Tristan takes a protective step toward me, even though there’s no one to protect me from yet. “Don’t worry. I’ll be with you the whole night. If you want, I won’t leave your side.”
Something loosens under my ribs. Wanting company isn’t a burden to him—it’s an invitation he’s glad I made. “That would help. I just know Frankie is going to do something to mess with me. That’s her specialty.”
“And Frankie is…?”
“My sister.”A literal demon.
Tristan shakes his head. “Not with me around. You’ll see.”
“I don’t want to monopolize your night. She could be nasty to you, too.”
“What do I care? I play in the NHL, Min. Huge dudes are paid millions of dollars to be nasty to me.”
Good point. Frankie’s insults hurt because I want her to like me. Or I did, growing up. Her barbs will probably roll right off of Tristan’s back, though. Or, more likely, she’ll realize that she has no power over him, and she’ll be all sunshine and rainbows to his face.
“Galas are simple,” Tristan insists. “Paste on a fake smile. Have a drink. Kiss Dante’s ass. Nothing to it.”
“You forgot small talk. And meeting new people.”
“I’ll help you through it. Plus, Marley will be there, and lots of people you know. And, in case you haven’t picked up on it yet, the team…we’re all family. And you’re with the team. We guys may tease each other, but we also have each other’s backs. Always.”
I purse my lips. He’s probably right to assume that people will be nice tohim. People won’t look at him and see prey.
“Do you want to stay home?” he asks. “If you’re that worried about seeing your family, you can bow out. Stay home, chill with Kepler, read about… I don’t know, New England granite quarries or Russian-made guitars or something.”
I appreciate the offer more than I can say, but I shake my head. “No, I’m already dressed. I don’t want to live in fear of my family anymore.”
“Alright, then.” Tristan holds out his arm toward me. “Then let’s get going. I promise I won’t leave you to fend for yourself. Say the word, and I’ll throw champagne in someone’s face.”
I loop my arm through his. “Deal.”
* * *
The first people we see when we enter the ballroom are Julie and Dante. Julie squeals and comes running, arms outstretched. “Minnie! You look amazing.” She pulls me into a warm hug that’s so unlike the way my mother would greet me, it’s disorienting.
“Thank you,” I tell her. “So do you.”
Dante strolls after his wife, less effusive but still warm. He kisses my cheeks. “Look at this. Being an assistant agrees with you, cupcake.” He points to Tristan. “Didn’t I tell you?”
He nods. “You told me.”
“And? Was I right or was I right? I was right… Right?” Dante spreads his hands wide. His rings and gold watch flash in the light.
Tristan nods again. “You were right, sir.”
“Good. Now you show her a good time, but not too good.”
Tristan’s throat bobs. “Did Renee really…?”
“Text me the gossip? Of course she did. Oh, and it probably goes without saying, but so we’re clear, I’ll say it anyway.” He leans in and beckons for Tristan to stoop to his level. “If you break her heart, I’ll break your career. Capiche?”
Tristan clears his throat. “Yes, sir. What if she breaks mine?”
Dante takes a step back. “In that case, you probably had it coming. Julie, my love, let’s mingle.”
Before he turns away, Dante pauses, his gaze flicking back to me. The shift is tiny, but the temperature drops from theatrical to genuine.
“You good, cupcake?” he murmurs, softer than I’ve ever heard him. “If this man gives you even a moment of doubt, you come to me. You don’t handle it alone,capito?”
