Talon (Ashes & Embers Book 4) Read Online Free Page B

Kimberly, one of the team assistants who's supposed to keep us all on track, pokes her head in.
    "You doing all right in here? I came to check on you." No , go away. I'm going to escape and become an old cat lady. Quickly stepping in, she closes the door behind her and gives me a big, bright smile. She looks gorgeous today with her dark brown hair in loose waves down her shoulders rather than the tight ponytail I've only ever seen her in the few times we've met.
    I nod and return the smile, although probably not as bright. "You look beautiful, Kim."
    "Hey, I'm supposed to say that to you, silly. And you do. That dress is gorgeous on you."
    "Thank you. I feel very overdressed and kinda fake." I smooth down the white satin dress, which feels heavier by the minute.
    "All brides feel that way. Wedding gowns feel too tight or too flouncy and always too long. I couldn't wait to get mine off when I got married."
    Meeting her eyes, I take a deep breath. "I guess it's my time?"
    "It is."
    "Did the other couples get married already?" I ask, wondering how it went for them, and if they were happy with their matches.
    "They have all married over the past two weeks, and I checked in with each of them earlier today. They are all doing great. You will, too, I promise." She beams at me. "Everyone's ready, so the music will start in about five to ten minutes, cueing you to enter the ceremony room and walk down the aisle. Okay?"
    "Got it." My mouth feels dry and cottony.
    "You're a very lucky girl." Sighing dreamily, she reaches for the door and exits the room.
    I hope her lucky girl comment means that my husband is a great guy. It must, since there's really no other reason for her to make a statement like that with that goofy smile on her face.
    Checking myself once more in the mirror, I smile weakly at my appearance.
    "Okay, time to go be Mrs. Somebody," I whisper to myself and head out into the hallway to stop a few feet away from the closed door of the ceremony room to wait for the wedding march music to start.
    As I stare at the door, my heartbeat quickens and my palms begin to sweat. I grip my bouquet of pink roses tighter.
    Run! There's a door right there! There's a big exit sign over it!
    Stay. The man of your dreams is waiting just on the other side of this door!
    Run, you idiot! This is the dumbest thing you've ever done!
    "Nervous?" A deep male voice slams me abruptly out of my crazy headspace.
    "Huh? Yes. I am," I clear my throat and turn to see a tall, broad-shouldered guy with a dark ponytail, deep brown eyes, and a five-o'clock shadow. He's got an alluring aura about him I can't quite put my finger on, but I have to force myself to break eye contact.
    "That's normal," he says. "It's a big step."
    "It is." I turn back to the door.
    "You're not thinking of walkin' down that aisle alone, are ya?"
    My jaw grinds involuntarily. "Yes, I am." Go away.
    "Would you allow me the honor, then?" He extends his arm to me with a smile, and I give him a look like he's gone mad.
    "Oh…um…I can't let you do that. I don't even know you."
    He winks at me. "Asher Valentine, your future brother-in-law."
    Holy shit. His brother. My husband’s brother. "Oh! I'm so sorry. Nice to meet you. I'm Asia. Asia Jenson."
    He holds his arm out to me again, and I nervously hook mine through it, causing him to smile.
    "I can't let my little brother's future wife walk to him alone, now can I?"
    Why can't I have a father to do this with me? Or a sweet older brother like this guy?
    Tears well up in my eyes while I think of my parents, who were never parents at all, and a brother who used me.
    Asher leans close to me and whispers in my ear. "No worries, Asia. You're getting the family you always wanted."
    Before I can reply, the music starts, the doors open, and we drift down the aisle like we're in a dream. I feel as if I'm outside my body, watching myself, disconnected. Everyone turns to watch us come down the aisle. On the left, my side, are a few couples I don't