Page 50 of The Bloke

“Do you have a date set?” I rushed to ask, hoping to get some sort of timeline.

Since Jaxon first mentioned it, I’ve avoided telling Sienna, waiting for the right moment to present itself. But if she had to perform her test tomorrow, I was shit out of luck in that regard.

“Not yet, but within the month is a guarantee. Dustin doesn’t like loose ends hanging around for too long.”

“Then why do we need to discuss her now if a date isn’t even set yet?” I crossed my arms over my chest with a frown.

“There’s a Gala tomorrow evening. It’s hosted every five years, and all members of the Men Under Revue are required to attend. Those who are married will be accompanied by their wives or partners.”Great…

“Wives who have already passed their tests?” I inferred.

If that were the case, this could potentially be a good thing for her—for us.

“Exactly. This would be your best shot in preparing your wife for her test to come.” He paused. “Technically, she shouldn’t even be allowed to attend without passing it, but I’ve managed to pull some strings on your behalf… Dustin owes me a favor.” Jaxon smirked with smug satisfaction.

“And I’ve already confirmed with Dallas and Levi that they will be in attendance with their wives, Bria and Tessa. Those two ladies…” Nick blew out a low whistle. “They would be the first women I’d introduce your wife to without hesitation.”

“Why them?” I asked, arching a brow.

He sounded so sure of himself that there had to be something he wasn’t telling me. I knew Nick was friends with Dallas and Levi. He introduced me to them at the mansion for my ceremony five years ago, but I haven’t seen them since, mostly because I keep to myself unless otherwise needed by the brotherhood.

“Similar situations to yours.” Jaxon laughed in response. “You can ask them tomorrow night. They both have quite the stories to tell, especially Levi.”

“I’ll focus on my wife and her test instead.”

I didn’t want to sound ungrateful for Jaxon getting her into the Gala, but I wasn’t interested in Levi, Dallas, and their relationships while mine was still in danger of being ripped away from me shortly after my wife finally gave me a chance to break down her walls.

“Whatever, mate. The Gala is at Dustin’s mansion and starts at nine. Don’t be fucking late, and wear all black.” Jaxon concluded coolly before exiting backstage.Fucking jackass.

Nick crouched at the front of the stage where I stood and smiled softly.

“You got this?” His eyes showed a subtle hint of concern as he asked the question.

“Don’t I always?” I smirked, pushing all the confidence I had left into my words.

I didn’t have a choice in the matter.

She had no goddamn choice.

“Seriously, though, introduce her to Bria and Tessa. If anyone will gently introduce her to our world, it's them.” He attested. “They’ve done their tests and know what is to be expected. Don’t deny your wife the support they never got.” His eyes softened at his words as if he were remembering their tests—whenever those occurred.

I nodded in silent agreement. No matter how badly I wanted to be the one to bring her into this world of ours, I knew there were things I wouldn’t be able to explain in a way she could understand without freaking the fuck out.

I had one shot at explaining everything to her, and if I fucked it all up, it was over for the both of us—a risk I wasn’t willing to take.

I took a detouron the way back home to pick up a few things for tonight. It was well past nine when I returned to the penthouse, having left at five to meet with Jaxon and Nick. I expected Sienna to be up and wondering where I had gone, but she never texted me, leaving me to believe she was either still sleeping or didn’t care that I had left.

When I stepped off the elevator, the place was dead silent, so I quietly made my way past the kitchen and down the hall to our bedroom.

Opening the door, I found my wife, still fast asleep, bundled up in the sheets. Wanting to take advantage of the opportunity, I placed the boxes I had brought back with me on the dresser and crept across the room, sliding back into bed behind her.

She radiated warmth as my body pressed up against hers.

I wrapped my arms around her tightly. She stirred with a low groan as I buried my face in her hair, soaking in the warm coconut scent from her shampoo.

Her arms stretched out above her head, rolling her wrists before she turned over to face me, her sleepy eyes slowly blinking open to meet mine.

“Mmm… morning.” She hummed with a groggy voice. “You’re back.”

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