Page 107

The second my feet hit the ground, River tucks me into his side like he can’t stand it when there’s any sort of distance between us. Not that you will ever hear me complain about this. I love it. Every graze of his fingers. Every brush of his hand. Every touch, no matter how small, lights my insides on fire.

“Come on, birthday girl.” I extend my free arm to Maisie, who slides hers through mine, joining me on the opposite side of where River is.

Kai leads the way, Lyric’s hand tucked in his, the other three of us fast on their heels. River keeps his hold on me until we reach the door, and then he’s forced to let me go so that Maisie and I can step inside.

Lyric approaches the hostess, speaking low enough that Maisie can’t hear. With a nod, the young girl turns and leads us toward the back of the restaurant. It’s not until we stop in front of another door that Maisie seems to take notice something is up.

She looks at me, but before she can ask the question on her lips, Kai opens the door and I all but shove her inside the dark room.

The lights click on seconds later and an uproar of “Surprise!” fills the space as everyone in attendance jumps to their feet,some setting off poppers, little shards of colorful paper flying through the air.

“What the fuck!” Maisie steps back, a wide smile on her pretty face as she takes in the scene unfolding before her.

She looks at Lyric and then at me.

“You didn’t.”

“Happy Birthday!” we say in unison, wrapping our arms around her from opposite sides, enclosing her in a hug.

“I can’t believe you bitches.” She shakes her head as she pulls back, looking out over the dozens of people in attendance.

“Yo. Yo. Yo. Yo,” the DJ, Kai’s friend, speaks into the microphone set up on stage with his turn tables. “Now that the guest of honor has arrived, I think it’s time we get this party started!” He presses a few buttons and music fills the room seconds later.

Jackson appears through the crowd, pulling his sister into a hug before dragging her farther into the room.

“Well, our work here is done.” Lyric extends her fist and I bump it.

“I say it’s time to enjoy the fruits of our labor,” I tell her with a smile.

“I would agree.”

I turn to River, batting my eyelashes dramatically.

“Froufrou or hardcore?” he asks.

I tap my chin like I’m really considering it.

“Hardcore,” I finally answer.

“Froufrou,” Lyric says at the exact same time.

We look at each other and burst into laughter.

“Women.” Kai grins at Lyric before looking at her brother. “Bar?”

“Bar,” River agrees, kissing the side of my head before disappearing through the crowd.

“Well, soon-to-be Mrs. Elliot, may I have this dance?” I bow dramatically in front of Lyric, my eyes falling to the gorgeous engagement ring now sitting on her finger.

She tips her head back with a laugh before taking my outstretched hand, and together we make our way to the dance floor, which already has a few people on it, swaying to the music.

Minutes bleed into hours, the night going by in a blur.

There are shots.

Music and dancing.

More shots.