You may now kill the Bride

green evil

As the meeting broke up, Lexi found herself smiling as Jake stood. "Well, it's been a long time," he said, opening his arms. Lexi laughed, walking into his embrace. It was like no time had passed at all.

"You look great, Lexi," Jake said, pulling back. "I always knew you'd do big things."

Lexi blushed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, Jake," she said, smiling up at him. "You're not so bad yourself."

But before they could catch up more, a presence loomed beside her. Lexi turned to find Reg, a charming smile on his face. But as his eyes flicked to Jake, she saw a flash of something harder. Possessiveness.

Reg turned to her, his arm snaking around her waist. "Lexi, darling," he said, his voice low. "I see you've met my competition."

Lexi rolled her eyes, trying not to laugh. "Reg, this is Jake," she said, gesturing to her ex. "We went to high school together."

Reg's gaze narrowed, his eyes burning into Jake. "Well, Jake," he said, extending a hand. "I'm Reg Montgomery. Lexi's fiancé."

Lexi felt a spark of amusement, watching as Jake's eyebrows shot up. But then he just smiled, shaking Reg's hand. "Jake," he replied. "I already knew about the wedding. Congratulations, you two."

Reg's smile never faltered, but Lexi saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Thanks, man," he said, pulling Lexi closer. "We're pretty excited. Lexi here has promised to make me the happiest man alive."

Lexi felt a laugh bubble up in her throat at Reg's over the top words. But as she looked up at him, she saw something genuine in his eyes. Maybe this engagement was starting out as a business deal...but she had a feeling it could become something more.

And as Jake congratulated them again, promising to catch up soon, Lexi realized this was definitely going to be an interesting few days. Her past and her future, colliding in a way she never could have predicted. But as Reg's hand tightened on her hip, as Jake walked away.
As they slid into the back of the car, Reg's eyes locked onto hers. There was a burning intensity in their depths, a possessiveness that made her breath catch. "Never be that close to him again," he rasped, his voice low and husky. "You're mine, only mine."

Lexi felt a shiver run down her spine at his words. No one had ever looked at her like that before, like she was the only woman in the world. And as Reg leaned in, his body crowding hers, Lexi realized she was in trouble.

His mouth found hers, his kiss a hungry demand. Lexi moaned, her head falling back against the seat. She was getting lost in his touch, her desire rising to meet his. His hands roamed down her body, his touch sending shivers through her. And as his fingers found the hem of her dress, Lexi knew she was in danger of losing all control.

"Reg," she gasped, her voice barely a whisper. "We can't...not here."

Reg groaned, his body vibrating with tension. But with a muttered curse, he pulled back, his chest heaving. Lexi watched as he ran a hand through his hair, his eyes never leaving hers.

"You're right," he rasped, his voice low and husky. "I'm sorry. I just...seeing you with him, it made me crazy."

Lexi felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. Maybe this was more than just a business deal for him too. Maybe he really did want her. And as Reg reached for her hand, his touch warm, Lexi realized she was ready to find out.

"It's okay," she said, squeezing his hand. "I'm yours, Reg. Only yours."

Reg's eyes burned into hers, a smile spreading across his face. "Damn right you are," he said, bringing her hand to his lips. "And don't you forget it."

Lexi laughed, feeling a lightness in her chest. Maybe this engagement was starting out as a lie...but she had a feeling it could become the truth. And as the car glided through the city streets, Reg's hand tight in hers, Lexi realized she was ready to take a chance on him. On them.

Bring it on, she thought, smiling over at Reg. I'm ready to play this game...and win.