“You okay?” Ghost asks, apparently noticing my shift in mood.
“Yeah, just… processing everything. It’s a lot to take in.”
“The club can be overwhelming at first. But you seem to be fitting in pretty well,” he acknowledges.
Too well.
That’s the problem.
“WhereisSin tonight?” I ask, trying to sound casual.
The table goes slightly quiet, and I catch the meaningful look that passes between Ghost and Bear.
“He had business to handle,” Nitro says, finally returning from whatever he’d been doing in the back. “He’ll be around later.”
Business.
Always business.
And always conveniently when I’m here.
“He’s avoiding me,” I say, surprising myself with my directness.
Another round of looks between the brothers.
“Sin’s… complicated,” Bear says carefully.
“So I’m learning.”
Deek, apparently unable to stand the sudden seriousness, clears his throat dramatically. “Speaking of complicated, did I ever tell you about the time I accidentally got married to a llama in Vegas?”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Deek.” Ghost groans.
“What? It’s relevant… sort of!”
And just like that, the mood lightens again as Deek launches into what I’m sure is another completely fabricated but wildly entertaining story. But even as I laugh and ask questions and play along, part of my mind is stuck on Sin.
He’s actively avoiding me, and everyone knows it.
The question iswhy.
But Sin’s empty chair at the head of the table feels conspicuous, and I can’t shake the feeling that his absence is deliberate.
Eventually, the guys disperse, leaving me with the girls to continue with our packaging of gifts and preparations. “So…” I say to Ro during a lull in the conversation. “Tell me about this New Year’s party you’re planning.”
Her face lights up immediately. “Oh, it’s going to be amazing. Chrome and midnight theme. Very glamorous, very sexy. We’re transforming this place into something out of a fairy tale.”
“Chrome and midnight?” I ask.
“Think sparkling silver decorations, black and silver balloons, metallic everything,” Jessa explains excitedly. “We’re having a DJ, full bar, dancing. Everyone dresses to the theme.”
“It’s the one night a year we really let loose,” Millie adds. “No club business, no drama, just pure celebration.”
“And masks,” Ro adds with a grin. “Everyone wears masks. Adds to the mystery and glamour.”
The idea sounds incredible, and despite everything, I find myself genuinely excited. “When do you need help with the preparations?”
“Are you offering?” Gia asks hopefully.
