Page 78 of Rubies and Revenge

“To be expected of such a fine young lady,” Logan compliments.

Alessandra shoots him a withering glare. “The expectation of fine youngladiesin Casa Nostra leaves much to be desired.”

“Perhaps if their name is anything less than Gallo,” Zarina snaps through a smile.

“Tamayo!” Jaime and Mais tumble into the circle, and I catch them before they accidentally tackle one of the most dangerous people in Louredo. Gemma’s hot on their heels, grimacing an apology behind their backs. I just shake my head, amused andhonestly happy to have an excuse to step out of the stifling ring of Cardinal Families.

Jaime’s bright-blue hair is shaped into a mullet, and their costume matches—a glittering suit of azure with a fake hookah-pipe hanging from their lapel to represent the Caterpillar. In my other hand, Mais is wrapped in a ball gown made of tulle with red rose petals floating between the layers. His long, black hair sits atop his head, somehow shaped into a rose. I hazard a guess that Zarina provided both outfits, like with Rita.

“This party is so cool!” Jaime hugs me tight, unaware of the powerful people shooting disapproving looks around us. “Thanks for inviting us.”

“Jaime,” Mais admonishes. His tawny brown skin burnishes in the low light meant to simulate candlelight. Unlike his friend, he’s very aware of the judgment they’re receiving. “You’re being rude.”

“It’s okay, Mais.” I pull Jaime backward, further away from the Gallos and Falcones and Logan. Zarina takes the opportunity to follow me, hand at Mais’s back. I hold Jaime at arm’s length with a wide grin. “Let me get a look at you both.”

Zarina stretches her hand to Mais, who graciously accepts it with a blush. “I am so happy you’re here.”

“Thank you, Miss Gallo.” Mais’s voice is soft.

She smiles wider. “Call me Zarina.”

“Okay.” The corners of his mouth twitch up into a tiny smile. “Thank you for the dress.”

“It was made for you—literally,” she says.

Mais’s eyes widen, and his hands fall to pick at his skirt. “What?”

Zarina leans close to him, like she’s telling him a secret. “Rita relayed your ideas to the designer, and she designed this. For you.”

“What?” He can’t seem to say anything different.

Zarina laughs, delighted. “She said you have a promising eye—the designer, that is.”

Mais blushes fiercely, the apples of his cheeks darkening. “Who is she?”

Zarina cranes her neck, gaze flicking over the crowd. “She used to be a drag queen, and now?—”

“Oh my god, you know Sally Vator?!”

“She’s a dear friend.” She laughs. “She designed mine and Jaime’s, too.”

Mais grabs Zarina’s arm and hangs on, eyes wide with admiration. “You’re so much cooler than Tamayo.”

“Hey!” I grab my chest like he stabbed me in the heart.

He doesn’t deign to even look at me, shaking his head. “It’s true. You would never throw a party like this, let alone a party.”

“That’s the bar for cool?” I scoff.

Mais looks me up and down. “Among other things.”

Zarina giggles, and my hand curls tighter over my heart, the muscle spasming under my ribcage.

“Not even married yet and you’re already outshone.” Jaime pokes my side.

I let my shoulders hang, dramatics on full display. “My years of toil and friendship mean nothing to you all, hm?”

“You’re the moon next to Zarina’s sun, T.” Mais raises his chin, at his most haughty—the surest tell he’s about to land a perfect repartee. “She is the light, and you a reflection of it.”

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