Nicholas, on the other hand, is sin incarnate in his perfectly tailored suit. His bored expression is firmly in place, but when his eyes meet mine, there’s a flicker of something gone too fast for me to catch.
“Welcome.” Veronica’s gaze shifts to us, her poised smile a masterwork of politeness. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
I’m not.
“Veronica.” Koen steps forward. “Thank you for the invitation.”
As they approach, Nicholas merely nods, his expression unreadable. Veronica, however, glides forward with the ease of a queen greeting her court. She kisses the air beside Levi’s cheeks, then Ezra’s, Koen’s, and finally mine. Her perfume is a cloying blend of roses and power plays.
“Of course. Like I said, I think it’s time we all apologize and put this little misunderstanding behind us.”
Levi tenses beside me, a barely perceptible shift in his posture. Ezra’s hand moves to the small of his back, and I watch as Levi exhales slowly, visibly deflating.
“Then let me start with the apologies.” Ezra begins. “Veronica, you were right. Making a scene in the Heights lobby was uncalled for, and I apologize.”
“Thank you for seeing that,” Veronica replies smoothly, her gaze cutting to Levi with a hint of calculation. “I understand where you were coming from, Ezra. But you know how seriously I take the reputation of the Heights and everything else that belongs to me.”
The Heights is the centerpiece of an empire. Hotels, casinos, clubs—Veronica Harrington owns more of the Strip than most people realize.
“Of course,” Ezra agrees.
Levi’s charm is dialed up to eleven as he takes Veronica’s hand and brushes a kiss across her knuckles. “And I apologize for seeking you out in the middle of the night without calling ahead,” he says smoothly, but I can see the stiffness in his jaw. He’s performing, putting on a show, and it’s taking everything in him.
Veronica laughs lightly, waving him off. “Oh, Levi, darling. Why didn’t you? You know I’m always here for you.”
“I’d had a little champagne,” he admits, his grin disarming. “Probably had the best drunk idea ever and couldn’t wait to tell you about it. I got what I deserved for showing up unannounced.”
“I’m still sorry you got hurt.” Her gaze sharpens, but her tone stays warm. “It looks like it’s already better, though?”
“Magic,” Levi quips, his grin widening. “Or rather, makeup.”
Veronica laughs again, then turns to me, her scrutiny a physical weight, pinning me in place as her eyes sweep over me.
“Ms. Evans.”
“Veronica,” I say with a polite smile, though my blood feels like it’s freezing in my veins. “We’re on a first-name basis, right? Please, call me Rosie.”
“Rosie…” Her smile doesn’t falter. “I’m so glad we finally have a chance to talk. I’m sorry I didn’t get to speak with you at the gala or when Nicholas brought you to the Heights.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Nicholas stiffen, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly.
“I’m excited too.”
“You must be quite special. I’ve never seen my son act this way over a woman.”
“Mother,” Nicholas warns flatly.
“I’m very appreciative of your son, too,” I reply smoothly, ignoring Nicholas’s glare.
“Good to hear.” Her gaze narrows, making me squirm. “I’m also sorry you were hurt. I assume you were looking for yourcousinwhile running through my hotel and from my security?”
I swallow hard.
Fuck.
“I’m sorry for the commotion I caused.”
“Don’t be, dear.” Veronica reaches out, taking my arm and guiding me toward the table. “Let’s sit. Apologies have been made, everything is forgiven. Let’s enjoy the evening.”
