After changing into my pajamas, I went to get a glass of water, only to be startled by Malcolm sitting in the dark at my dining table.
“What the fuck,Malcolm!”
He cracked a smile. “I’ve always wanted to do that.” His smile fell. “Now sit your ass down and tell me what dumb shit you’re up to.”
I got two glasses down and filled them at the tap. Setting one down in front of Malcolm, I sat down. “I’m going to Dimitri’s engagement party. Would you—”
Malcolm sprung up from his chair. “Absolutely not! Are you fucking stupid? Do you think I’ll let you just waltz into the crime world’s biggest party of the year? Fuck that!” He paced around the small room.
“I’m going, but—” He stopped moving and glared at me like that would stop me. “But I was going to ask you to come with me.”
That stopped him in his tracks. Rubbing his bloodshot eyes, he nodded. “Well, that’s a start,I guess.” His fingertips scraped against the stubble on his jaw. “It’s just really stupid. You know?”
“Oh yeah, I know. But I figure nobody is going to pull something in a hotel ballroom, and it’s not like I’m with Luca anymore.”
“Sure, but why take the risk?” Malcolm dropped back in his seat.
I fell into the chair across from him. “Because right now, I don’t have any reason not to. It might sound weird, but going to this party is something that old me would do. I need that right now. And the fact it’s for Dimitri makes it a no-brainer.”
Blowing out a big breath, Malcolm nodded. “Ok. Looks like I’m getting my wedding suit dry cleaned.”
“Tux. It’s black tie.” I bit back a laugh as Malcolm smiled.
“Fuck yeah.”
TWENTY-THREE
The week passed like so many had over the previous years. Sleep, work, drink, repeat. Although I had become awfully popular.
Malcolm texted, called, and dropped by the office everyday, trying to change my mind. Every visit chipped away at my resolve that everything would be fine.
On the other side of the fight, Daphne and Dimitri kept me in fresh flowers and treats. Miranda thought I had a new admirer instead of a former hookup trying to trap me into an obligation. Those damn flowers made me a sneezing mess.
Smoothing the green silk on my thighs, I finished getting ready. Any minute Malcolm would be here, as well as the car service Dimitri arranged to ensure my arrival.
My fingers brushed against the emeralds and diamonds around my neck. In a “fuck Luca” move, I decided to wear the necklace his mom wouldn’t take back. There was something satisfying about wearing his necklace to an event he told me not to go to. It didn’t hurt that it completed my Irish goddess ensemble.
A knock at the front door pulled me from my reflection. Malcolm stood on my stoop,looking handsome as ever. Well,handsome and pissed off. I leaned against the door and took my time, giving him an exaggerated perusal.
“Wowie. Looking hot, Mr. Bello.”
Malcolm glared at me but gave me a once-over. “You look very nice,Sasha.” He glanced over his shoulder at the sleek town car parked in front of my building. “Let’s get this over with.”He pulled my arm through his and led me down the stairs. A suited driver opened the door,and we slid inside. “Well,this is posh.” Malcolm tried and failed to look unimpressed.
Laughing, I settled in for the short ride to The Four Seasons. Malcolm didn’t seem up to making conversation, which was perfect. I wasn’t feeling particularly chatty.
It wasn’t long before we made our way into the elegant ballroom. Candlelight created a warm, romantic glow while large draperies softened the walls. The tables sat eight people, keeping the guests close and cozy. Daphne had somehow made a party for four hundred feel intimate. All hail the Houdini of party planning.
“Is that the mayor? Is that the governor?” Malcolm casually tried to look at the powerful men gathered near one of the bars.
A glance confirmed the Midwest’s leaders werethrowing back drinks and laughing together. I tripped on nothing as one face stopped me dead in my tracks.
Mr. Moretti.
“What’s he doing here?”
Malcolm walked back to me, his eyes scanning the group for a threat. I knew the minute he saw him because his body went rigid. “What the fuck is he doing here?”
We both stood just staring at the region’s movers and shakers, not able to be discrete. I was suddenly lightheaded and too hot.