* * *
Standing at the full-length mirror in the bedroom, I looked into the reflection at the man behind me. He was absolutely panty-melting in his custom suit and a new tie, one that matched my red dress. It had been in the Saks Fifth Avenue bag. Understandably, my attention had been drawn to the high-heeled shoes I now wore.
My hair was fashioned up in a much more stylish hairdo than my earlier messy bun. I was freshly showered and freshly fucked—not completely in that order. Neither of those points may be obvious to anyone else at my parents’ party but I didn’t care. I knew them and so did Van.
His gaze met mine in the mirror as he zipped the back of the gown. “You are a vision, Julia. I look forward to unzipping this later tonight.”
“I’m going to make you wait until next year before you can do that.”
He kissed my neck. “It will be worth the wait.” Van reached for my left hand. It wasn’t the ring he was inspecting but my wrist.
“I told you that satin was more forgiving.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
I spun until I was facing him. “I do love you, Van. I want everyone to know that.” Before he could respond, I added, “Kiss me before I put on lipstick.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
My eyes closed as his embrace encircled me, pulling my breasts against his solid chest. Even though I would rather be in our cabin, I knew I could attend this gathering for one reason—because of the man at my side. He continued to tell me how strong I am, but I know it’s not all me. It’s what Van does to me and how he has empowered me in a way that never existed.
After Van contacted Michael, the driver who he’d apparently hired for our indefinite stay, he asked, “Did you learn anything about the balloon payment?”
“I did.”
“You did?”
“I think it’s important. Later, will you look at a correspondence chain I found? I’d like your opinion.”
“Correspondence between whom?” Van asked.
“A bank officer assigned to Wade’s account.”
“And Marlin?”
I shook my head, the answer adding to my unease about tonight’s gathering. “My mom.”