The yacht is moored along the river, and I take a deep breath as we approach the gangway.Zach squeezes my hand gently as staff greet us.We walk up the gangway, and it feels like I’m literally stepping into another world.My heels click too loudly as I board, and feel a little self-conscious.I notice some men dressed all in black behind us.That’s when I tense.
“Who are those men?”I whisper.
“My bodyguards,” he says quietly.
My mouth falls open.I’ve never really thought about the other facets of Zach’s life, things like protection and security.“Are they always here?I’ve never seen them before.”
“They’re very good at hiding, and they’ll be out in force tonight because the family is here.”
“The family?”Fear fills my gut.
“My brothers.”
I relax.I see the yacht glowing against the dark water.It’s not quite dark yet, but the lights are shimmering and laughter drifts across the deck.Everything feels expensive and slick.Everything drips with money.
“You know all these people?”So much for a small event.I try to estimate the crowd size as the yacht continues to fill, guests spilling across both decks and clustering along the railings.There must be close to a hundred people here, maybe more, moving easily across the space like this is an everyday event for them.
Zach leans in, his mouth low near my ear.“Business associates.Girlfriends of business partners.Family of business partners, and so on, and, of course, my family.”
“I thought you said it was small.”
He squeezes my hand gently, reassuring me.“I’ll introduce you to everyone, and the Italian Knights.”
“I can’t wait.”I try to sound enthusiastic.
“You’ve met Dex, of course.And Jett.Don’t let him worry you.”
“Why would he?”
“His bark is worse than his bite.”
“Has he not changed one bit?”
“I’ll let you be the judge of that.”We’re standing hand in hand, facing one another.No one at the party has realized it’s him, and we take this moment to relish being alone in a sea of people.Laughter drifts across the deck.He cups my face, eyes gazing at me, deep and sincere and is about to say something when we’re interrupted.
“Well, well, well.”From my periphery, I see someone just behind Zach, but Zach doesn’t flinch; he continues to look at me.I’m the one who springs apart, only to realize that it’s Dex and another brother, I think.Someone who looks very much like Dex.This isn’t Jett.By their sides are two glamorous, gorgeous women.I do a double take.Not because they look like twins.They don’t.They’re just… gorgeous.Hollywood movie star gorgeous.Long luscious locks, dark eyes, olive skin.
“My brothers and their girlfriends,” Zach murmurs quietly, before acknowledging the women with kisses on the cheek, and the men with hugs and handshakes.
“You’ve met Dex,” he says to me as Dex approaches.
“Maya,” he says warmly, without any of his usual swagger.“So nice to see you again.”
“Nice to see you, Dexter.”
“This is Rio.”Zach introduces the other brother, from the secret family.
“Enchanted.”Rio boldly takes my hand and kisses it lightly.“It is good to finally meet you.”He strikes me as effortlessly smooth, his dark hair slicked back and confidence oozing from every pore.When he smiles, a deep dimple cuts into his chin.
“We’ve never met,” I remark, stating the obvious.
“I didn’t have the pleasure of growing up on the Knight Estate,” he replies, dryly.
“Let’s not ruin tonight by talking about family issues,” Dex says, interjecting.“Let’s just enjoy this evening, especially while the old man is away.”
“These two are so useless with introductions.”One of the gorgeous women steps forward.I can barely take my eyes off her.Her eyes are done up all smoky, like mine, and her dark hair falls in sleek waves over one shoulder.She wears bright red lipstick, like a statement.This woman has balls.
“I’m Raquel.”
