The ALLURE of CHOCOLATE

CHAPTER 5: "I do"

Briah stood at the threshold of the grand cathedral, her heart pounding in her chest as she awaited her cue to walk down the aisle. Nerves gnawed at her insides, threatening to consume her with their relentless intensity. But amidst the chaos of her thoughts, one mantra echoed in her mind like a beacon of light in the darkness – it's for Noah.

As the music swelled and the doors swung open, Briah took a deep breath and began her descent down the aisle. All around her, eyes turned to gaze upon her, but she saw nothing but the blurred shapes of faces, their expressions lost in a haze of anticipation and anxiety.

And then, she saw him – James, her husband-to-be, waiting at the end of the aisle with an intensity that stole her breath away. Tall and commanding, with eyes that pierced straight through her soul, he was the epitome of masculinity, a vision of strength and power that left her mesmerized.

For a moment, time stood still as their eyes met, an electric current sparking between them, binding them together in a silent pact that transcended words. In that fleeting moment, Briah saw herself reflected in James's gaze, her fears and doubts melting away in the heat of his unwavering stare.

As they exchanged vows and sealed their union with a kiss, Briah felt a sense of peace wash over her, as if she had finally found her place in the world. But their moment of bliss was short-lived, shattered by the sound of gunfire echoing through the cathedral like a thunderclap.

Panic erupted as chaos descended upon the wedding party, guests scrambling for cover as bullets tore through the air with deadly precision. But amidst the turmoil, Briah's thoughts remained fixed on one thing – Noah.

With a steely determination, James sprang into action, his instincts honed by years of navigating the dangerous underworld he called home. He shielded Briah with his own body, his arms wrapping protectively around her as he led her to safety.

In that moment, Briah realized the depth of James's devotion, his willingness to risk everything to protect her, to keep her safe from harm. And as they huddled together in the shelter of a nearby alcove, she knew that she had found in him a protector, a guardian, and a partner for life.

For James, there was only one thought that consumed his mind amidst the chaos – Briah. She was his everything, his reason for being, and he would move heaven and earth to keep her safe. In that moment, he made a silent vow to himself – he would burn New York City to the ground if it meant protecting his new wife.

As the echoes of gunfire faded into the distance and the dust began to settle, Briah and James emerged from the chaos, their bond stronger than ever. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their love and their determination to overcome the shadows that threatened to tear them apart.

"I can't hide while my brother is out there. I need to find him." And with that they went back into the crossfire they just escaped.

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Chaos reigned supreme as Briah frantically searched through the pandemonium for any sign of her younger brother, Noah. The once elegant wedding venue was now a battlefield, with screams and gunfire echoing off the walls, shattering the air with deafening intensity. But amidst the cacophony of chaos, Briah's thoughts remained focused on one thing – finding Noah.

With James by her side, every step she took was a calculated risk, his presence a reassuring anchor in the midst of the storm. He moved with a deadly grace, his gun blazing as he dispatched intruders with lethal precision, clearing a path for Briah to follow.

As they navigated through the maze of overturned tables and shattered glass, Briah's heart raced with a mixture of fear and determination. She knew that time was of the essence, that every passing moment brought them closer to danger. But she refused to give in to despair, clinging to the hope that she would find Noah alive and unharmed.

And then, she saw him – her precious brother, curled up under a table, his eyes wide with terror as he trembled in fear. Without hesitation, Briah rushed to his side, gathering him into her arms and showering him with kisses, her relief palpable as she held him close.

"Noah, oh Noah, you're safe now," Briah whispered, her voice choked with emotion as tears streamed down her cheeks. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the two of them, bound together by a love that transcended the chaos surrounding them.

But their moment of reunion was short-lived, as James approached them with a sense of urgency, his expression grave as he surveyed the scene before him. "We need to go, Briah," he said, his voice low and urgent. "It's not safe here."

Reluctantly tearing herself away from Noah's embrace, Briah nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of the situation. She knew that they had to leave, that staying any longer would only invite further danger.

With James leading the way, they made their way through the chaos, stepping over fallen bodies and dodging stray bullets as they went. Finally, they reached the safety of a secluded alcove, where Ryder, James's trusted second-in-command, awaited them.

"Ryder," James said, his voice firm and commanding. "Take Briah and Noah to my mansion. Get them out of here, now."

Ryder nodded, his expression grim as he surveyed the scene before him. "Understood, boss," he replied, his tone terse with the weight of their predicament. Without further ado, he ushered Briah and Noah towards a waiting helicopter, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger.

As they climbed aboard, Briah couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. She knew that James had other plans, that he intended to stay behind and deal with whoever had dared to ruin their wedding.

But as the helicopter lifted off into the sky, carrying them away from the chaos below, Briah couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards James. Despite the danger and uncertainty that lay ahead, she knew that they were in good hands, that James would stop at nothing to protect them from harm.

And as they soared through the air towards the safety of James's mansion, Briah clung to Noah with renewed determination, her heart filled with hope for the future. Whatever trials lay ahead, she knew that they would face them together, united in their unwavering resolve to overcome whatever obstacles stood in their way.

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