The guest list wasn’t huge, but Mara and Mila came, as well as Emma and some of their regulars at the shop. Looking around the room, I take in the black and blue colors. Sure, there’s some silver in there, too, but even though Atlas may tattoo people with beautiful colors, he’s very much like a storm. Dark and brooding, loud and chaotic, but then clear. He hides that side of himself well, but I’m starting to really see him in a different light.
I hated lying to him last night, but when another box of decorations showed up, I panicked. Thank God Seth was there to walk me out; it gave us a few minutes to solidify some last-minute plans. I hope Atlas wasn’t too mad. I know he’s big on the whole “mine” thing.
After checking on everyone, I smooth out my new long-sleeved black dress. It has lace cut-outs in the torso and edging at the bottom. It’s both cute and makes me feel sexy at the same time. I just pray this turns out okay. Surveying the room, I take in the silver foil that hangs around and the black balloons that skim the ceiling. There’s a table with a few gifts on it, and of course, the cake.
Mila had so many orders for Halloween treats, but she promised me she could squeeze in a cake for Noah. Sitting in the center of the table is a chocolate cake with strawberries and a chocolate ganache. It reminds me of the night at Emma’s when he had strawberries on top of a brownie. At the top of the cake is his name, written out in silver and surrounded by shiny strawberries coating the edge. It’s fucking beautiful.
Looking at the clock, I realize he should be here soon. “Are we ready? Is everything set up? Do you think he knows anything?” I rapid-fire questions at Kash.
Out of all the guys, Kash was the most supportive of the party. “Atlas deserves to be celebrated more than anyone else I know,”he told me as we set up balloons and the streamers. He didn’t elaborate, and I was too chicken to ask. If I want to know about Atlas, I want it to come from him.
Taking one last look around the room, I motion for everyone to take their place and shut off the lights. Seth told him to come in around six for his first client, and Emma kept him busy earlier today. It made everything fall perfectly into place.
I hear the door opening down the hallway, and my breath catches in my throat. I’m so excited that I swear my heart might beat out of my chest. I’m also nervous. What if he hates the party? Maybe I shouldn’t have done this. It’s too late now. Seth turns the lights on, and we all jump out and shout, “SURPRISE!”
Atlas jumps about a foot in the air, and we all laugh. Looking around the room, his eyes land on mine.
“Happy birthday, Atlas!” I walk over to hug and kiss him on the cheek.
Turning his head at the last minute, his lips find mine. Caught by surprise, I gasp, and he takes advantage, sliding his tongue against mine. Winding my arms around his neck, I pull him closer into me until the sound of someone coughing registers. Pulling back, I feel the blush rise across my face.
Atlas looks at me intently as people come over to wish him a happy birthday. He keeps me plastered to his side the whole time, running his thumb over the lace fabric at my waist. I shouldn’t feel the heat from his touch through my clothes, but it’s like he’s branding me in front of everyone, and it makes warmth flow through me.
“Did you suspect anything?” Seth asks him with a smile. He was hesitant about the party at first, not knowing how Atlas would react, but I’m so glad I pushed for this.
“No. Not a thing,” Atlas admits with a shake of his head.
“The way you jumped in the air was funny as shit.” Rhett laughs. “I swear you screamed like a girl.Ahhhh!” he squeals shrilly.
“Fucker.” Atlas shoves him with his free arm. The one not latched onto my side.
“Here. Let me show you everything.” I pull Atlas behind me. “There are presents and food; Emma told me some of your favorites,” I babble nervously, “There’s also a cake. Mila made it. It’s like double chocolate and strawberries.”
“Cora,” Atlas starts.
“Oh, and there’s also no clients tonight. It’s why we were so busy all week,” I push out.
“Firefly,” he continues, but I’m not ready for his reaction. I’m afraid he’ll hate all of it, or that I’ve fully overstepped. Atlas takes such good care of me, and he looks after Noah. I wanted to do something for him. Atlas deserves to know he’s loved.
Shit.Do I love Atlas?
Staring at him, I see his lips moving, but I don’t make out what he’s saying. “What?” I ask as he repeats himself.
“Did you throw me a birthday party, baby?” His brown eyes roamover my face as he pulls me close to him, the rest of the room fading away.
Meeting his gaze, I nod.“I’m sorry if you hate it. I just wanted to do something nice. Tomorrow is Noah’s, and I always celebrate with him, and we’re trick-or-treating, and I just wanted to do it for you.”
I see a few of our friends looking toward us, but he pays them no attention. His normally dark eyes are locked on mine, and I can’t figure out what he’s thinking. Sometimes it’s like he’s completely cut off from me, and I don’t know what’s going through his mind. I hate that I can’t read him as well as he can read me.
“Baby. Stop,” Atlas murmurs, brushing a lock of hair away from my face. His hand rests at the bottom of my neck, his fingers playing with the hair there. Lowering his head to mine, he whispers in my ear, “Is this why you lied to me?”
Panicking, I freeze. “How did you know I lied?”
“Drove by your place last night. Lights were off.”
“I was at Mila’s helping get the last pieces together for your cake. I wanted it to be perfect,” I admit softly, looking away. I didn’t want to lie to him, but he’s too observant.Wait, it’s wrong he drove past my house, right?
Atlas tugs my hair lightly, not painfully, but enough to make my gaze shift back to his. “If you lie to me again, Firefly, I’ll spank that pretty little ass red.” He kisses me softly, his actions completely betraying his words. A bolt of lust fires through my body. His dark eyes search mine, and he smirks. “Or maybe lie to me anyway. We’ll both enjoy it when I punish you, Cora. Your skin would look gorgeous with my handprint on it. Maybe I’ll even tattoo it there.”
