“Slayer,” one of the hostesses says in a lilting French accent, waving us through the velvet rope.
Bix flashes a smile and squeezes my hand as we walk into the transformed square. The scent of mimosa mingles with smoky incense.
Acrobats twist overhead on silks, while musicians in period costume play haunting melodies. Various celebrities, most often seen on the covers of glossy magazines, greet me as we make our way through the crowd.
Valentina catches my eye from across the square, raising her Champagne in acknowledgment. I nod but keep moving, Bix’s hand firmly in mine.
“Slayer, my man!” calls a familiar voice. I turn and find Rafe, looking completely unlike his usual surfer-dude self in a black tuxedo.
“Rafe!” I embrace him, relief washing through me. “You look fabulous,” I tell him. “I know this has been so rough for you. It’s rough for me too.”
He gives me a characteristic Rafe smile and shrug. “Yes, but you know Mom. She’s a trooper, no matter what comes her way.” A shadow passes briefly over his features.
I nod and hug him again before turning toward Bix. “I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Bix.”
“Hello, Rafe,” she says. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Well, if it’s about me, I know it’s all good. I’m the angel,” he says, waving his fingers around his halo of blond curls. “And Slayer here is the devil. Our friendship dates back to biblical times.”
We all laugh.
“Have you come to know Slayer’s devil side yet?” Rafe asks Bix, quirking an eyebrow. “Or is he still hiding it from you?”
“Oh, I think I’ve seen it peek out,” Bix says playfully.
“That’s just a taste of what’s to come,” I say, caressing her pert derriere. “Be warned.”
“I welcome it,” she says, giving me a look that makes my cock hard all over again. Then she clears her throat.
“So you two have known each other a long time, it seems. What were you like as children?” she asks, changing the subject as a blush colors her cheeks.
“The same,” we say in unison.
She shakes her head, laughing.
Over Bix’s shoulder, I spot Sterling in conversation with the venue director for tomorrow’s concert. His expression is tight, concerned.
“Let me take you around, introduce you to some people,” I tell Rafe. “Can you excuse us for a moment, Bix?”
“Sure,” she says, but I hear the uncertainty in her voice.
“Thanks. I’ll catch up with you soon,” I promise, kissing her cheek. “Don’t wander too far.”
I worry a bit about leaving her on her own, but tonight is about celebrating. And she is here to do a job. Tomorrow is for new beginnings.
If only I knew which parts of my life were about to begin, and which were about to end.
CHAPTER 40
BIX
Iwatch Slayer and Rafe walk off, arm in arm.
You don’t see grown men do that often. They’re a good pair, I think. Slayer has a true friend.
That makes me smile, yet I feel suddenly adrift in this sea of glittering strangers. Without Slayer by my side, I’m just another face in the crowd.
Or maybe not, given the curious glances thrown my way.
