Page 124 of Rio
“Of what I should wear to my first interview with Kingston Mansell,” I say casually, like it’s no big deal, when it’s everything to me.Almost everything.“It’s a globally renowned law firm in Manhattan.”
I wait for the words to land, when they do, Rio’s eyes widen like saucers.“In Manhattan?”
“Yes.”I try not to burst from the inside out.“They headhunted me.I have an interview next week.”
I didn’t think his eyes could get any bigger, but they do.“Kingston Mansell?They’reextremelyprestigious.”
“Yes.They want me for Senior Counsel, ESG—environmental, social and governance, and International Compliance.”When I say it all out loud, it sounds like a big deal.I can’t stop myself from smiling, or ignore the way my stomach feels all fluttery, in those moments when I know something good is coming.
Rio jumps to his feet, pulling me up with him, and then he lifts me up in his arms, and spins me around effortlessly.“Babe!Wow.That’s ....that’sfuckingincredible.”
“I don’t have the job yet.It’s the first interview,” I say, breathless from both the spin and the thrill, and Rio’s uncontained joy.“They want me to lead high-profile cases, and advise billon-dollar clients, as well as build international policy strategy.It’s ...”I laugh, overwhelmed.“It’s like the universe is finally listening.”
Not just with the job, and removing me from working for a boss I detested, but by letting Rio strut into my life.I’m filled with joy and disbelief, my heart so full, my skin tingling.I’m experiencing a joy that doesn’t come from adrenaline or excitement but from alignment.
He sets me down, his arms still around my waist anchoring me.“You’re going to walk in to that firm like the storm that you are.They’ll be lucky to have you.Just like I am.”
Then he kisses me, slow and certain, and it’s like a new chapter is starting in our lives.We’ve made it through the worst, and the best is yet to come.
Chapter 40
RIO
Dex texted to say that tonight we’re having a Knight brothers’ dinner at the rooftop sky garden in The Bluebell Manhattan, Luke Hunter’s hotel.The entire garden has been reserved just for us.
Fitting really, since it was here that Dex proposed to Dani.And it was in the upscale bar inside, The Midnight Lounge, where Dex and Dani had their first date.It was also where I first met Raquel.
Dex organized it all.He claims he’s proud of what I did, and we need to celebrate standing up to the old man.
But I didn’t just wake up and do this.I saw Jett stand up for what he believed in, and then Dex fought his battle.Sure, we helped, but seeing my brothers rise up, slowly, but surely, pushing back, inspired me to do what needed to be done.
But what I’m celebrating tonight is getting Raquel back.
We’re late, and by the time the elevator doors open, and we step out to find everyone seated around a long rectangular table.Thick white candles in glass jars are dotted around the table.The lighting is low and warm.
All the brothers are there, and Dani and Cari.No sign of the old man.This feels like a family get-together.Not a Knight family dinner night.Jett is sitting at one end, arms folded.Dex is next to him, looking into Dani’s eyes like she’s the only woman on earth.Dani’s laughing about something and the dude is just watching her.Zach stares out at the city skyline probably wishing he wasn’t here.I suck in a breath.He’s one of the youngest of the Knights, not the youngest, Enzo is, and that dude is far wiser than his twenty-six years.Problem with Zach is that he’s deluded when it comes to the old man.He still thinks the old man might change.Another problem is that he loves him and still looks up to him.Matteo is tapping away on his cell phone and Enzo is silently surveying everyone.
“Brother.Raquel.Glad you could both make it.”Dex nods.Everyone quiets.Raquel and I are holding hands.I give her hand a gentle squeeze, knowing how daunting it can be to walk in and find seven pairs of eyes on you.Cari and Dani spring out of their seats and rush to Raquel.They don’t even acknowledge me.
“You okay, hon?”
“How’s it going?”
She’s bombarded with questions, and hugs and kisses, even though they were all together earlier, watching the live stream.
“Thank you,” I say, when they finally,finally, turn to acknowledge me.The girls took care of the livestream, and setting it all up, getting Raquel to come over to Jett’s place and getting her to watch it.
“Want to come sit by us?”Dani asks.
“I’m fine, thanks.I’ll sit by Rio,” she says softly, looking a little shy.She’s nothing like the velociraptor in the courtroom—the fierce, unstoppable woman I know.I hate that because of me, my father was able to get to her.
The girls go back to their seats.
We’re still holding hands.“You ready?”I ask.
She nods, Jett gets up first and comes over to shake my hand, before greeting Raquel warmly by giving her a light kiss on her cheek.
The others follow, murmuring, “Hey”, and “Hi,” and “Good to see you.”
