“No sign of our friends?”
I shake my head.
In the months since Gage came clean about who he really is and why he’s really in New Orleans, he’s doubled down on his efforts to locate his old mentor McDonald, and our old enemy, Satriano.
It seems that the explosion at the club either scared both of them away or was only a precursor to something much bigger, something that’s taking time and planning. Something that’s building…
But the point that was made before the opening of the second Hawke Hotel tower rings true just as much now as it did then.
We can’t put our lives on hold.
All we can do is our best to protect each other, to watch each other’s backs, and knowing we now have the support of the federal government helps ensure that.
Still, I would love this shindig to be over already so we can go home and relax.
Gage glances toward the front door of the event space where two armed guards stand at the ready, only a fraction of the force we have both mingling with the guests and outside surrounding the building.
Always in pairs, so no one is ever alone.
Since we still haven’t determined who might have assisted McDonald in gaining access to Gabe’s car, it meant a clean sweep of our entire security team and rebuilding from scratch.
It should quell my fears to know we’re covered in every possible way, but it doesn’t.
“You really think he’ll show up tonight?”
I peek over at him, knowing full well which he Gage means. “He did last year. Waltzed right onto the dance floor with Wren and acted like he belonged here.”
“He wouldn’t try that again.”
Snorting, I shake my head. “You don’t know Satriano the way I do…”
“But I do know you, Hellcat, and I know you’ve got this. Stop looking so worried and try to enjoy the party.” He shrugs, a grin playing on his lips. “I don’t know, maybe dance with your boyfriend.”
I raise a brow at him. “Is that what you are?”
He wraps his arms around me and pulls me up against him again. “I sure hope so. Otherwise, it makes what I did to you in our bed last night seem very inappropriate.”
Good God.
My entire body heats at the memory, and I squeeze my legs together against the throb deep in my core.
He nuzzles my ear, his scent invading every breath I take. “I got to tell you, Hellcat…”—his hand slides around and grips my ass tightly—“being here was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.”
“Me either.” I press my hands against his chest, digging in my nails. “But if you keep talking like that, we’re going to have to leave the party early.”
He pulls back, brows raised. “Is that an option?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“Damn.” He grins. “I’ll just have to wait until we get home then.”
“I guess you will.”
Footsteps sound behind us, and I glance over Gage’s shoulder as Atlas and Wren make their way up onto the balcony.
Atlas releases a sigh. “There you are.”
“You were looking for me?”
