“Why don’t you just get your lips done?” Haven asks.
“I’m not ready for that commitment,” she replies.
“Hmm.” Emilee nods. “I like it too.”
“What even made you think to put it on your lips?” I ask, holding the soaked napkin to my mouth.
“I tried it on my nipples one night. A guy was sucking on them, then kissed me. Boom! It’s my newest lip balm.”
Note to self: never use anything that Jasmine has on her. It’s likejust say nowhen a stranger offers you candy.
“What time are we going to the Airport tonight?” I mumble, running an ice cube over my swollen lips. The sensation in them reminds me of going to the dentist and your mouth going numb from the injections.
“I’ll pick you up around ten, and we’ll get ready at my house,” Jasmine answers.
“Isn’t that late?” I ask, the ice melting and running down my chin.
“If Grave is at the Airport, then he’s there to fight. And he’ll be the main event. That doesn’t happen until two or three a.m.”
“Fight?” My brows rise.
Emilee nods. “Oh, yeah. Grave kicks ass at fighting. The guy can’t lose.”
“He’s never mentioned it,” I mumble, wondering just how much I don’t know about him. We don’t have heart-to-heart conversations. I’ve never been the type of woman to push a guy to give me details about their life. Maybe because I’m not one for sharing either. But my life is pretty boring.
TWENTY-ONE
APRIL
ISTAND IN Jasmine’s bathroom, curling my hair. The room is bigger than my primary bedroom, complete with heated floors. The marble countertop has his and hers sinks. She stands in front of one while I’m in front of the other. To the right, a whirlpool bathtub, and behind it, a large shower that you can enter from either side. I peeked inside and it has five showerheads. There’s even a see-through fireplace in the corner that looks into her primary suite. I’d never leave this bathroom.
“Can I ask you something personal?” I turn to face her.
“Sure. I’m an open book.” She pops the lid off her lipstick.
“What did Haven mean by Luca would never allow her to go to the Airport? Is he controlling? I remember there was a guy who you mentioned was herbabysitterwhen we were at lunch the first time I met her.” I think they said his name was Nite.
“Luca runs the Las Vegas American-Italian mafia.”
I gasp. Holy shit!Derek was right! “You’re serious?” He had said that Bones had an in with the mafia. And Luca was on the phone talking about going to Kingdom. Could that be the connection? If so, then that means he’s got to be close to Grave as well.
“Yep.” She nods. “Don’t you ever watch the news? Their engagement was a big deal.”
“No,” I say honestly, finishing my hair in a daze.
“Well, a lot of people would love to get their hands on Haven to get to Luca. So although to some, he may appear controlling or possessive, he’s really just keeping her safe.”
“I can see that.” I can’t imagine the kind of life where you’re always having to look over your shoulder or never knowing who is after your husband. Or yourself. Wanting a family but afraid to bring a child into that world.
“Are you ready for that kind of life?”
I set the curling iron down and glance over at her. “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean…” She pops her nude-colored lips. “Being with a King could have the same ramifications. They’re powerful but also hated by many. Being with one could make things difficult. For you. For him.”
“Are you asking me if I’m in love with Grave and willing to risk my life for that?” That’s what I take from her cryptic words.
She gives me a quick side-eye. “Are you?”
