Rio

In front of the full length mirror, I observe myself standing in the third suit I've tested; it's luxurious black fabric cool under my fingertips as I brush down the fine collar.

I quickly connect my tongue with my lips for moisture before my lips curve themselves, and I prepare to turn around.

"Nah I don't agree with the red tie." I start, now facing Chris. "It kinda overcomes the handkerchief, yeah?" I add, cocking an eyebrow.

He's sitting on a high class sofa piece - that fits well with everything else in the centre of Luxury, Suit & Tie Inc.. My brother returns a smug smirk in sync of his instant once over.

While the grin refuses to falter he scratches his shaved chin, black eyes still observant. "You should stick with the burgundy." He suggests. I turn around again, glimpsing through the clear mirror to see my best boy shrug. "But yeah, that shade of red is too bright. Definitely throws off the handkerchief."

My mouth quirks up a ton, before sounding a low chuckle. Shortly after though, I feel the seriousness of my expression kick in, as the muscles outside my jaw tighten. I scan over my tall figure in the suit while loosening the bright red tie around my tattooed neck.

I let it fall to the marbled floor, before Chris tosses me the burgundy one I've tried on a couple times before.

Clearing my throat, I equip this one on, later tightening the deep red fabric around my neck. I gotta say this is the finest I've dressed. And that's what I was looking for.

What's in eight days is too important to disappoint her. And last time I checked the colors are white and burgundy anyway. Plus... I do look good.

I form a cocky grin, glimpsing over my shoulder a moment. "How's this?" I ask 'em, facing ahead at the mirror again.

"My boy looks like he's ready to fess up those vows." Chris hops off the sofa to make his way over. I shake my head even when the grin doesn't fade, turning around to him once again.

His broad figure stops a few feet from me, and we stand in silence before chuckling simultaneously - he pulls me in for a brotherly take-in.

"More than ready brother," I say when either of us go to pull away. Chris watches me with a congratulated smile.

"I'm excited for you, man." He says. But just before I can deliver 'em a thank you, my best boy nudges my arm before starting in his tracks again. "You ready for lunch?"

Not even an hour later down the line, I'm back in my black hoodie again, seated at one of the mall's food court tables - Chris munchin' fast on fries across from me.

I shoot him a raised eyebrow, bringing my order of soda up to my face. "Those good?" I lick my lips quick, "you might wanna slow down, wouldn't wanna pop a button on your new tux." I point, swallowing down the caffeine and earning a sudden glare in return from 'em.

My smirk then defeats me.

I demolish another sip of my drink before bringing the styrofoam cup back to the tabletop, and gaining muscular tension to harden my jaw again. I check my watch.

"Alright we've been here for a good thirty don't you think?" I exhale, looking to my boy while he munches on more fries again.

Chris only raises his broad shoulders momentarily for them to drop down again; nothing but a careless shrug to straighten my solemn face even more.

This has happened quite a bit before, this developing impatience. And I know why it's there. Chris does too.

I want to see her.

I've been out all morning, and from the way it's looking it'll be til noon. But I'm not the biggest fan of spare time when it comes to not spending it with Victoria.

Parting ways today was just the essential plan: she had to go dress shoppin' with Blondie, I had to do similar business with Chris. Though I gotta admit, my boy sticking around for this, for me - it was pleasant. I'm glad he's here.

But my high intention on seeing my fiancé is my first priority.

Suddenly, and overly unexpected, the empty spot next to Chris becomes occupied. As does the one next to me. One middle aged brunette claims Chris's side, already beginning in her task and gawking at 'em. I notice the shoulders beneath his white t-shirt slightly tense.

My dark brown eyes lazily peel over to her friend beside me; this one's blonde waves brushing against my sleeve while her blue eyes gaze. And she begins by the obnoxious click of her tongue.

"So what are you two fine gentlemen doing?" The young blonde questions, batting her eyelashes up at me.

"Eating." I answer her blandly. I bring the cup up to my mouth again, plastering a slight frown as I raise my eyebrows. "Yeah me and my boy here decided to go for lunch after we finished our business." I add on casually.

"Business?" The one brunette trails, throwing me a glance from across the table. I firmly nod my head.

"Oh just shoppin'. You two know of that, right?" I point between either of the two females, steady with escalated eyebrows.

"Except it was suit shoppin'. For my wedding." I then clench my jaw, settling my dark brown eyes on the blonde next to me. The set of blue eyes that once held a flare of light no longer stages luminosity.

I take a good sip of my soda, and bring the cup back down again. The blonde scoffs, before hopping off her seat. Her brunette friend soon follows behind - thankfully.

I fix my hood halfway over my head before I lean over the table. And before I can speak again on ditching, Chris's thick brows are raised in admiration.

"Savage." Is all he says alongside a smirk, before we finally head out.

--

Back leaned against the light grey painted wall of our kitchen, I watch Victoria pour two glasses of tequila. Her brown waves are pinned up in a carefree bun; thin and weightless loose strands just barely touching the color flooding within her cheeks.

She's wearing her favorite floral shirt with jeans; the shirt's solid black fabric barely hidden behind the pastel pink and white flowers that showcase all across it.

I love her in that shirt.

And she's swaying her hips to the rhythm of a slow and unfamiliar song that's playing lowly in the back. The sight of her in such a mood calls for an entertained grin to form.

"You know the mood a nice cold glass of tequila gets me in." She begins, bringing me over a glass as she holds her own in the other hand. I cluelessly bite down on my lip, watching her walk over towards me.

And I meet her halfway, once the excitement is far too unbearable. I take my gift of tequila from her hands, already leaning into her. The alluring scent of her cherry blossom perfume washes over me.

"Did you find your dress?" I ask her, seconds before pressing my lips on hers gently. I can feel her smile while her soft lips are on mine.

"Maybe..." She giggles - sending me some electrifying surge when I feel her hands plant across my chest. As her mouth is just centimeters from mine, I lick my lips - my tongue just barely brushing against the set of lips I'm urged to captivate again.

"Did you get your tux?" She asks me in return, staying close while she shelters a sip of her cold tequila. I feel my lips twitch.

"Maybe..." I answer huskily, taking one sip of the alcohol myself before sitting the glass on the kitchen island's surface.

My dark brown eyes cluelessly scan across Victoria's face; her own blazing light brown eyes piercing mine while my lips are quirked up.

Then I bring a hand up to tuck away some loose strands of hers I had been noticed, soon fixating on her bold eyes again.

"I'm ready, darlin'." I whisper, taking her blushed cheek into the palm of my hand. "I'll always be down for spending the rest of my days with you, in case you forgot."

I watch Victoria's eyes settle down on my lips. And she purses her soft lips to hide a sheepish smile, but she fails at holding it back.

Just as I form a grin in return of her cuteness, her sexiness, she leans up on her tippy toes to capture my craving lips on hers.

I kiss Victoria back, hard and deeply - my traveling hands venturing to grip either side of her curvy waist. I pull her into me while I hear her sit her glass of tequila down herself, only to use her free hands to tangle her fingers through my hair.

I devour the set of lips that left me speechless countless times, and hold onto the perfect body that shelters the heart I'll soon be pinning eternal vows on.

---

This was adorbs.

#rioappreciation

Q: Favorite part of this chapter?

I'll be updating chapter 70 soon, loves!! Can you believe it?! 70 CHAPTERS AND ONGOING!!! We're doing this!!!

Love you guys!

Much love,

xx