“What?” My smile grows wider, as I step closer. “You can’t just sell VIP pods, then just disappear?”
Her face falls, and that’s exactly what she thought was going to happen. But I’m going to fight like hell to make sure she never wants to leave.
“Or…” I step even closer, until I can feel the heat of her body against mine. “Is that all part of the plan. Sell a bunch of booths, collect the bags of cash, and buy an island somewhere?”
That gets back the smile that was momentarily lost. “That is a pretty good idea, keep talking.”
My hands slide around her, the curves of her body fitting perfectly against me. As I do, I hear her suck in a breath. I love that my touch does that to her.
But as quick as I get her, I lose her. She steps back, avoiding me like kryptonite.
“We should drink!” she says, flustered. “And Ria’s set is just finishing, and you can meet her.”
I turn to look up at the DJ stand where her friends’ eyes are fixed on us.
I wave.
She frowns and looks away.
“I see you’ve been talking to her about me?”
“Just a little.” She holds up two fingers, an inch apart.
Right. This will be interesting. “Well let’s go.” I take her hand in mine and she lets me lead the way.
“You don’t have to worry. Dante on the other hand, I do feel a tad bit sorry for.”
I throw my head back and laugh, bringing her closer.
Once we arrive at the booth, my sister and some of her friends are already there. Amari has definitely been enjoying herself, and it’s good to see her let loose. Even if it cost the family a couple hundred thousand from her new car purchase. Apparently, it’s rude if you don’t buy anything.
We settle in the corner booth that overlooks the dancefloor. I make sure I pull Lilly flush to my side, my arm draped over her keeping her close. She’s my fiancé after all, and from today I know she’s not going to make me look a fool and refuse. I’m conscious not to take too much for granted and overstep, but she doesn’t seem to care at all. Especially after her first two shots are down.
That’s when Ria approaches our table. I stand instantly and ask Amari to move over to give Ria a place to sit next to Lilly. When she’s close enough, I reach out my hand to introduce myself.
“Ria.” I take her hand in mine and give it a slight squeeze. “I’m Ren. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” she says with a coy smile as she takes her seat, winking at Lilly.
Lilly lowers her head, giggling to herself, and I think I might’ve been left out of the joke.
“Lilly has told me a lot about you.” I settle back in my chair placing my arm over her shoulder again.
Lilly takes that moment to lean forward, taking a bottle of tequila and pouring her friend a drink, then herself.
“Yeah?” Ria raises a questioning brow as she watches Lilly nestle back into my arm, and my fingers trace up the length of hers. “She’s told me a lot about you, too.” She looks back and me, but her tone doesn’t sound like it’s been all sunshine and roses.
Lilly exhales and leans forward again. This time taking the whisky and filling my drink up to the tip. That doesn’t seem like a good sign.
“What about me?” Tommy, of course pops his head over the table. “She told you about me?”
Ria turns slightly and squints at Tommy, sizing him up, but Dave punches him square in the arm.
“No,” Dave says answering for her, and reaches for his drink flexing his arm.
Lilly turns into me, hiding her laugh but I don’t hide mine. Instead, I pull her in closer, kiss the top of her head and watch as the boys play their hands.
“Tommy.” She points out, correctly guessing, then her eyes land on Dave’s arms. “And you’re Dave.”