BROKEN COURAGE (Broken Redemption Book 3)

Chapter 64

James

(Lucas and Emilia's Wedding Reception)

As I sit at the bar, the soft glow of string lights and flickering candles fills the room, casting a cozy warmth over the large space. Shadow Falls Resort's rustic charm is in full effect tonight—the wooden beams arching above are strung with tiny lights that twinkle like stars. The air is thick with the earthy scent of pine, softened by the floral perfume of the lush flower arrangements on every table. Around me, quiet conversations flow, glasses clink, and a soft, steady stream of music drifts in the background, layered by bursts of laughter and the occasional pop of champagne.

It's a beautiful reception. The kind of night that feels charged with hope, where everyone seems connected, caught up in something bigger than themselves. Couples look at each other like they've won the lottery of love, like there's nowhere else they'd rather be. And then there's Lucas and Emilia—standing in the middle of it all, looking at each other with that quiet, unbreakable bond they've earned after the hell they've both been through and survived. Even I can admit they deserve this. Every single bit of this beautiful day.

But me? I'm just sitting here, brooding like a damn fool, nursing my whiskey as if it's the answer to my problems.

Which it isn't.

Because no matter how hard I try, my eyes keep drifting back to the one person who has the power to completely fuck with my head—Annelly. Or, more precisely, the guy with his hand splayed across her lower back, like he owns the right to guide her from one conversation to the next. He's all smug in his fancy tux, marking his territory, fingers pressed against her bare skin as if he has any business being that close to her. And it's driving me insane.

I take a long sip, the burn of the whiskey doing nothing to dull the sharp pang in my chest. She's barely said two words to me all day, and yet... when we walked down the aisle together, her hand resting on my arm, I felt that unmistakable spark, the one that never fails to light between us. And though she acted like she didn't notice, I could tell by the way her breath hitched, and how her fingers tensed just slightly before she finally relaxed, she felt it, too. I know she did.

But ever since then, she's been avoiding me like I've got the plague. And now there she is, smiling at something he said, and I fucking hate it. Hate the way he leans into her space, whispering soft words into her ear in that intimate way people who are close to one another do. All I keep thinking is that it should be me. Hell, it used to be me. But I pushed her away, and now, with every look, every touch, it feels like I'm paying the price for that mistake. With the way my chest aches, I may just have to leave before their infuriating display of affection literally kills me.

"Let me guess, you're just over here reflecting on the beauty of love?" Zeb's voice breaks through my downward spiral. I look over to find him standing beside me, his usual sarcastic grin firmly in place.

"Something like that," I mutter, setting the glass down harder than I intend. The ice clinks against the sides in a satisfying sound, but it does nothing to settle the storm brewing inside me.

Zeb follows my gaze to Annelly and her date, one eyebrow quirking up. "Well, just let me know if we're throwing down tonight. I'd rather not ruin this tux if I can help it. This fancy setup cost me a fortune."

I snort, shaking my head. "No one's fighting."

"Right, because you've been staring at that guy like he kicked your puppy, and he's looking at you like he's planning your funeral. What's the deal, man?" He leans over the bar, signaling the bartender. "You've been in a shit mood since the ceremony, and now here you are, sulking through a perfectly good party. Normally, you'd be out there chasing tail, but instead, you're glued to that spot, watching her like a lovesick teenager and shooting daggers at her date. And for the record, that look is not exactly intimidating. More like... tragically pathetic."