Page 87 of Cavaliere

“You look fucking hot. I would bang you,” Delaney says as she gives me a final once-over.

After leaving Black Raven Ink, we go back to her place to get ready before we head to my surprise party at DD’s, which isn’t a surprise anymore because, god forbid, Delaney keeps a secret for more than a day.

She claimed a thirtieth birthday party called for a little black dress moment, and it would be an abomination to wear anything but that. I only agreed because she isn’t trying to force me into an outfit that makes me look like I’m going to a Taylor Swift concert. Colorful clothing clashes with my bad bitch personality.

So here I am, standing in front of Delaney in a black dress that leaves very little to the imagination. The deep V in the neckline does nothing to hide my ample cleavage and the tiny scrap of material that barely covers my ass is doing an amazing job of showing off all of my legs. The only thing I didn’t let Delaney pick was my shoes. I found these online at least three years ago. They were one of those purchases that you know you shouldn’t make because when will you ever even wear it? Well, three years later, and I’m finally breaking these bitches out. I even made poor Aldo drive back to Matteo’s to get them. Aldo is just along for the ride. He claims he has nothing better to do today, but the man has to be miserable.

The heels are black platforms, but what makes them fucking fabulous is the actual heel. It’s a silver revolver. The muzzle acts as the tip of the heel. The grip is right under my heel. I’ve been obsessed with these babies ever since I bought them, and I can’t wait to break them out. Even if it is only for DD’s.

My makeup is smoked out darker than I usually go, making my blue eyes pop. I paired this with a dark wine color lip to pull everything together. My hair cascades down my back in light waves that Delaney threw in when Aldo was getting my shoes.

Delaney lets out a squeal as she claps her hands really fast. “We’re going to have so much fun! Let’s get this party started!” she shouts, shoving my clutch in my hands.

Aldo lets out a sigh of relief from his spot on the couch. “Thank fucking god. I should have known you two didn’t actually mean you would only need twenty minutes to freshen up.”

“It’s only been thirty minutes. Chill, bro,” Delaney says as she rolls her eyes.

“It’s been two hours,” Aldo deadpans. “Two fucking hours.”

Oh.

Delaney and I side-eye each other.

Maybe it has been slightly more than thirty minutes, but I definitely know it wasn’t two hours.

“But did you die?” Delaney asks.

“I think getting shot again would have been more fun,” Aldo says as he stands and heads toward the front door of the apartment.

Delaney’s eyebrows shoot up as her gaze follows him out. “You’ve been shot?” she calls, following after him.

“Once or twice,” I hear Aldo respond farther down the hallway as I close the door and follow after them.

The party is already in full swing by the time we get to DD’s. The place is packed. All of the Dirty Devils are here, plus some. As happy as it makes my heart to see so many people I have grown to care about coming together to celebrate me, I have a Matteo-sized hole right smack dab in the center of it.

“Happy Birthday, babe,” Cain says, coming up behind me with Evan on his arm.

“Happy Birthday, Wren!” She smiles, her mismatching eyes shining bright. I know she’s feeling good because the only time Evan is even somewhat peppy is when she smokes one or has been drinking. Alcohol and weed make social Evan come out and play.

“Drinks are on the house tonight,” Cain says before whisking Evan away.

I take a minute to look around and drink everything in. Aldo has made his way into a corner booth. Some of the club girls have already found him, but I know he’ll still be watching.

“Tequila shots to get this shit started!” Delaney yells over the music as she pushes through the last couple blocking her from me. Her arms are in the air, holding the shots up so they don’t get spilled.

“Okay,” Delaney starts as she hands me my shot. “I had limes, but they fell off somewhere back there, so we’re raw dogging this, bitch.” I grimace as I take the shot glass out of her hand. The tiny salt rim is gone, along with my lime. Delaney raises her glass slightly to toast. “May you have the best birthday in the history of fucking birthdays and the best birthday sex in the history of birthday sex. The coochie better be meowing.”

A laugh sputters out of me. “What in the fuck was that?”

“A toast, bitch.” Delaney smirks. “Happy Birthday!”

We click glasses before I throw it back. The familiar burning and warming sensation is making its way down my throat, through my chest, and into my stomach. Nothing burns quite like tequila does.

“Thanks,” I say, the smile not reaching my eyes.

The next couple of hours go by in a blur. It’s probably due to all of the shots Delaney has poured down my throat. I have passed the level of slightly buzzed and have sailed into let’s fucking dance.

Aldo has left me alone the whole night, even as I sway my hips to the music. A few guys have come up behind me, wrapping their hands around me, but they at least take a hint when I remove them.