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I walk into the bedroom and pick up my shoulder holsters off the bed. As I strap them on, Blake walks in, his gaze moving from my face, down my body. His eyes dilate, darkening with lust. I stand straight, slipping my Interpol badge over my head, resting it against my stomach.
He closes the door, walks over to me, and runs his knuckles lightly down my cheek. Electricity sings through me at his touch. I bite my lip.
"You seem nervous," he whispers.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Yes. You're . . . stunning," he says, leaning down to kiss my neck, just below my ear. I shiver.
"So are you," I say as he straightens himself out. He's wearing a tuxedo, his hair in sexy disarray.
"Sorina is afraid I'm going to have to drag you downstairs," he says, smirking.
"That girl is too much. She's beautiful, though."
"Yes, she is. I'm a lucky man, to be surrounded and loved by such beautiful and talented. women."
I give him a sly grin, running my hands up the lapels of his jacket. "Promise me you'll be extra careful tonight."
"I will," he says, trailing his hands down my sides.
I take his hand and we make our way downstairs. As Blake and I hit the bottom stair, several people gasp. I look up, smiling shyly. This is only the second time I've worn a dress and it's more awkward than before. My Taurus brand is in full view, as are the scars on the top of my back. My gun holsters cover some of it, but not enough to make me comfortable.
"You look lovely, Lily," Carmen says, stepping forward to plant a kiss on my cheek.
"Yes, you're a vision," James says, taking her place to hug me.
"Thank you."
Blake's arm is firmly around my waist. I glance up at him, a tight smile pasted on his face. I've started to notice the tension his parents create in him since learning the true fucked-up terms surrounding his family life. I wish there were a way I could make things better for him where they're concerned.
Sorina, walks slowly to us. She's trying so hard to be proper for Blake. It's sweet and sad at the same time. She doesn't need to act a specific way for him. God knows I never have.
"You look pretty, Mom," she says, slipping her arm around my waist, covering Blake's.
"Thank you. So do you, kiddo."
She blushes, gazing at the floor.
"Shall we?" Dresden says, stepping toward us.
He's in a tuxedo too, and my mouth falls open. His hair is slicked back. He's clean-shaven with a light in his eyes I've never seen before.
"Don't you look dashing," I say playfully.
"Shut your face," he snaps with a smile on his lips.
We laugh and walk toward the door. The Taurus have made no attempts since their last on the apartment, but tonight is a prime occasion for them to make a scene. Sammi has cameras in every available spot and she hacked the CCTV for the evening. If we're lucky, we can get through this without incident. My stomach's been in knots since I got out of bed, and the overwhelming sense of dread will not stop plaguing me.
Something is going to happen, and I'm praying we can stop it.
†††
Vlad counted six Taurus members so far. Sorina's sitting at a table, close to the stage, with five other girls from the halfway house. They've been smiles and giggles all evening. I'm shadowing Blake closer than ever. He's in perfect spirits tonight, my arm draped through his, and smiles on our faces.
The dinner is Italian influenced and amazing. Blake and I both pass on the alcohol. I need my wits tonight, and wine will only dull them. The team's quiet, with no side chat sounding in my ear. The Master of Ceremonies walks onstage as we stand next to the stairs.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce tonight's host, Mr. Blake Mason."