The heavy double doors of the Grand Pavilion clicked shut behind Jake, Aliya, and Catharine, cutting off the tense hum of the wedding hall.
Outside in the cool evening air, the courtyard was lined with high-end luxury sedans, valets standing at attention by the stone pillars. Kovacs held the rear door open for Aliya, while Elias held the passenger side for Catharine.
Jake stood on the top step for a moment, adjusting his collar as the night breeze cleared the lingering smell of expensive perfume and spilled scotch from his lungs.
"Jake?" Aliya called gently from inside the car.
"I'm right here," Jake said, sliding into the leather back seat beside her.
As Kovacs closed the door and the Maybach glided down the private driveway, Catharine turned around from the front seat. "You were incredible back there, Al. You didn't flinch once."
