Page 72 of Set In Stone

“Oh, yeah. She’s freaking alright,” Krystinalaughed.

“Come on, angel. Let’sgo.”

Samuel came around to open the door for us and we climbed out. As soon as Allyson spotted Krystina shesquealed.

“Calm yourself, girl. I think you just shattered my eardrum,” Krystinajoked.

“It began as soon as she found out where we were going,” Matteo said with a laugh. He slapped a hand on my shoulder. “Good to see you, my friend. And you too, Krystina. You’re looking as lovely asever.”

Lovely was the understatement of the year. After taking two hours to dress for the evening, she came out of the bedroom looking like a goddamn sex goddess. Her eyes were shadowed dark and her lips painted a deep red. The makeup was heavier than what she normally wore, but I didn’t mind it. Her makeup was the least of my concerns. I was too focused on her chosen attire. Decked out in a short black leather skirt and a burgundy silk tank with onyx straps, I was tempted to send her back to the bedroom to change. When she added five-inched black stiletto’s, I did tell her to do exactly that. It didn’t go well, her only compromise being a short jacket to ward off thecold.

Ignoring the exchange of pleasantries, Allyson continued toswoon.

“Krys, you do realize that only A-list DJ’s spin here, right? Celebrities come to this club! Oh my god! I remember reading that Leonardo DiCaprio came here before. Oh, and Tina Fey, too! I would die if I saw her,” Allyson said with wide eyes, still in awe and oblivious to anythingelse.

“Hello, Allyson,” Isaid.

She glanced in my direction, almost as if noticing me for the firsttime.

“Hey, Alex,” she greeted, then looked up the fifty-eight story hotel in front of us. “I don’t know how you did it, but this place is impossible to get in. Like, VIP if you’relucky.”

I winked at her and wrapped my arm around Krystina’swaist.

“I don’t subscribe to luck. I make my own,” I told her and glanced down at Krystina. Her breath was showing in white puffs in the cold night air. “Are we ready to go inside where it’s warm? Or are we just going to look up and gawk from thestreet?”

Matteolaughed.

“I don’t know. Allyson seems to be having a good enough time down here. I’m not sure if she’ll be able to contain herself up there,” Matteogoaded.

“Oh, stop it,” she said and slapped him teasingly on the arm. “Let’sgo.”

With that, Allyson walked up to us and lopped her arm through Krystina’s. Krystina tossed me a helpless look, but shrugged and took Allyson’s lead. The two women walked ahead of Matteo and me. I took a moment to appreciate Krystina’s long legs that disappeared under the leather skirt. I decided right then and there that she would need to dress in leather more often.Privately.

Perhaps a leather corset with a garterbelt.

She was smoking hot. Unfortunately, every guy in the place would share my sentiments. That was why I wanted her to change her clothes. Because of her stubbornness, I’d have to be sure to keep her closetonight.

As Matteo and I began to follow the women toward the doors to the hotel lobby, I heard him chuckle besideme.

“Your eyes are glued to her, my friend. I know what you’re thinking. And yes, many will stare at your woman tonight. Are you going to be able handlethat?”

I tore my gaze from Krystina and glanced over atMatteo.

“Let them look. She knows she’s mine and that’s all that matters,” I tried to shrug offnonchalantly.

“Whoa! Are you feeling all right?” Matteo laughed and I tossed him a knowinggrin.

“Oh, trust me. She won’t leave my sight, Matt. Sure, I don’t like the idea of men checking her out, but I don’t think she’d take kindly to me knocking out every guy who glances her way. But, if any man has the balls to go near her, I’ll lay themflat.”

“Ah, okay. I thought you had fallen ill for a minute there. Good to know you’re still a jealous asshole,” hekidded.

“Shut up, Matt,” I said and shook myhead.

Allyson and Krystina stood waiting for us near the bank ofelevators.

“Hurry up, you two!” Allysonadmonished.

“I’d like to gag her one of these days,” I heard Matteo mutter under hisbreath.

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