Throughout the wedding ceremony, my eyes had a mind of their own. They kept shifting away from the bride and groom and over to the man sitting on the other side of Hannah-Ian-the one man who's been making sure to make my life as miserable as possible these last couple of weeks. Besides my father, I can't seem to get Ian off my mind, and I can't stop thinking or dreaming about him.

I tried being discreet about looking over at Ian, but it seemed like every time I looked at Ian out of the corner of my eye, I'd catch both him and the guy sitting next to Ian eyeing me. And not only would the guy next to Ian wink and smirk at me, but Ian was, too.

I wasn't sure who the guy next to Ian was, but because of how he's sitting between Ian and Ian's mother, how he looks similar to Ian, and how he's just as handsome as Ian, I'm going to assume it's Hannah and Ian's brother. The thing is, the more I look at him, the more familiar he seems to me.

Curious as to who he was, I leaned to Hannah's ear, quietly asking, "Who's the guy sitting next to Ian? Is that your other brother?"

"He is," she whispered. "That's my brother Arnie. Why?"

My eyes slowly flickered up, hoping to catch another glimpse of him. "Because I've seen him before, I'm just not sure where," I whispered, quickly looking away from them and over to the bride and groom the second I saw their eyes lock on mine.

Hannah leaned to my ear, whispering, "Arnie lives in Minneapolis. Since you're also from there, maybe you two crossed paths at one point."

"Yeah, maybe..."

With all the different jobs I've had since coming home from college, I suppose seeing him at one of them could be very well possible. The only thing is, I remember Hannah mentioning he worked for Ian. And the only place of Ian's I've been to is the resort.

I didn't feel like racking my brain over something as petty such as that, especially during one of the most beautiful moments of a wedding, and shrugged it off while focusing back on the lovely couple saying their sacred vows. Although, while listening to their I do's, I found myself eying the most spectacular cathedral I've ever been in, and one I've always been curious to see. The interior walls displaying black and gold marble, the beautiful stained glass and rose-colored windows catching the natural light-lighting the area beautifully, along with the gorgeous bronze grills surrounding the altar, and the angels resting on the pillars, had me sitting here in awe. It also kept my mind from thinking about Ian.

The moment the ceremony ended and the newlyweds exited the sanctuary, I, too, was quick to leave the area and headed outside to get some air, avoid Ian, and walk around the churchyard gardens.

As I stood outside, looking up at the sky and watching the clouds roll in, my breathing hitched and the hairs on my arms stood tall when someone approached me from behind and leaned over my shoulder, their hot breath fanning my skin as he said, "You're really fucking stunning, you know that?"

At first, I thought it was Ian, but then realized it wasn't his voice and turned around. It wasn't Ian; it was another man I had seen Ian talking to before the wedding started, one of the groomsmen. Feeling flattered, I smiled, politely saying, "Thank you."

"You're very welcome," he nodded, smirking. Then extended his hand towards me. "I'm Wyatt, and you are?"

I shook his hand. "Tawny."

With a curious look in his eye, he asked, "I've never seen you before. Who are you here with?"

"Hannah Lockwood. Her boyfriend had something else to attend to, so she brought me as her plus one."

His lips curved upward, smiling widely. "Ah, my beautiful and very outspoken cousin Hannah." His eyes wandered away from mine, looking around behind me. "Where is she, anyway? I haven't seen her in months."

I looked behind me, hoping to see her looking for me. "I needed some fresh air and left her inside with her mom and brothers."

"Hey, Wyatt! It's picture time!" one of the groomsmen called out as they walked by.

"Well, I better get going. I thought I'd come by, say hello, and invite you to dance later in the evening."

I suppose a dance couldn't hurt. After all, I'm single. At a wedding, and wearing a dress, Hannah insisted I wear, with hopes to draw men's attention to not just the bride, but to me.

If I didn't know any better, Hannah is most likely doing everything she can to make Ian jealous and to hook up Ian and me.

"Sure, I'd like that," I said, noticing Ian out of the corner of my eye, standing next to a tree and intensely watching our interaction.

"Great, see you later," Wyatt winked.

As soon as Wyatt took off, Ian headed my way, and he looked angry. So, to avoid getting into an argument with him at one of the worst places possible, I ignored his evil glare and began walking back towards the cathedral.

"Tawny, wait!" Ian yelled, causing me to walk faster. "Tawny!" he yelled again.

My eyes rolled. I stopped walking, spun around, and then snapped, "What?"

He sprinted towards me, and all I could think about was here we go, we're going to argue about the stupidest shit in front of God and Ian's entire family.

"What are you doing here?"

"What's it look like I'm doing? If you haven't noticed, I'm attending a wedding," I quipped.

"Obviously," he mocked, "I mean, why are you here, at my cousin's wedding? You don't know them."

"If it makes you feel better, call me a wedding crasher then," I hissed, gripping my hips. "But if you really want to know why I'm here, then I'll have you know; Hannah asked that I come along and be her date for the night."

A sigh escaped his lips as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Even though I knew you'd be here, with you most likely harassing me all night, I wasn't going to turn down her invite. Mostly because I don't get out much and felt it would be fun to attend a beautiful wedding such as this one."

He lowered his head, shaking it. "I'm not going to harass you all night," he assured nicely, slowly sweeping me as he raised his head. His eyes locked back to mine. "You look stunning, by the way."

Wow. A compliment for once.

"You mean you're not going to ridicule me for what I'm wearing? I'm shocked..."

His eyes lowered to my chest and said, "Well, if you want me to be honest, then I'll tell you now that I'm not all that fond about your breasts being out in the open for my entire family to see." He looked down to the side of my dress. "Including the split from your hips on either side of your dress, showing your entire legs. Are you even wearing panties?"

I knew the compliment from Ian wouldn't last long. "Wouldn't you like to know?" I hissed.

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know... so, are you?"

"Of course, I've got panties on! They're called thongs, you dummy!" I snarled a little too loudly. "I'm going back inside before you get me more worked up. Now do me a favor. Since I came to have some fun for once, I'm going to ask that you leave me alone for the rest of the night."

I spun on my heel, lost my balance, and before I tumbled to the ground, Ian caught me. He chuckled and said, "Slow down there, woman. The wedding reception goes on until midnight."

"Get your hands off me," I groaned, assisting his hands away by shaking my shoulders.

He removed his hands, and as I started walking away, he asked, "Is the offer still on the table?"

"What offer?"

"The one you keep begging that I do," he partially enlightened, following me closely as we walked up the stairs.

I stopped, turned my head, and furrowed my brows. "What the hell are you talking about?"

His left eye sparkled brightly above his devilish smirk. "You know, the one where you keep telling me to kiss your ass. And because you're wearing the type of dress you are, the access to your ass is easily accessible to make that happen. And since you say you're wearing a thong, I'm more than willing to kiss those bare cheeks," he said, wiggling his brows up and down fast.

My mouth fell.

His eyes lowered to my mouth, and then he chuckled while resting his finger underneath my chin. "You're more than welcome to do that, too. But not right now; the reception is to start shortly," he said, lifting my chin to close my mouth.

"You're an asshole," I huffed, then looked over his shoulder when I heard a bunch of voices nearing us. "You're lucky there are people around. Otherwise, I'd deck you square in the nose."

"Promises. Promises," Ian snickered. "After you," he grinned, extending his hand forward.

It took all my energy not to slap Ian across the face. Instead, I ignored his comments and stomped the rest of the way up the stairs, quickly opening the door and hurrying inside, letting the door close on Ian.

My heels were loudly clicking, echoing the area as I hurried across the gorgeous marble flooring, wishing to be as far away from Ian as possible and not wanting anyone thinking he and I are a couple.

As soon as I saw Hannah and her mother, I hurried over to them. "Thank God, you're standing right here. I wasn't sure where I was supposed to go next."

Hannah looked around me and smiled. "I'm sure Ian would have helped you."

I let out a frustrated sigh as my eyes shot up towards the ceiling. "Ian's the last person I need to show me where to go right now. You should have heard him talking to me just a little bit ago."

"Ian, are you being rude to Tawny again?"

"Nope. Just being honest with her," he grinned, looking at me when he spoke.

"I can only imagine what was said," Hannah groaned. "Can't you be nice just this once? We're at a wedding, for crying out loud!"

"Relax, Hannah. I was nice. I even complimented her on her dress," he said proudly.

"Yeah," I mocked. "First, Ian compliments me on my dress, and then he went back to the same Ian I've come to know quite well," I hissed.

"Ian Preston Lockwood," his mother scolded, angrily pointing at him. "Tawny didn't come here for you to continue with your childish behavior. Grow up. You're thirty years old for crying out loud!"

His hands raised, palms facing his mother. "Woah. Woah. Whoa..." he exhaled, then got defensive. "It's not what you think. First, I told her how stunning she looked, and then she asked how I really felt about her dress. Instead of telling her how badly I want to rip off her dress to show her a good time, I informed her that I didn't care how her breasts and legs were out in the open for our family to see."

"Then he asked if I was wearing any panties," I admitted, my cheeks heating in embarrassment. Now I feel like a three-year-old girl tattling on a boy much bigger than me.

"Ian," his mother scolded.

"I was only making sure she's dressed appropriately for the wedding. Because I'm sure she wouldn't want any drunken animals around here chasing after her precious kitty cat later, thinking she's in heat."

My eyes narrowed.

"As I've said before, I'm only looking out for her. You know how our family gets when they drink. Especially Wyatt," Ian scoffed before grabbing Arnie's arm and walking away.

"What's that about?" Hannah asked.

With my eyes on Ian, I shrugged. "I don't know. Ian showed up when I was outside talking to Wyatt. Apparently, I'm not allowed to talk to your cousin either."

Hannah waved her hand across her face. "Ignore him." She entwined her arm around mine, then looked at her mother. "Shall we go find our seats?"

This will be fun, as I'm sure Ian will be at the same table. "Yes, let's find our seats, and then I could use a glass of wine. Actually, an entire bottle of wine might be better."

******

Throughout our meal, Ian's eyes were on me—as well as his brother Arnie. And for the life of me, as I sit here, chewing my food, thinking of every place I've been and had worked recently, I still cannot figure out where I've seen him before. Curiosity finally got to me, so I swallowed the last of the remnants in my mouth, laid my fork on top of my plate, then dabbed the napkin over my mouth as I looked across the table at Arnie. "Have we met before?"

Arnie looked to his left at his mother, then looked to his right at Ian. And then he looked at me, pointing at himself. "Me? Are you asking if we've met before?"

My eyes rolled from his to Ian, then back to Arnie. "Yes. You look familiar to me, and I've been trying to figure out where I know you from."

"Minneapolis is a big city, so I'm sure at some point in time, we could have met somewhere."

Hmm.

"Have you been to the resort within these last couple of weeks?"

He shook his head. "No, I haven't been there at all this summer. I've been busy keeping up with the boss's demands," he snickered. "On top of that, since Ian seems to be more worried about the resort lately, he's got me working my ass off by doing his job down here."

Ain't that the truth. Hannah claimed he wasn't at the resort much. But since I started working there, he's been there damn near every day. "Ian never mentioned to me about any of the other businesses he owns. Hannah mentioned the art museum, which I find amazing as hell since I'm into art, but she wasn't sure about the other one. So now you have me curious, and I'm thinking that's how I know you. Maybe I've been to one of the other establishments he owns. What else do you own, Ian?" I curiously asked, looking away from Arnie and over to Ian.

For some strange reason, Ian suddenly looked rattled. And then I noticed the coloring of his eyes darkening.

Now I know why.

"Are you ready for that dance you promised?"

I looked up, saw it was Wyatt, and smiled, knowing he's the reason for Ian's sudden facial expression changes. Well, Ian. Let see how much you meant by your admissions the other night.

I looked over at Hannah, and as I looked at her, I focused on Ian from the corner of my eye. "You wouldn't mind if I left the table to dance with this handsome guy, would you?"

Hannah's lips twitched into a mischievous smile. Now I know for sure. This is why she wanted me to come along with her. She brought me along to mess with Ian's mind. "No, not at all! Go on and have fun! That's why you're here, right?"

"Excuse me," I said, avoiding Ian as I took Wyatt's hand.

Wyatt's hand found the small of my back as we headed toward the dance floor, and it was a bit lower than where I'd like it to be. But because Ian hasn't surrendered or begged for the game, he started between us to end, and I'll continue playing his game. Primarily because I never raise the white flag unless I know I've won the fight or competition.

"So, are you and Ian an item?" Wyatt asked as he took hold of my hand and swung me into his body.

"Ian? Why do you ask?"

"Because I know Ian. And the look he gave me was one I've seen many times before."

"What look was that?"

"The look of wanting to kill me for wanting to dance with his girl," Wyatt said with a smirk. "And if looks could kill, I'd be dead right now."

"Why do you say that?" I innocently asked. "Because as much as Ian likes to think so, I'm far from being his girl."

He arched one brow high and the other brow low. "Are you sure about that? Because he was giving me the stink eye when I was talking to you earlier outside, and he's doing it again as we dance right now."

"Yes, I'm sure. Ian thinks I'm his girl, but I'm not. So because I feel that you're going to continue with the questions, I'll fill you in a little more about Ian and me. Ian and I have a history. And it's not a good one. I'm the one he got in an accident with, and now he thinks he owns me." Wyatt's eyes widened. "Yes, that was me who Ian claims totaled his precious Lamborghini. And now that I work at a resort I didn't know was his, he's been making my life a living hell since I started there."

"You're the one he told everyone to stay away from!" Wyatt shouted, still looking surprised. "Saying you'll be his."

I felt my ears and cheek heat, and then I furrowed my brows. "Excuse me? When did he say that?"

Wyatt chuckled, swung me out, then twirled me back to him, grinning from ear to ear. "He's been saying that ever since the accident. So are you telling me he hasn't even approached you about being his girl?"

I thought back to the other night and what Ian admitted to me. He did admit to being jealous of me hanging out and talking with other men. He admitted to getting mad for me dancing with a guy that isn't him, was curious about how I feel about him, and he also admitted he was scared to get hurt again and scared I didn't feel the same way as he does about me.

Ian may have spilled his heart the other night, but he never once asked me to be his girl. All he did that night was admit how he felt about me. So I'm not exactly sure how to answer Wyatt's question.

"Not that I know of," I said unsurely.

Wyatt lifted my arm, then twirled me around before pulling me in his arms. "Well, I should fill you in on some things about Ian when he wants something—he gets. When Ian feels threatened, he becomes territorial, defensive, and possessive. He thrives on women who challenge him. And when Ian wants something he feels he can't have, he'll step up his game by making everyone around him feeling just as miserable as him."

I believe everything Wyatt just said. I've witnessed it and have also been through it. As for Ian thriving on women who challenge him? Well, the same goes for me. I like a good challenge, and Ian has been my best challenge yet.

"Thanks for the warning," I perceived, just as Ian stood beside us, tapping Wyatt on the shoulder.

"Time's up," Ian said gruffly.

Wyatt stepped back, extending his hands toward me. "She's all yours."

"That's right. She is. And I'm glad you acknowledge that," Ian grumbled, grabbing my hand and pulling me to him.

"That was rude of you," I scolded as Ian led us away from Wyatt.

"If you're trying to upset me tonight, it's working," he accused, leading us further away from the other dancing couples.

"Excuse me? How am I trying to upset you? I didn't come here with you! You're not my date tonight! Hannah's my date. And if a guy attending this wedding asks me to dance, I'm not turning them down because my boss wants to claim me as his. To which I am not," I reminded, my eyes narrowing into tiny slits.

Ian tightened his hold around me, leaned to my ear, and said, "Need I remind you, you're mine, sugar lips. How many times do we have to go over this?"

"And I'll remind you of something, too. I'm not yours, you babbling buffoon! So now, let go of me," I demanded, breaking free from his grip and shoving him away from me.

There's no way I'm taking Ian's crap tonight. Not tonight. Not in front of all these people who I don't know. And who Ian's related to. If he wants to make himself look like an ass in front of them, he can. But I'm not. I refuse to allow him to make me look like a fool in front of his family. And because I felt my gloves come off, I stormed off the dance floor before my fists found Ian's face and before the referee came in, separating us and shoving us into the penalty box.

I didn't make it very far, either. Just as I stepped off the dance floor, a pair of hands gripped my hips, and the next thing I knew, I was swept into the air and thrown over Ian's shoulder. "We're leaving," he snapped.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!!❤❤