“As we’ll ever be,” Layla, another ol’ lady, announced from behind me.
My gaze went to the doors of Vortex, which were being manned by Cruise, Castle, Bootneck, and a few other brothers who I recognized but had never met.
My belly churned.
“You okay, Ash?” Maeve asked. “Do you want to go back to Hambleton?”
I took a deep breath, released it slowly, and shook my head. “No. I’m okay.” We began to move toward the entrance as a group. No way would I ruin her special night.
“We’ve got your back, babe,” Cara murmured from beside me. “And you look fucking hot. Tristan hit the jackpot with that outfit.”
“It helps that she’s got the flat stomach to carry it off,” Layla added.
“You too could have a flat stomach if you stopped getting pregnant,” Tristan told her sagely.
Layla giggled. “True.”
“Your hair looks amazing, too,” Sophie added.
Tristan had given me some soft, bouncy curls, and we played around with some makeup. My cat eye—in the words of Taylor Swift—was sharp enough to kill a man, and my lips were pouty with a dark red burgundy gloss that matched my outfit.
“Thank you. Tristan worked wonders.” I shot her a grateful smile. “And you girls are good for my ego.”
“Heads up, and push those titties out, girls,” Tristan ordered us all. “It’s time to work it like you mean it.”
Adrenaline pumped so hard through my blood that I thought I might pass out as we approached the doors.
Castle spotted us first and elbowed the others, who stopped mid-conversation and looked around. A low wolf whistle cut through the warm night air, and Maeve giggled.
“Evenin’, ladies,” Castle called out on our approach. His gaze slid to me, and he looked me up and down appreciatively. “Looking stunnin’ tonight.”
I beamed a smile at him.
Bootneck went for the door and held it open for us. “No cover charge tonight. Compliments of the management.”
“But everyone pays,” I pointed out. “Even you guys.”
“Well, not you, and not tonight.” Boot turned his face back toward me, and I did a double take at the bruising down one side of his face and the swelling around his jaw. It appeared he’d been in a fight recently.
“Are you okay, honey?” I asked, my tone full of concern at how stiffly he moved.
He glanced in my direction and jerked a nod, but his eyes never once met mine.
“Enjoy your night, Ash,” Castle called from behind me.
I twisted my neck and shot him a bright smile, murmuring, “Thanks,” before walking inside. We walked straight past coat check and entered the club.
It was just after nine, and the first dancer didn’t come on until ten, so the place was only about a third full, though I knew that would change soon.
“Let’s go to the bar and get drinks,” I suggested to the others.
“No need,” a familiar voice said from behind me. “You’re all fully comped tonight. Your table’s ready and there’s champagne waiting on ice.”
I spun around to see Zara standing there.
“Oh my God!” I cried, grabbing her and pulling her in for a hug. “I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you too,” she whispered in my ear. “I’m so sorry about what happened?—”
