grip her hip, spreading my fingers to coast over the top of her ass and tug her closer.

“What are you doing?” she breathes.

“Helping you decide. I want you tonight. I want every second with you until you get on that plane.”

She runs her tongue over her red lips, and I can feel her heart pounding. She wants this as badly as I do. I close the distance between us and run my nose along the curve of her neck, breathing in her sweet scent and marveling at the goose bumps that follow my path. I nip her ear, and she shivers. “Stop thinking. Just let go.”

She turns her head, mouth grazing mine, and I can feel her breath on my lips when she says, “Okay.”

Fuck. I’m about to close the distance between us when rough fingers graze mine over Mia’s hip.

River’s gaze is pitch-black when it meets mine, and a muscle ticks in his jaw. “Sorry to interrupt. You look so good I couldn’t resist.”

This is the second time in our friendship he’s interrupted me kissing Mia, but unlike last time, I don’t mind. We have bigger plans for tonight. It’s just up to Mia to decide.

I lay it all out for her again, keeping my voice low so only the two of them can hear me. “Did you think about what we asked you yesterday?” Her eyes meet mine, and she bites her lip, nodding. I smile internally. River will break her out of her shyness soon enough. “Let me be crystal clear. For the rest of this trip, River and I will do unbelievably indecent things to you. We want you ready and willing, screaming our names as we each take turns fucking your sweet little pussy.”

She sucks in a sharp inhale and looks around, making sure no one heard. Her green eyes are nearly black with wide pupils, and her chest rises and falls with her rapid breaths as my words sink in.

“Do you want that?” River asks, voice rough.

I wait for her response. If she says she doesn’t want this, I’ll let her go no matter how badly I want her.

“I want to be yours for the rest of the trip.”

“Good fucking girl,” River growls.

“Let’s go back to the room.” My voice is raw and low, but she hears me over the music.

Mia slowly opens her eyes. “Please.”

Such a simple word has me nearly coming in my pants.