Page 103 of Betrayed in the Dark
He slides two fingers under my chin, lifting my face until our eyes connect. “If you think you’re going into the city without me, you clearly don’t know me at all.” He runs his hand over my hair, twirling the ends. “Where you go, I go, Princess. Don’t ever forget that.”
“My feet are killing me,” Alina complains as she limps beside me, her poor feet suffering in her high heels after nearly two hours on the dance floor.
Red Eleven is a vibrant hotspot filled with partygoers, dancers, socialites, influencers, and everyone in between who come to see and be seen. It offers some of the most expensive alcohol available, including Ley .925 tequila, Henri IV Dudognon Héritage Cognac, and Macallan Exceptional Single Cask. It’s a venue where individuals willingly pay more than the average mortgage for a membership in the VIP lounge. This establishment caters not only to the mega-wealthy but also to royalty and members of discreet organizations who prefer to remain anonymous.
And it just so happens to be one of my family’s establishments. Specifically, one that generates a substantial amount of revenue every year, helping to finance some of my family’s less scrupulous ventures. The ones I withhold from the books.
Scarlett pushes her hair back, her face flushed as she fans herself. “I think it’s time for a break. How about we sit at the bar and order some drinks?”
“Lead the way,” I tell her, adjusting the top of my strapless dress.
After finding free seats at the bar, the bartender quickly takes our order and, only a moment later, has four pink tropical-looking drinks placed before us.
Raising my drink in the air, I say, “Cheers to having the best friends I could ever ask for.” I look over at Cressida, feeling slightly bad for how I’ve behaved toward her when she’s onlytried to welcome me into her horrible family, unbeknownst to her. “And here’s to having a future sister.”
Cressida’s eyes water as she raises her glass. “To finally having a sister.”
Scarlett wraps an arm around my shoulder and kisses my cheek. “To best friends.”
“Best friends,” Alina adds.
We all clink our glasses together, taking hearty sips. I twirl my straw through the pink slush and say, “Is it just me, or does anyone else feel their eyes on us?”
Alina peeks over her shoulder. “That’s because five sets of eyesareon us.” She chuckles. “Alex looks ready to pull out a bottle of disinfectant any second, and Mauro looks…uncomfortable.” Her lips curve downward as her gaze focuses on him.
“At least they’re giving us some space,” Scarlett offers. “Leo promised me they wouldn’t bother us tonight and that we’d hardly notice them.”
I arch a brow. How can I not notice them?
Five of the most ruthless men I know are all sitting at a table with their eyes on us, appearing ready for an imminent attack.
“It’s kind of hard to miss them.” I give a slight shrug. “Nothing like having your big brothers and your bodyguard at your bachelorette party.” I feign a smile, taking another sip.
“Eli looks so good.” Cressida rests her chin on her hand as she sips her drink and gazes dreamily at him.
My knuckles tighten around my glass as I take a sip of my drink, pretending not to care.
She shakes her head and presses her fingers to her temple. “This drink is a little stronger than I’m used to.” She laughs, pushing it away, and then looks at me. “So, do you and Alastor have any plans for the honeymoon?”
I nearly choke on my drink at the thought. The idea of a honeymoon with Alastor is ridiculous, especially since I wouldknee him in the balls if he even considered making a move on me.
That’s not part of our agreement.
And never will be.
I’ve already given enough of myself as it is.
“You guys should visit our estate in Russia!” Cressida exclaims. “It’s so beautiful in the winter with all the snow.”
“Your family has a home in Russia?” Alina asks, surprised.
“Yes. Although the wordhomeis putting it mildly. I think it was a former palace.” She gives a slight shrug. “Alastor and Father are there all the time for business, so it made sense to have a place over there.”
“What kind of business?” Scarlett asks.
Cressida pulls her drink back toward her and takes another sip. “I’m not sure of the logistics, but they work closely with my cousins, the Vasilievs.”
“The Vasilievs?” Scarlett’s bright blue eyes widen, appearing uneasy.
