“What surprise?” Twitch asks.
“It’s a secret, sorry,” I’m quick to reply so that the women don’t tell him.
“Who knows?” he asks accusingly.
“Only us women know,” I answer him.
The men trickle in, giving me interested stares as they settle around the room. Axle takes a seat beside Elena, Reaper beside Ava, and Bomber beside Zara.
Viper comes in and stands by me. “Is this everyone?” I ask him.
“Yeah,” he answers after a few seconds.
I clap my hands and smile broadly as I look around. “So, since my hubby”—I peek at Viper—“didn’t get a proper bachelor party, like the good wife I am, I’ve decided to organize one for him, and I’ve got a special surprise in store.”
There’s a round of deep cheers. Elena and Ava look like they might combust as they barely contain their laughter. Viper wraps an arm around me. “Wifey, you didn’t have to do that,” he coos.
“Oh, I did,” I say in a fake caring tone.
“When’s thesurprisecoming?” Axle calls out.
“The bachelor party is tonight, so if you have plans, cancel them. And yes, tonight is when the surprise will be coming.”
Judging by the wide smiles on the single men’s faces, they’re ecstatic about my idea.
When everyone disperses, I move to the couples.
“I thought you’d be upset,” Axle says to Elena.
She puts a hand on his leg. “I just want Viper to have agoodnight.”
Axle kisses her cheek. “Wow… thanks, babe… for being so understanding.”
“It’s okay,” she replies in a cheerful voice.
“Are you staying?” Bomber asks Zara.
“No, us women will leave when Viper’s surprise arrives.”
Bomber frowns. “I’ll go with you. I don’t want to watch a stripper.”
Zara looks away, like she’s trying to suppress her laughter. “Trust me…” she replies, “you want to be here for it.”
He tilts his head and studies her face, so I subtly catch her attention and put a finger to my lips. She better not tell him! Bomber’s eyes glance between all of us.
Viper leans into me. “I know it’s a stripper. You don’t have to pretend it’s a secret.”
I peer at him and bat my eyelashes, then lower my voice to a whisper. “You’re not supposed to know.”
He pulls me closer to him and whispers back, “You can cancel her. I’d be happy getting a private show from you.”
“Oh well… I’ve already organized and paid for her travel here. I wanted to get you the best.” And the best he shall get.
Rage walks over to us. “Do any of you want to put in an order for drinks? We’re low on a few things, so I’ll go down now and grab some for tonight.”
“I wouldn’t mind grabbing some more cocktail ingredients,” I reply.
“I’ll come with you,” Viper says.
