Page 85 of Love & Power

He studied me a moment before turning me to face him. The new glasses he’d ordered came in the other day, and they had him looking like a sexy professor. He wasn’t sure he was a fan of the roleplay we tried last night, but damn, it had turned me on to be a naughty schoolgirl who needed a firm hand from her teacher.

“Stop,” Atticus scolded. “Your eyes are dilating in a manner that tells me you are becoming aroused, and we don’t have time for that.”

“Are you sure?” I questioned. The look he gave me was all I needed to know he wasn’t in the mood to be teased. “Okay, you’re right, we don’t have time. Now what was it you said that I clearly missed hearing?”

“We have confirmation that Serena didn’t make it to the party, but Nella and Alessa are there. In better news, all three of Gian’s sons are present with their wives, save for Hermes who is no longer married. Bosco and all his family are accounted for along with his top advisers and lieutenants who typically attend events with him,” Atticus informed me. “I also felt it was worth noting that a few government officials loyal to the Accardi Family are there as well, meaning less work for us later.”

Smiling, I cupped his cheek and pulled him down into a chaste kiss. “Thank you, Atty.”

“There is no thanks needed, Asta. It is my duty as your lieutenant to keep you informed, and as your boyfriend, I know having all the facts keeps you from worrying,” he explained, pressing another kiss to my lips. “We all know how important this is, and everyone is doing their part so you can finally have revenge.”

“Don’t go all sweet on me,” I mumbled with a sniff. “You’re going to make me cry and ruin my makeup.”

Atticus smiled, kissed my forehead, and stepped back. “Asta, you look absolutely stunning in that dress, and I am so honored to be by your side.”

“Stop,” I said, fanning myself. “God, you have no idea what you do to me, do you? Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a sap who cried at compliments from a man.”

“It’s because that compliment is from a man you love,” Liu interjected as he drew attention to himself. “Atticus is right, though. You in that dress is a sight I want to treasure in my memories forever. A true queen stands before me, reminding me how lucky I am.”

“Are you two trying to make me redo this makeup?” I demanded as Liu pulled me into a hug.

“No, omae, it’s just hard to stay silent when the most gorgeous woman in the world is standing before me,” Liu answered.

Pushing back, I slapped his chest halfheartedly and faced the mirror once more to double-check my appearance. Ivy had a woman come to the warehouse to do our hair and makeup. The woman had outdone herself with smokey black eyes and lips to match the color of my dress. I felt like a badass. I was even a little sad that this look would be ruined by the end of the night. The same sentiment also applied to the dress, but it was too perfect for the occasion not to wear it. My gown was a strapless mermaid style, made in a dark red color with a black lace overlay covered in black glass beading. It was very Queen of the Vampires, but I fucking loved it.

Around my throat was the necklace Gramps had given me, adding the crowning touch to the whole look. For my shoes, I decided on my trusty black leather beauties who had been through hell and back with me already. Now was not the time to experiment and risk something going wrong. These stilettos would carry me to the finish line even if I had to run a mile in them. Although I had a feeling after tonight, they might need to be retired.

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders, and as I let out that breath, it took my worries with it. “I think it’s time to end this party with a moment for them to remember…” I paused to face the guys. “Well, the ones who survive, that is.”

They both offered me their arms, and I let them escort me to where the others were waiting. Ivy was at the party working behind the scenes to make sure everything was going off without a hitch. Von planned to join us as we made our entrance to show her support so they’d know we were allies when the news of what happened here tonight got out. This would not only impact the balance of power within Nepreea but the criminal world as a whole. Everyone would be watching who survived once the dust settled and alliances would shift, changing things even more.

Entering the living room space, I took my time eyeing my men from head to toe, dressed to the nines. Even Hound had on a full tux with his hair slicked back, making him look far too normal. Yet that was exactly what we were going for, blending in until we reached the moment to stand out. It was a good thing Von and Bear were here with us because I might have decided it was worth it to be late. Speaking of Von, she wore a dress that looked like a leather jacket if a leather jacket could be floor length. The zipper was offset and ran from her neck to the floor, so it created a slit in the front that could be adjusted to your preference. There were not many women who could pull off a dress like that, but it seemed to be made for Von. I also loved that the lining of the jacket dress was bright red, a nod to our alliance since everyone knew red was a Raffa color. On the other hand, Bear wore his typical leather pants and jacket but dressed up by wearing a black T-shirt.

“Damn, we look good,” Von blurted, making me laugh.

“Hell yeah, we do,” I agreed, the two of us grinning at each other.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ryker subtly tapping his watch. Nodding, I grabbed my clutch off the coffee table and planted my foot there instead, making it easier to slip the gun into my thigh holster.

“Are we positive we need to leave now?” Jace asked, his eyes traveling up my bare leg.

“Don’t even try,” Ryker warned. “This is too important, and once this is over, there will be all the time in the world for spontaneous sex.”

“Ugh,” Braxton groaned. “Why does he have to be right?”

Gun secured, I hid my leg away once more, giving them back full use of their brains. “Let’s go, boys. The sooner we take out the trash, the faster we can do something fun.”

Hound marched over and scooped me up, heading for the door. “You heard the woman, let’s get a move on. I want to peel her out of this dress so she’s only wearing heels and a gun.”

“Fuck, why’d you have to go and put that picture in my head? Now I’m gonna be hard all night long,” Luca muttered.

Listening to them, you’d have no idea we were about to crash a party, kill roughly one hundred people, and have a heart-to-heart with two unlucky men. Personally, I thought it sounded like a lovely night, but I’m betting most wouldn’t agree. Then again, that’s why the eight of us worked—they got my crazy and loved me all the more for it.

The limousine driver spotted us and hurried to open the door for Hound. We’d decided to go for the SUV version to give the guys more room, and the fact it was bulletproof also helped. Once we were all in, Von popped the champagne and took a long swig from the bottle before handing it to Atticus. The look on his face as he swiftly passed it to Liu had me snickering.

“What, you don’t drink, Plato?” Von asked.

My brows shot up at the nickname and the fact my sweet Atty didn’t seem to mind it.