Page 11 of Hers to Keep

“We’realwaysflirting with our gargoyle,” he said with a particularly feline grin.

Chapter 4

Maritriednottoroll her eyes when Rio put seconds of yet another tiny bite on her tasting plate.

Willow took copious notes about every facial expression and sound, based on their furious writing.The caterer, a lovely woman with flame-red hair and a quick smile named Mica, fretted over everything from the plate positions to the consistency of the sauces as she spooned them.She had no reason to be nervous, because the food was absolutely decadent, and Mari attempted to reassure her whenever Rio wasn’t stuffing her mouth with some other delicious morsel.

Cisco watched them with a satisfied smile as he took dutiful bites of every dish.He ranked his favorites in neat rows but insisted that whatever Mari decided was gospel.

Mari chose carefully, trying to make sure there was a variety of options for different palates and dietary restrictions.She especially counted the vegetarian dishes and desserts for Dante.

By the time they were done, Mari was pleasantly full and considering the odds that she would be able to sneak away for another nap before anyone noticed.

“Do you want to look at the ballroom tonight?”Willow said, as they jotted a final note.

Mari sat up straight.“It’s done?”A flicker of worry snaked through her.What if she couldn’t make herself walk into the room?They would surely have to cancel the party then.

Rio’s hand ghosted over her exposed back in a gentle caress, but he didn’t say anything.She wondered if he was trying to comfort himself as much as he was her.They both had reason to fear that room.

“Yes, Clovis just inspected everything today and gave his stamp of approval.”Willow lifted an eyebrow.“We can do it another day, if you prefer.”

“No, let’s get it done,” Mari said with much more certainty than she felt.

Willow led the way through the hallways toward the ballroom with Rio striding next to them and chatting pleasantly.

Cisco slid a hand to the small of her back and leaned close as they walked.“You look stunning,” he murmured.

Mari smiled nervously.“I appreciate you trying to distract me.”

He made a careless shrug.“I’m just being honest.”

“Well, thank you.I do finally feel better.”Mari almost tripped when they made the final turn toward the ballroom, but Cisco caught her arm effortlessly.“Holy shit,” she said under her breath.

Even the hallway had been transformed.Gone was the blue and gold motif and the cold marble tile.The floor was highly polished wood, gleaming and alive, and the walls were textured paper, white with delicate burgundy striping.

“Bravo, Willow,” Cisco said in an appreciative tone.

This no longer felt like the place where her father had reigned at all.It was warm and welcoming—it was home.

Rio dove in to hug the sphinx.They made a squawk of indignation but then settled into the embrace.

“Thank you,” Rio whispered as he clutched them tight.

“You haven’t even seen the ballroom yet,” they chided.

“Well, go ahead and show it to us,” Mari laughed, her eyes filled with happy tears.

The room beyond the large double doors was just as awe-inspiring, with private alcoves aplenty, along with two dance floors and an expansive bar.The stage was raised slightly on one distant wall, and across the room from that, a dais rose up two stairs, separated from the rest of the open space by an ornate wooden railing.The seating in the dais area echoed the burgundy and white color scheme of the rest of the room and was equipped with one long and comfortable booth that curved in a wide arc.

It was perfect.

“What’s through there?”Cisco indicated the door to the room which had been host to her father’s private parties.

“Ahh, that’s my favorite part.Come.”Willow led the way.With a wave of their hand, the wall fell away, revealing a large conservatory with a pool in the center.“A saltwater pool, spelled and maintained by a water witch friend of mine.Bringing just a little bit of a beach party right here to your home.”

One side of the room had a sand floor, complete with lounges that would blend seamlessly into any beachside resort, while the other half was equipped with cozy chairs that looked perfect for quiet conversations.

Willow gestured.“There’s sound shielding here between the rooms, just to keep this from getting overrun with the noise of the party.I figured it was a nice touch for the folks who get overwhelmed with loud music and such.”

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