It’s true.
Everyone is having a good time, while I sit here all alone, watching life pass me by.
“If getting stinking drunk is off the menu, then what would you like to do?”
“What do you mean?” I ask, confused, turning my head to face him at last.
The beaming triumphant smile that crests his lips should have me on high alert, but surprisingly, it doesn’t. I can see how Shay is able to snare his prey so easily. His smile alone is disarming.
“There must be something we can do to remedy the shitty time you’ve been having tonight. I mean, do you really want to look back on your wedding day and only remember how bored you were?”
“This is a transaction. Not exactly a cause for celebration.”
“You’re right,” he replies somewhat regretfully, as if only now remembering the circumstances that brought me to Boston in the first place. “Perdóname.”
I shrug off his apology.
“It is what it is. I’ve made peace with it,” I lie, turning my attention back to the party in front of me.
“Hmm,” he mumbles unconvinced. “Even so, you’ll only get married once. Which means this is all you’ve got, petal. Might as well make the most of it.”
I’m not sure what troubles me more. Shay wanting to salvage my night by imposing his glass half-full mentality on me, or his insistence on calling me petal. I’m about to chastise him for the ludicrous nickname and remind him of acceptable decorum, when I let out an unladylike shriek the minute Shay grabs the chair beneath me and turns it towards him.
“Nuh huh,” he reprimands, shaking his head while his hands grip the sides of my chair, his body leaning too close for comfort to mine. “Let’s imagine this is a happy occasion. That you have just married your prince charming and that everyone you love is here.”
I open my mouth to lecture him on the absurdity of his statement, but close it shut and widen my eyes when he has the audacity of pressing one lone finger to my lips.
“Just do it, Rosa. Come on. Name one thing you always imagined yourself doing on your wedding day. Just one thing and then I’ll leave you alone. Promise.”
“I don’t need your pity,” I rebuke coldly, leaning as far away from him as I can.
“Good, because you don’t have it. Now answer my question. All little girls fantasize about their wedding day. So don’t tell me there isn’t one thing you envisioned yourself doing today. I’m not buying it.”
All the humor in his expression has been stripped away, leaving only a man resolute in his mission. My nose crinkles and my shoulders slump as I turn my head away from him and watch the cheerful crowd laugh and dance the night away.
“I… um… I would have liked to dance at my wedding. At least once.”
I don’t have to look at Shay to see that his victorious smile has returned.
“That’s it? Just one dance?”
I nod shyly, hating that I’ve let him see such silly vulnerability in me.
“Then if that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get,” he states, but before he’s able to stand from his chair, I hold onto his wrist to stop him.
When his gaze zones in on my fingers on his skin, I quickly remember myself and pull them away. I swallow the lump in my throat as he waits for me to explain why I stopped him.
“Why are you being so nice to me?”
“I’m a nice guy. Just ask anyone,” he jokes lightheartedly.
“That’s not what I’ve heard.”
“Your brother’s opinion of me doesn’t count.”
To me, his is the only opinion that ever has.
“I’m being serious, Shay. Why do you even care? I’m no one to you.”
He takes a bit to think about it, his happy-go-lucky expression turning serious once again.
“You want the truth?”
“Si.”
“Because I need to believe that someone in Vegas is showing my kid sister the same kindness right now.”
The rough chain of steel that had been tightening its hold around my heart since I stepped foot on U.S. soil suddenly gives way and loosens. My own self-pity goggles lift from my eyes, and for the first time tonight, when I turn my attention to the Kelly family feasting amongst the joyful crowd, I see pain hidden behind their smiles.
I watch my husband camouflage his sadness over his absent sister by surrounding himself with his men and drinking the night away. I notice how Colin stands guard on the side, vigilantly watching his fearless leader, making sure no outside threat can harm him while he drowns his sorrows.
I remember how Niall Kelly refused to look at me. How his wife, Saoirse, was only able to say a couple of words to me, since my presence must be a painful reminder of the daughter they lost to the treaty.
And last but not least, sits Shay in front of me, who throughout the whole night has been trying to keep his hands and mind busy and away from his sister’s fate by seeking warmth in any woman’s arms.
The Kellys may be savage beasts like my brother had forewarned, but even an animal is capable of feeling the pains of love and loss. It’s Shay’s raw honesty that has me conceding to his wishes.
“One dance,” I say at last.
His wide smile is immediate.
“One dance,” he agrees. “Just give me two seconds,” he says before rushing off to the DJ on the other side of the room.
I try not to fidget in my seat while I wait for his return.
But when he does, I can’t help how my heart flutters in my chest when he offers me his hand.
“May I have this dance?”
“How can I say no to such a request?”
Virgen de Guadalupe, ayúdame.
Chapter 7
Tiernan
“Shay has sure gone and done it now,” I hear one of my men say behind me.
“Can’t see a pretty lass and not put his hands on her. Shame,” another one utters critically.