Page 285 of Blackwood

He nods, gaze dropping. “I understand.”

A long beat passes between us. Heavy but not sharp. More like a silence we both don’t know how to fill yet.

“I’ll see you there,” he says finally. “And Bella?” He meets my eyes again. “You really are unforgettable, daughter.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, then nod. “Thanks, Roman.”

His jaw flexes. And then he turns, quiet and composed, and walks back to his car.

♥♥♥

The Catacombs – Carrington Row

The Catacombs aren’t just a basement. They’re a kingdom carved beneath Carrington Row. Exposed brick. Concrete floors slick with decades of spilled drinks and louder sins. Purple and gold LED strips run along the ceiling beams, casting a low, pulsating glow. The main room is massive, speakers already thumping low bass like a heartbeat.

But just off to the side is the real prize, The Trifecta’s Get-Ready Room. My personal favorite. Vintage vanity mirrors, string lights, racks of costumes, a couch that’s seen everythingbut judgment. It smells like perfume, body glitter, and secrets that never leave this room.

I’m curled on Cade’s lap on the couch, arms draped around his neck. His hand absently tracing my thigh like muscle memory when a water bottle hits my chest mid-thought.

“Hydrate or die, bitch,” Knox announces from the doorway, cocky as ever, “because tonight y’all are gonna get lit or some shit.”

I snort and grab the bottle. “Charming as ever, DJ Asshat.”

Cade leans in, voice warm against my ear. “I missed this.”

I bump my forehead against his. “Same.”

The door swings open and Lex walks in, a brown paper bag in one hand, and August trailing behind with a tray of stacked containers like a waiter on steroids.

“Room service, ladies and gents,” August calls.

Lex ignores him, eyes locked on me. “Eat up, baby,” he says leaning down to press a kiss to my mouth slow and sweet, but laced with something dark and hungry underneath. “Carbs. You’re gonna need ’em.”

Haley swoops in like a seagull. “Please tell me that’s pasta.”

“It’s literally nothing but carbs,” August groans, setting it down. “Barinov wouldn’t let me bring anything green except one Caesar salad.”

“Because that shit doesn’t count when the girls are going to be seventy-five percent tequila by the end of the night.” Lex says, already opening my container and handing it to me like the world’s hottest personal chef. “Now eat. Or I’m feeding you myself.”

“Tempting,” I murmur, popping open the lid. “But then I’d probably choke and die, and you’d never get the release you’ve been waiting weeks for, baby.”

Cade chuckles beneath me, arms wrapping tighter around my waist. “Can confirm. Girl’s a menace with noodles.”

Lex quirks a brow. “Bet she’s—”

August cuts him off and groans. “Ugh, can you three not.”

“Don’t start Augie,” Ellie warns from the vanity, fluffing her hair like it’s war prep. “They’re in a good mood. Let them flirt with carbs and each other.”

“Thank you, Little Whitmore.” Lex says to Ellie causing her to roll her eyes.

“Hydrate, Problem Child,” Knox adds. “You’re the host tonight. No dying before midnight.”

I salute him with the bottle. “Yes, Dad.”

The room’s buzzing by the time we finish our dinner. Haley is already fixing her makeup, Ellie’s blasting music off her phone, and August is bitching about the lighting in his corner. It feels like before. Like the version of us that used to live for nights like this.

Knox slams a bottle of tequila onto the counter like he’s starting a ritual. “Alright, bitches and bastards. Time to pregame properly.”