What am I really getting myself into with Perry? Will he ditch me too?
Probably. I should prepare myself for it. I’m getting quite used to rejection, which is the most pitiful thing ever.
When it’s finally Perry’s turn to meet my family, I throw him straight to the wolves.
AKA my brothers.
I find all three of them standing near one of the makeshift bars set up just for the party, each of them clutching a drink in their hand, even Crew, who’s barely eighteen. They are a sight to see, three handsome Lancaster men in dark suits, all of them watching the mingling guests as if they’re each kings sitting on a throne, lazy and bored. The disdain in my oldest brother Grant’s eyes when he sees us approach tells me he knows what a farce this is.
So why are we going through with it again?
“Grant.” I shift away from Perry’s arm to offer my cheek for my brother to kiss, which he dutifully does before pulling me in for a brief hug. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” His narrowed gaze finds Perry and he practically snarls. “You’re actually marrying this dipshit?”
Perry’s friendly expression disappears in an instant, replaced with a scowl. “What the fuck, bro?”
“Let’s get some things straight.” Finn takes a step toward Perry, getting in his face. From far away, it could almost appear friendly, but I can feel the tension radiating between them. There’s nothing remotely friendly about this conversation. “We’re not your bros, and we never will be, despite the fact that you’re marrying our sister.”
I clear my throat. “Finn, back off. Perry, this is Grant. My eldest brother. That’s Finn.” I nod toward him and he bares his teeth at us in an attempt at a smile. “And this is Crew.”
Perry indicates all of them with a flick of his chin but otherwise doesn’t say a word, not that I can blame him.
“You hurt her, you make her cryonce,you answer to us.” Grant’s voice drips with hostility. “You got that?”
Oh good Lord. These three barely acknowledge my existence and now they’re going all alpha male on Perry. The only one who I think halfway means it is Crew, and that’s only because we were so close growing up.
But my fiancé’s expression is stoic as he says, “Not that it’s any of your damn business what goes on between me and my fiancée, but sure. I appreciate the concern.”
Grant actually laughs, the sound rusty because he doesn’t do it that much. All Lancaster men lack a sense of humor. “We have zero concern for you, asshole.”
“Grant, seriously. Leave him alone,” I snap.
“Hey.” Crew steps toward us, his expression a little more open than Grant and Finn’s, which is odd. “Aren’t you that one dude who used to street race?”
I’m startled. “What?”
Perry’s cheeks turn ruddy and he nods. “Yeah. Used to. Don’t do it anymore.”
“Mad respect.” Crew holds his hand out to him and they perform one of those bro handshakes that looks completely made up. “An honor to meet you.”
“Back at you.” Perry flicks his chin at him. “What’s your name again?”
“Crew. I’m a senior at Lancaster Prep. You’re a legend with my friends. I’ve heard the stories about you racing through the streets of Bishop’s Landing. Didn’t you win a couple of races here too in midtown? Hey!” He whips around to glare at Finn, who just smacked him in the back of the head. “Knock that shit off.”
“Quit slobbering all over that asshole’s dick,” Finn practically spits at him, turning his fiery gaze on Perry.
“We’ll talk later. When you’re alone,” Perry tells Crew before he steers me away from them.
Way too many things are running through my mind as we make our way through the crowd, and all of them have to do with my fiancé. “I’m sorry about my brothers.”
“They’re—interesting,” he says, shaking his head. “Overprotective of you?”
“They just hate the world and everyone in it,” I admit.
“Nice. Sounds like my family.”
“Wait until you meet my father.” I glance down at my arm, thankful the lacy sleeves of my dress hit at my elbow and hide the bruises he left a few nights ago. They’re purple and yellow and absolutely hideous. I had another dress I wanted to wear, but it was sleeveless and my bruises would’ve been on complete display.