Shaking myself out of that train of thought, I grinned at my reflection and winked, knowing the past was behind me. It had taken time, but once I got there, nothing could be better in the world than knowing you felt comfortable and confident in your own skin. If you couldn’t love yourself, then how could anyone else? I mean, if I wanted that sort of thing.
Padding my way down the stairs, I spotted Ryker leaning on the second-floor landing. His eyes grew wide as he took me in from head to toe with desire and sadness in his gaze when he met mine. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to crash your night. I just wanted to apologize for how I acted earlier. You’re right, I don’t have any say in what you do or who you spend time with. Guess I was so excited to finally have you back in my life that I didn’t think about how you would view my leaving.”
“Thank you for the apology, you have quite a few more left to make before I’m ready to consider forgiving you, but it’s a start,” I offered, not wanting to deal with more drama. I’d had quite enough of that for one night, thank you very much.
“Have fun tonight and stick with the guys if you can,” Ryker said, then reached out, took my hand, and flipped it over to show the scar. “I know you’re still pissed, and I get it, but just know that what we promised each other when we did this still stands. No matter what, I’m always in your corner, my loyalty will always belong to you, Astin.” He released my hand and headed down the hall without another word.
What the fuck is going on with this day?Whatever, I had better things to do like go to a club opening and get my dance on.
Reaching the main hall, I headed to the front entrance and spotted Braxton, Jace, and Luca waiting there. If I’d thought they looked good in their normal suits, this was a whole other level of sex on a stick. Jace had this careless look going with ripped black jeans and a loose white button-down with the sleeves rolled up and one side tucked in. Luca had the whole retro prohibition mafia look going on that I’m not sure just anyone could pull off. He wore tight-fitted dress pants and a white tank top, finished off with black suspenders. This look showed off just how covered in tattoos he was, and I feel confident they’re on every inch of his skin, even if I couldn’t see it all. Then there was Braxton, our suave silver-tongued fuck boy with the heart of gold. There aren’t many people, in my personal opinion, who can pull off leather pants and not look like a douche. Braxton was one of those people. The sassy grin on his face told me he knew he looked good as I perused his attire. His shirt was this semi-sheer mesh, long-sleeved, button-down in a metallic silver color.
“We’re in so much fucking trouble.” Jace groaned as he rubbed his face with his hand.
Cocking my head, I frowned. “Why, we haven’t even left the house yet?”
“Something tells me if we want to continue living, we shouldn’t,” he added.
“Would you please find the balls I know you have and let’s get going?” Braxton demanded as he held a hand out to me. “Can I have the honor of escorting you, Lady Astin? Might I also add I was right to assume whatever you chose to wear was going to be absolute perfection.”
I rolled my eyes at him but took the offered hand. “We’re off the clock, just call me Astin.”
“With pleasure,” Braxton said, leading the way out the front door.
Waiting for us was a stretched Rolls-Royce. The second the driver spotted us, he opened the door and gestured for us to get in. To my surprise, Jace and Luca slid in, then Braxton helped me, ensuring I didn’t need to scooch down the line in this dress. It seems these boys did have some old-fashioned manners, after all. Luca grabbed a bottle of champagne and opened it, pouring glasses for everyone.
“To the new underboss and the first woman in power. It’s about time the mafia got their shit together,” Braxton toasted, making me laugh as we clinked glasses. “I hope tonight can make up for the lame birthday you had yesterday. Everyone needs to live it up on the one day that’s all about them.”
I cheered and let out a whoop. “I couldn’t agree more. Let’s make this a night to remember.”
“Or not,” Luca added. “Depending on how you hold your liquor and all.”
Scowling, I pointed a finger at him. “Do you think they wouldn’t ensure I wasn’t a lightweight in all that training I did? Hundred bucks says I can drink you under the table.”
He grinned at me. “Why don’t we save that challenge for another night? Normally, we have Sundays off, but this week with everything going on, we’re expected to be at breakfast bright and early like always.”
“Ah, fuck!” I groaned. “That means I really can’t get a hangover, or someone will end up dead tomorrow.”
“Might not be all bad, depending on who it is. I could give you a list,” Braxton offered.
“Brax,” Jace warned. “Not her first week.”
“Why not my first week?” I asked. “Wouldn’t it set the tone that I’m not to be fucked with?”
“Oh, that message is getting around just fine,” Jace commented. “My only point was this week it’s the people who are major players in the family or the business side of things. Killing one of them, deserved or not, would start a war. Just feel like that should wait for week two is all… get to know the people in person not just on paper, if you will.”
Shifting in my spot so I could see the man better, I was impressed. “Would you look at that, the gambler is playing his cards right.”
He shrugged. “Have to know when it’s better to fold and hold onto what you have than put them all in when you’re not sure you have the winning hand.”
I think these three might not be so bad after all. Tonight might be more fun than I expected. Here’s to hoping they can dance.
For the rest of the drive, Braxton shared his vision for this club and who he worked with to get the job done. Just when I didn’t think I could be more impressed, he listed off the DJs who would be playing tonight.
“Hold on, you got DJs Trill and Impulse to show up at the same club? Don’t they hate each other?” I questioned.
Braxton grinned and leaned in like he was going to tell me a secret. “That feud was a publicity stunt, and tonight is their make-up collaboration.”
“Are you the one who suggested the feud or just that it should end the night you have an opening?” I inquired, utterly impressed with his forethought.