He didn't push it, which I was grateful for. Instead, he gestured back toward the booth. "Come on. Let's finishhammering out these details. The sooner we have everything locked down, the sooner we can all get some sleep."
I followed him back to where Grayson and Sofia were still reviewing paperwork, but my mind was barely on the conversation. I contributed where necessary, agreed to timeline proposals, confirmed resource allocations. All while trying not to think about Ivy's expression when she'd seen me.
The shock. The hurt.
She'd think I'd lied to her. That this whole thing was some kind of game.
She'd be trying to figure out why I was involved with a criminal family. The construction name I'd given her earlier was clean, and one of ours. I thought it would be enough cover to buy me time. But now… now she knew there was more to it.
And I couldn't explain. Not here. Not now. Not with the Donatis watching every move I made.
"These routes look solid," Grayson said, sliding a map across the table. "We start with Boston, Providence, and Portland. Prove the system works, then expand west."
"Agreed," I said, studying the map without really seeing it. "My people can have teams in position within two weeks."
"We'll need verification codes," Sofia added. "Something to confirm shipments are legitimate. We can't afford confusion or miscommunication."
"I'll have my logistics coordinator reach out to yours. We'll establish protocols before the first shipment moves."
The conversation continued. Details upon details, contingencies and backup plans. Normally I'd be fully engaged, taking note of every piece of information for later analysis. But I couldn't stop my gaze from drifting back to the railing, couldn't stop wondering if Ivy was still down there.
If she was watching me.
If she was putting pieces together.
"I think we've covered everything for tonight," Leo said eventually. "We'll draw up formal contracts, have our lawyers review the specifics. But the framework is solid."
"Agreed." I stood, extending my hand. "I appreciate you taking the time for this."
"It's good business." He shook firmly. "We'll be in touch within forty-eight hours. Sooner if anything urgent comes up."
Grayson and Sofia offered their own goodbyes, professional and cordial. I made it through the pleasantries, through the final confirmations and promises to connect soon.
Then I was walking out of the VIP section and down the stairs that led to the main floor.
I needed to find Ivy. Needed to explain before this spiraled into something I couldn't fix.
The main floor was more crowded than it had looked from above. Bodies packed between tables, voices rising to compete with the music. The current performer was doing something with feathers and a chair that had the audience transfixed.
I scanned the space, looking for that dark red hair.
There. Near the bar.
Ivy was talking to another server, gesturing with her hands. Even from across the room, I could see the tension in her shoulders. The way she kept glancing toward the VIP section.
I started toward her, weaving between tables and patrons.
She saw me coming. Her entire body went rigid.
The other server said something, but Ivy shook her head, her eyes locked on mine.
I was ten feet away when she turned and walked toward the back of the club, disappearing through a door marked "Employees Only."
Fuck.
11
IVY
