He pulled her against him, the warmth of his chest grounding her even as her heart gave a wild, breathless leap.
“People didn’t have to bring gifts.It’s embarrassing.”
“Our friends love you.They want to say goodbye.”
Tears welled up in her eyes as she took in all the details in Club Bandit.The last time she and Zee would be here as owners.
The table they had pushed against the wall to the left of the bar was empty now as guests left for the night or broke off to play, but the candles still glowed, and it was one of the best meals she’d ever had.
Even Xander stopped by and took turns with Logan feeding Harper dessert.
Quinn and Erik stood by the bar, talking and laughing, even though they spent almost every moment together these days at work.
Ella never thought those two would ever get past their animosity, yet here they were, laughing together like best friends.
She leaned against Zee as she watched Simone pull Quinn’s hand, tugging him away, and giggled.
“Kayleigh is going to get her night to play as soon as her brother leaves.”
“She’s been pouting ever since dinner ended, wanting him and Simone to leave.Sasha and Finn’s scene is wild.Did you see it?”
“He’s using a violet wand on her; that’s fun.”Ella grinned, peering at the far corner.
But her biggest surprise of the night was Ivy dressed in full pony gear.
That scene had been intimate and beautiful, and Ella knew it'd stay in her mind as a core memory of Club Bandit.
“I’m going to miss this place.”
“No regrets?”
Ella turned to see his face, and Zee shook his head and ran the back of his hand along her cheek.
“None.This next step makes sense.”
Zee skimmed his lips along Ella’s neck, and it sent shivers flaring across her skin, but it couldn’t dislodge the nervousness she had about packing up their lives to move to California for her job.
Countless times they’d done it for Zee, but with every packed box, her heart twisted with excitement and fear, yet she couldn’t stop smiling when Zee talked about their new adventure.
“I feel the time is right to move on.You?”Zee spun her so she met his gaze.
“I’m ready for something new, dear heart.I can’t wait to see what you do with the job, and I’m happy to spend more time with Annie.This place will be in good hands with Helena and Oliver.”Zee smiled, his eyes crinkling, and Ella exhaled.
There was no going back or spending more time wishing that things were different.
They were moving on.
“Now it’s time for us to have our own scene.”
Zee’s warm hand clasped closed around her arm, and he guided her to the viewing cube.
“Master?”
“Yes?”
“I thought…” She bit her lip, nerves roiling through her stomach.
She thought he was going to have her onstage tonight, not in the cube.
