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My next goal was to help him and Killian repair the rift between them.
Finally, we were able to escape the throng of reporters and head into the main ballroom, which had been transformed into a grand, glittering tribute to music through the decades.
“There’s Jareth and Hazel,” I said, spotting them near the bar. Hazel radiant in a gorgeous blue dress that hugged her belly, and her blond tresses were tamed in an elegant updo.
The second she saw us, she pressed her drink into Jareth’s hands and launched herself at me for a hug. “You two look adorable together. And that dress is killing it.”
I let the tension in my shoulders from the red carpet release at her exuberant greeting. “Thanks.” When Hazel let go, I smoothed down the black dress I’d worn. It was the one Killian had helped me with the day of my makeover. Our eyes met, and from the heat within the depths of his irises, I knew he was remembering that moment, too.
Hazel handed me a glass of the signature fruity cocktail of the night.
“The two of you look dashing as always.” I sipped the drink and sighed at how delicious it was.
Hazel grinned up at Jareth and winked. “Thank you. He cleans up nice, doesn’t he?”
I nodded. To be honest, I hadn’t ever seen Jareth without a suit, and always felt he exuded a dangerous edge with his appearance. “How’re you feeling?”
Hazel rubbed her stomach. “Okay. I’m kind of disappointed I haven’t had any cravings yet. Isn’t that what happens to all pregnant women?”
I shrugged. Having never been pregnant myself, I wasn’t sure I knew enough to respond intelligently to her comment.
She took her glass back from Jareth and sipped it. He slipped his arm possessively around her waist, his fingertips grazing the edge of her slight bump. I almost missed the soft expression that crossed his face, it happened so fast. There was no doubt about their mutual love for each other.
“How’s the wrist, Hook?” Jareth asked.
“Better than the doctors expected,” Killian replied, though I knew he’d been up late last night, trying to strum his guitar before tossing it aside in utter frustration. I was happy to be home with him so I could make sure he truly took care of himself and let his body heal. While I’d been gone the past two weeks, I was fairly certain he’d been pushing himself to try and play regardless of the cast hindering him. “They say I’m healing ahead of schedule.”
“Excellent,” Jareth responded, but I noticed his expression tighten as he looked across the room. Following his gaze, I saw Peter and Wendy engaged in what appeared to be a heated argument near the stage. Peter’s face was flushed and his gestures were animated as Wendy crossed her arms defensively.
“Peter still being an ass?” Killian murmured.
Jareth sighed, swirling the whiskey in his glass before taking a sip. “Peter’s been … difficult. I’m still hoping the charity concert will help his image with the public, but behind the scenes, he needs to get his shit together.” He shook his head. “I’m running out of patience.”
My heartrate picked up. It didn’t matter that I was actively looking for a replacement assistant, Peter was still my friend. “Are you considering dropping him?” I asked, my voice low.
“I might not have a choice, Trissa. Everyone is tired of his drama, the missed studio sessions, the attitude with producers and staff.”
“But the press tour … ”
“Has helped, but I don’t know if it’ll be enough.”
Killian tensed beside me. Despite their complicated history, I knew he still cared about Peter. But right now, I knew his primary concern was me. If Peter lost his contract and went completely off the rails, Killian knew it would affect me.
“Wendy and I are making progress,” I said, hopeful that I sounded more confident than I felt.
“I hope so.” Jareth’s eyes shifted to scan the room. “If you’ll excuse us, I need to make the rounds.”
Once they were gone, Killian tugged me into his arms. “It’s not for you to worry about tonight, little fairy,” he whispered in my ear.
I nodded. Tonight was about Killian and me.
I’d worry about Peter tomorrow.
The DJ transitioned into one of Wicked Ways’ older hits, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
“Dance with me?” I asked, tugging his hand.
He glanced down at his cast and frowned. “I might not be my normal graceful self.”