Page 75 of Revenge & Truth

“Why would I bother when you’ve got Jace and me?” I challenged.

Braxton started to respond but then stopped and took a sip of his drink instead.

“Wise choice, Brax,” Jace commented.

“Besides, that man has only one woman he’s set his sights on, and that’s Ivy. I have no idea what the story is there, but during our little meeting, it was obvious,” I added.

“Speaking of Ivy, she and the judge have been making the rounds, chatting it up, and bidding on the silent auctions,” Liu shared, offering his arm to me. “Care to see what he had hopes of winning but won’t ever get to do since he’ll be in jail?”

Taking the offered arm, I kissed him on the cheek. “Sounds delightful.”

Liu led the way over to the row of tables with the various auctions on them. As we perused, I added my name to a few since that’s what was expected at these sorts of gatherings. One that caught my eye was for a romantic week-long yacht trip through the islands south of Mansara. Once things were all said and done, it would be a perfect way to relax with all my guys where no one would bother us.

“Ah… babe, with that amount of money, you could just buy the damn yacht as well as hire a captain and crew for a year,” Jace pointed out.

I reached out and adjusted his bow tie before kissing him sweetly. “Who’s to say I won’t? But this money will go to protecting women who need a way out, and that is what’s important.”

Jace smirked. “Sure, and the fact Harvey was the last one to bid has nothing to do with it.”

“I play to win, and if there’s more than one benefit, who am I to argue?” I responded with a shrug.

He merely shook his head and chuckled, urging me forward so we didn’t hold up the people behind us. Done with the auctions, I strolled over to the hors d’oeuvres and placed a few of the bite-size pieces on a napkin. When I turned to head back to the guys, I was brought to a halt when Kody White appeared in front of me.

“Miss Caprioni, I’m surprised you could find time in your busy schedule to show up here. Run out of people to kill?” He sneered.

“Oh… if only that were the case. Sadly, it seems my list is only growing longer by the day. What about you? Aren’t there innocent people to lock up and throw away the key to make yourself feel better? Or could it be that Harvey hasn’t given you more work since the last job you did for him, I blew up?” I asked, popping a cube of cheese in my mouth.

Kody narrowed his eyes as if he was searching me for something.

“For fuck’s sake, do you really think I’d be wearing a wire? I don’t need to play fair to destroy you, even if you’re the White Knight for the Accardi Family. Wait, you could be under the Leoni Family’s thumb instead. Either way, my advice to you is the same. Playing by the rules is like bringing a knife to a gunfight, you’ll lose every time,” I warned.

Ryker and Liu, spotting trouble, were already on their way over to offer backup, but I held up a hand to stop them. “Do with that advice as you choose, but I’m going to walk away now. I suggest you don’t approach me again if you have an ounce of self-preservation.”

Kody was wise enough to let me pass, showing me he wasn’t a complete idiot. When I reached my two protectors, I offered the food I was holding. “Crab puff? They’re fresh, hot, and haven’t been stuffed into a purse.”

Liu looked confused, but Ryker just laughed as he grabbed one. “Tin-Tin, you never cease to amaze me.”

“It’s no fun if there aren’t surprises along the way. That’s why I try to keep you all on your toes,” I explained before shoving the other crab puff in my mouth.

Once more, surrounded by my guys, I felt safe and protected even if I didn’t need their protection. Every woman wants to feel her lover has her back, no matter what, and my guys were proving they would do that for me. Equally attractive was the fact when I told Ryker and Liu not to butt in, they listened. Hound as well when he didn’t question what I did earlier with Flora. He just offered his support, trusting I knew what I was doing.

“Asta, would you care to dance?” Atticus asked. “It appears they have an orchestra playing across the room with a dance floor.”

“There is nothing I’d like to do more than dance with you, Atty,” I answered, taking his offered hand. “Keep an eye on things, won’t you, boys?”

Weaving through the crowd of people talking, drinking, and eating around small cocktail tables, we emerged right before the dance floor. Gathering up my dress in one hand so I didn’t trip and die, I waited to see what type of dancing Atticus had in mind. A hand settled on my waist while the other took my hand, signaling me that he was choosing classical dance. Reminding myself to let him lead, Atticus swept me onto the dance floor, moving so gracefully I was rather shocked.

“You’ve taken lessons,” I said more as a statement than a question.

“Yes, and so have you,” he confirmed. “Now stop leading. I’m in charge here.”

Smiling so wide my cheeks hurt, I did my best to do what he asked, but it was a damn struggle. After two lively songs, the music switched to something slow, and without hesitation, Atticus pulled me close as we rocked to the beat. Resting my head on his shoulder, I closed my eyes and enjoyed being held by him, fully giving up control. All too soon the music picked up again, but I needed a drink.

“Can we take a break?” I asked, looking into his gorgeous blue eyes.

“Certainly. I believe getting some hydration would be a wise choice,” he agreed.

The sound of someone tapping a microphone quieted the room, and a spotlight appeared on the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending The Night of Hope gala. As you all know, this event happens every year to raise money for battered women’s shelters, a cause worthy of our time. There is some exciting news this year, but instead of rambling on, I think it’s best if we let the man speak for himself. On behalf of Byklyn Ventures Inc., allow me to introduce our new CEO, Domenico De Santis.”