“It was Louboutin,” Alessia says with genuine offense. “And he spilled beer on it. There is only one way to treat an offense like that, and that is to beat him about the head with the object he offended so he learns his lesson. The same way you would treat a disobedient dog. Except harsher, because dogs aren’t dumb men with thick heads who needs to be hit extra hard to learn their lessons. With dogs, usually a little tap and a ‘no’ are enough. But men…”
Bianca laughs, pressing a hand to her heart. “God, I love you.”
Somehow, despite everything — despite the fear still buzzing under my skin — I laugh, too.
“Okay,” I say. “Okay. I’ll wear the dress.”
The room erupts into triumphant cheers. Alessia claps once, queenly and satisfied. “Good. Let’s make Breaker lose his mind over how gorgeous you are.”
“Honestly, he’s already there. Have you seen how he looks at her?” Molly says.
Bianca nods. “He’s not subtle.”
They continue chattering as they set to work on me, and thirty minutes later, I stare at myself in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back. My hair’s soft and loose in gentle curls around my shoulders thanks to Molly’s magic. Bianca’s help makes my makeup shine — subtle, warm, glowing. Claire helps me choose a bracelet to tie my outfit together and gives meadvice on posture and feeling like I truly belong, not just with Breaker, but with the MC. And Alessia adjusts the dress on me in a way that, by the end, has it fitting like it was tailored just for me.
As I look in the mirror, I don’t look like a woman who’s been running her whole life. I look like a woman with a future and a family.
Claire rests a hand on my shoulder. “You’re safe here, Riley. We’ve got you.”
Bianca squeezes my hand. “Family means protection. Always.”
Molly hugs me. “And if this stalker shows his face, we’ll bury him under the bar. But only after I peel his skin off with my lime knife.”
Alessia lifts her chin. “I’ll help. I’ve made bodies disappear before.”
“Alessia,” Claire warns lightly.
“What? It’s true. You know it. And I’ve hired you before as my lawyer, so it’s not like you can go telling anyone. We have confidentiality.”
Their banter warms me from the inside out. For the first time, I feel like I’m part of something. Part ofthem.A sisterhood built from steel and scars.
I swallow hard, gratitude pressing against my ribs. “Thank you. All of you.”
Claire nods once. “Go. He’s waiting.”
When I step out into the main bar, time stops.
Breaker is standing near the doors, hands in his pockets, shoulders broad and tense, as if he’s nervous. Nervous.Him. He’s wearing a charcoal dress shirt tucked into dark slacks and a tie — an actual tie.
My breath catches. “You… you clean up well.”
His smirk is slow and devastating. “Yeah?”
Bones calls out, cackling from a booth in the corner. “Had to help the bastard tie it! Cutest thing I ever saw. Like dressing a toddler.”
Breaker shoots him a murderous look while the bar erupts in laughter. I’m too stunned — and too busy staring at him — to care. He walks toward me, eyes darkening as he takes me in. His voice drops to something rough and warm.
“Ready for our date, Sparrow?”
He extends his hand.
My heart leaps, fluttering like the bird he named me after.
I place my hand in his, smiling up at him. “You have no idea.”
His fingers close around mine — strong, sure, claiming. I like this feeling.
Of beinghis.
