Page 92 of Massacre Monday

I’m not dressing up.

Amelia

Everyone look out. Diamond ring proposal coming up...

I glance up at him, and he flashes me a straight set of white teeth as he finishes up his call, then grabs a suit. Shit. I should have been more prepared. There’s nothing in my closet that I would wear to something like this. Even though I roll my eyes at Amelia’s text, my stomach does a little flip anyway. It’s stupid to want that right now. But the stupid part of me already does.

Me

Yes, you can bring whomever

I don’t care if you dress up or not

I’m ignoring that proposal nonsense.

With a flick of my eyes up to my future Viscount, my heart flutters. That’s the guy I’m attached to. The one I’ll pledge vows to in the Cathedral. It’s an odd thing to consider.

Given everything we’ve done together so far…I think there’s no one better for me.

So I grab a short dress and tall boots from the closet and pair it with my leather jacket. As I fix my makeup and hair in the bathroom, I find myself saddened, thinking about Gwen not being there tonight. It’s something she would love, and if Ryan’s proposing, I would want her there.

The outfit isn’t as pristine as Elina’s would be, nor pink, but it’s Pippi. Black and leather with a bit of lace.

When I return to the bedroom, Ryan snaps his fingers and points toward the mattress.

“Never mind. Get over there. We’re fucking again and not leaving.”

I giggle, but take a few steps closer to him, then let my fingers crawl up his broad chest, covered in a black button-up shirt. He smells like adventure and discovery with a hint of spicy danger. When I rest my chin on him and look up, his eyes glaze over with heat. “You need food after that big game.”

One of his hands warms the small of my back as he pulls me into him, his thickening erection palpable in his gray trousers. “So let me eat.”

On my tiptoes, I peck the end of his nose and give him a smirk. “How about, if you be a good boy, I’ll let you hit it in the restaurant.”

“In front of everyone?” His look of hope almost makes me lose my resolve.

I can’t help but chuckle as I take a step back to grab my purse. “No.”

He crosses his arms. “Hmm, okay.”

As I reach the door, I open it wide and wait for him, then reconsider. “Well, only if no one else sees…”

With a broad grin, his face brightens as he sprints over to me and grabs my waist, walking us out into the hall. He leans in, his chin resting on my shoulder as he murmurs, “Then I’ll be thebestboy for you.”

Luminescence is breathtaking.It’s a chilly autumn evening, but a clear tent adorns the roof patio. Lighthouse heaters blaze warmth every few feet in between lounge areas and tables. Tiny twinkle lights line the edge of the see-through canopy, but the stars poking through the clouds are the real decoration.

It’s packed withThetasandSigmasas well as the hockey team. SomeOmegasandBetasmull about, likely ones who came with Ryan’s sister, Olivia. With a quick glance around, I spot Aiden perched on a bar stool, holding a conference with Logan and Landon while his crystal-blue eyes narrow at the crowd. No, it looks as if he’s zoned in on one particular person, but I can’t see who.

If Ryan’s family and friends are here, does that mean he’s going to perform a big show? Wait until the middle of dinner, then call everyone’s attention over to us?

My skin itches just thinking about all those eyes on me.

“Do you know what you’d like to drink?” he asks, leading me over to a large center table with his hand pressed to my back.

“I think I want a Dark and Stormy.”

He nods and pulls out a chair for me. “No champagne? I’m thinking of getting a bottle for our table.”

The waitress hurries over and leans in. “Want Cristal tonight, Mr. Cardell?”