He’s not wrong. Even I can admit I look phenomenal in it. Jade’s response to the photo I texted her was a series of heart emojis and crying faces that filled up my entire phone screen, and somehow perfectly encapsulated how I felt wearing it.
“But, for the record,” he adds. “The dress is for your comfort, not mine. You could wear a paper bag tonight and still be the most beautiful woman in the building. I simply didn’t want you to feel underdressed.”
I wriggle against him.
“So, where are you taking me?” I ask, finally giving in to my curiosity.
“Somewhere I doubt you’ve ever been,” he replies cryptically. “I want to show you a little of our world, Sydney. My world. And I think you’ll like it.”
The Golden Ringscasino is nowhere near as large as Sterling Silver, Alec’s pride and joy, but it’s every bit as glamorous. I stare up at the glittering facade as Alec helps me out of the car, looping his arm around my waist. There’s no question in anyone’s mind about our relationship to one another, as he stoops down to plant a kiss on my hair.
Alec holds me like his queen, like he wants to show me off.
The town car pulls away as soon as we exit, making room for another vehicle to pull up to the waiting valet. Unlike the last time Alec brought me to one of his casinos, he doesn’t guide me toward the main entrance and into the casino itself. Instead, we slip past the crowds and toward an auxiliary building, off to the side, where a line of people waits to be let in, already stretching around the block.
“Mr. Sterling!” a man greets us, waving us over to a side door. “And Mrs. Sterling, welcome!”
I glance at Alec, expecting him to correct the man.
He doesn’t.
I’m reminded that I have hisactualwife’s ring, hidden in my suitcase back at the hotel right now. I wonder what he would say if he knew. But I’m not giving up any of my secrets until I start to get some of his.
“Jacob, good to see you,” Alec says pleasantly, letting go of my waist for the exact length of time it takes to shake the man’s hand. He returns that hand to my waist so quickly I barely note its absence. “Sydney, this is Jacob. He manages most of the talent we showcase here at the Golden Rings.”
I don’t have a chance to ask what “the talent” entails before Jacob reaches out, taking my hand and giving it a gentle shake.
“Not most.” He chuckles. “Just a select few, really. But I do manage the talent I’m sure you’re here to see tonight.”
Who? I wonder. But before I can ask, he’s gesturing us forward, and we’re moving again.
“Follow me,” Jacob says, pulling us away from the line and crowds and toward a nondescript but guarded door. The giant of a man standing in front of it doesn’t even hesitate before opening it, giving Alec a nod in greeting as we follow Jacob inside.
“We had your private box stocked with food and refreshments for tonight,” Jacob says as we trail behind him. The hallway he takes us down is decorated in deep purples and silvers, incredibly ostentatious. “You should have everything that you need, but don’t hesitate to ring the bar if there’s anything you’re missing.”
“And the staff is aware I’ve requested privacy?” Alec asks.
“Absolutely,” Jacob answers without hesitation. “They know to keep their distance unless asked. And security knows to keep the other private boxes clear. Except for your list of acceptable visitors, of course.”
“Of course,” Alec says with a smirk.
Jacob stops at a set of elevators and grins at me. “I hope you enjoy the show, Mrs. Sterling,” he says pleasantly. “It’s a pleasure to have you here.”
Alec’sprivate box has a long black leather couch, two tables stacked with food and beverages, and a wet bar.
It also has one full wall made entirely of glass, with a handrail guard separating the room from the window, and an expansive view of the fighting ring below.
I can’t help but feel a little disappointed. I’m not sure what I expected, where I’d hoped Alec might bring me tonight, but to a professional fight? That’s not what I had in mind.
I try to disguise my disappointment by hiding my face from him, going straight to the window, and staring down at the crowds of people filtering in, filling rows upon rows of seats. I put my hands on the guard rail and lean forward just a little, watching all those thousands of faces below me.
Alec’s phone rings before he has a chance to join me. I expect him to silence it, but to my surprise, he answers.
“What do you need, Tony? I’m busy tonight,” Alec snaps into the phone, not bothering with a greeting. I can’t hear what’s being said on the other side, but my ears perk up when I hear Alec again. “Then verify the number of guns that were in this shipment. If there’s a discrepancy, call Sebastian with the precise amount, and we will sort it out.”
He doesn’t say goodbye. He just ends the call and comes to stand next to me, his hand on the rail close enough that he can stroke my pinky with his.
“Guns?” I ask, raising an eyebrow, wondering if he meant for me to hear or not.
