We stared into each other’s eyes as she managed to get her legs through the holes and pulled the fabric up her silky legs and then up under her dress. Once it was in place, I flicked it on to the lowest setting and she jolted in her seat.
My chuckle of sinful delight wrapped around us before I stepped out of the car and made my way around to her side. I shot a look toward the valet while knowing Salvatore would take care of the details to keep my car right where I left it.
You never know when you need to leave somewhere quickly. And there’s no way some barely legal kid is going to get behind the wheel of my car.
When we stepped into the party, all eyes came to us and my chest puffed up with pride. Dove is the most beautiful woman at the party, and it’s been an honor having her on my arm.
I can’t wait until she fully realizes who she is and what it means. There’s no telling when it will all click into place for her, but I hope to be there when it does. I’m pretty sure it’ll be quite a show.
And I’m all about being entertained.
“It was so lovely meeting and talking to you, Dove,” Vivian Mason, the mayor’s wife, gushes as she reaches for my woman’s arm and gives her a gentle squeeze. The smile on her face is genuine, and it helps me relax slightly.
There have been quite a few women who have given Dove the side eye. If this was a different kind of party, I would have dealt with their disrespect already. Considering the Chief of Police is across the room, I’m going to continue to refrain.
“Thank you,” Dove breathes out, the relief evident in her voice. “It was nice meeting you as well.”
“We’ll have to do lunch sometime. Powerful women in this city have to stick together.”
I am grateful to her for including my woman so effortlessly. Vivian just earned her husband his next reelection. I doubt it was part of her plan. She’s just a nice woman.
From what I’ve heard, Vivian and Oaklynn get together for lunch now and then. Speaking of Oaklynn, just as Vivian blends into the glitter of the party, Kirill Volkov, with Oaklynn on his arm, move into our sphere. I can see the curiosity on Kirill’s face even though he tries to hide it. Oaklynn doesn’t even attempt to hide a damn thing.
Then there are the rest of Oaklynn’s men. Maxim, eyes my woman, but there’s no interest in his gaze, only mild curiosity, and a lot of amusement. I have no doubt that he’s going to give me shit. Baker, who heads up security for their organization, has his head on a swivel and is assessing everyone around him. When he looks at Dove, he pauses for a moment but decides she’s not a threat to Kirill or Oaklynn because he relaxes. Huck, who is a tech genius, looks at Dove with assessing eyes. There’s aspark of something like recognition, but it’s there and then gone almost immediately.
“Dove,” I tighten my hold on her hip as I nod toward them in greeting, “I’d like to introduce you to some allies.”
It takes a moment, but once introductions are out of the way, Oaklynn smiles at my woman before reaching for her. She tugs her closer while keeping her grip gentle. Dove doesn’t startle or freeze in place, so as much as I don’t like her being pulled away from me, I allow it to happen.
The women put their heads together and start talking with smiles on their faces. As much as I want to yank my woman against my chest, I let it go.
As the men step closer to me, they have shit eating grins on their faces except for Huck. He’s always been a little more reserved. Kirill normally is as well, but Oaklynn being in his life has loosened him up a little bit.
Not much, but I see the difference.
“I see you have found your woman,” Kirill’s voice is filled with surprise while he doesn’t take his eyes off Oaklynn.
“I have,” I agree. I can’t help but smile slightly when I look at her. Fuck, she’s gorgeous.
“Where did you find her?” Maxim’s eyes are dancing with mischief as if he already knows the answer.
I narrow my eyes and shoot him a look; one he doesn’t give a single fuck about. Ever since I met Maxim, I’ve wondered if he has a death wish. The man has no fear. It’s something that hasn’t changed about him, even now that he has something to live for.
“That’s not important. What is important is that my brother has been tearing her down for far too long.”
Baker glances around the room. “I saw Romeo earlier.” He meets my gaze and holds it. “If you need back-up, just say the word. Cleaning house isn’t easy.”
I shake my head and assure him, “It won’t be a problem. I’m not sentimental when it comes to my brother,” I spit out the word.
He nods once before his eyes start to scan the room again, but this time it feels more purposeful.
“I was lucky with my brother,” Kirill’s voice is filled with understanding, which I’m sure is layered since everyone knows Romeo runs Second Circle. “Not everyone is.”
“I’d rather be lucky in love than with blood,” I tell him honestly.
Before he can respond, Dove glides over to me with a smile on her face and something in her eyes I’ve never seen before. Oaklynn is at her side, but Maxim hooks an arm around her waist and tucks her against him.
“I’m going to head to the restroom for a moment, but I’ll be right back,” Dove murmurs softly.
