We waded into the crowd. The music pounded. Lights strobed. And everywhere we went, people recognized them.
“Holy shit, that’s the Olympus guys!”
“The ones from the fire rescue?”
“Are they single? Asking for a friend.”
I filmed it all. The energy. The excitement. The way Leo danced with a bachelorette party. The way Orion bought a round for a group of Marines. The way Ares stood guard but somehow still looked like he was part of it.
My phone died. I switched to my backup battery and kept going.
By the time we piled back into the limo, I was exhausted and exhilarated in equal measure.
“Numbers?” Orion asked.
I pulled up the analytics. “Three hundred thousand impressions. Five thousand new followers across the platforms. Booking inquiries are up forty percent. And—” I showed them my phone. “We’re trending nationally.”
“Nationally,” Leo repeated.
“People are creating memes. Fan art. Shipping you with each other and with me.” I scrolled through the comments. “Someone started a petition to make you honorary Vegas mayors.”
Ares actually laughed. “That’s ridiculous.”
“That’s success,” I corrected.
The limo’s energy was electric. All four of us rode the high of something that had worked beyond even my projections.
Ares’s hand rested on the seat behind me, close enough that I could feel the heat of it. Orion sat across from us, his eyes on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. Leo sprawled next to his brother, grinning like he’d just won a bet.
“You were right,” Orion said softly. “About all of it.”
“I usually am.” The words came out more breathless than intended.
His lips curved. “I’ve noticed.”
Ares’s fingers brushed my shoulder. Just the lightest touch, but it sent electricity down my spine. I turned slightly, meeting his eyes, and saw the same awareness there.
This moment. The four of us in this enclosed space, success pumping through our veins like champagne, the memory of intimate encounters making the air thick with possibility.
Then Orion’s phone rang.
His expression changed as he checked the screen. “It’s Mitchell. Our major investor.”
He answered, and I watched his face go from triumph to tension in seconds.
“I understand your concern,” he said carefully. “But if you look at the actual data… Yes, I saw that article… No, the fire was isolated… Mitchell, we’ve had zero incidents since—” He covered the phone. “I need to handle this in person. He’s at the Aria.”
“Now?” Leo asked.
“He’s threatening to pull his investment if we can’t guarantee—” Orion’s jaw tightened. “I have to go. This is twelve million in backing.”
My stomach dropped. “The tour worked. Show him the numbers.”
“I will. But he wants face-to-face reassurance.” Orion was already texting someone. “I’m arranging a car.”
Before any of us could respond, Leo’s phone rang.
“It’s Richard from the board,” he said, frowning. “He never calls unless—” He answered. “Richard, what’s—” His expression darkened. “That’s not… Where did you hear… No, I understand your concern. Give me an hour and I’ll… Yes, in person.”
