Page 84 of Diamonds

Tumbling back down the rabbit hole—this time intentionally—and hoping we don’t meet a pit of vipers.

26

ALISSA

Ikeep pushing that memory of my mother out of my brain.I willnotallow her to ruin the most beautiful day of my life.The day Maddox Hathaway told me he loves me.

I didn’t even mean to declare my feelings.I was in an orgasmic haze.

But I’m glad I did.I meant every word.

Then there I was, lying there, completely nude, vulnerable as a baby bird.

And he swooped down and told me he loved me too.

My first thought was that he was just being polite.Humoring me.

He wouldn’t be the first man to tell a woman he loved her just to fuck her.

But I could tell his words were sincere.

Everything about Maddox is sincere.

It’s one of the reasons why I love him.

We’re walking to the Aces Underground entrance from the parking garage.

I should feel wary, concerned about what will happen to Maddox and me when we descend the mirrored staircase into the club.

But I can’t help feeling warm, as if I’m wrapped in a fluffy blanket.

The fluffy blanket of my love for Maddox.

We walk down the alleyway to the black door with the four card suits on it.Maddox opens it for me.

Chet is dressed for the holiday.He’s now in a pink pinstriped suit, and he’s dyed his eyebrows fuchsia.I’m glad that this isn’t my first time meeting him.He looks even creepier than usual.

But I know he’s harmless.

At least, I think he is.

He raises his hot-pink eyebrows as I walk inside.“Ah, Miss Wonder.I was hoping we’d see you again soon.”

I paste a smile on my face.“Can’t get rid of us that easily, Chet.”

He curls his lips.“I was worried that we had seen the last of you after your last visit.”

Goosebumps pop up over my arms.What does he know?

“What do you mean, Chet?”

He blinks.“That is to say, the last time you departed, it was rather quickly.And without Mr.Hathaway on your arm.And when neither of you showed up last night, I was worried that the club had left a bad impression on you.”

“You can’t expect me to show up every night you’re open, Chet,” Maddox says from behind me.

Chet nods to Maddox.“Of course not.I’m sure you’ve been keeping busy.But we’re glad that you cleared your schedule for Valentine’s Day.”

Maddox wraps his arm around my shoulder.“With a woman like this, wouldn’t you?”