Page 99 of Double or Nothing
“May I steal your partner?” he asks.
I gasp when I recognize Vulcan’s smoldering dark eyes glittering behind the mask. He’s incredibly sexy in a tuxedo, his strong physique emphasized by the tailored fit, a sight I never thought I’d see in a million years.
“Vulcan! You’re here! My God, you look sexy as hell!”
With a knowing smile, Seven places my hand in Vulcan’s. Vulcan whirls me quickly back onto the dance floor, the world spinning around us as I lose myself in his arms. He twirls me effortlessly, his movements smooth and controlled.
“You never struck me as a dancer,” I tease him. “I’m surprised.”
“Oh, there are many things you don’t know about me, baby,” he says, grinning at me. “I have many skills left to show you. A lifetime with you won’t be enough.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” I say, a tingling sensation washing over me at the prospect. “Spending a lifetime with you is my kind of heaven. I’m so happy you’re here. This is a wonderful surprise. Ringing in the New Year wouldn’t feel right without you and Kit here, too. Where is he?”
“Right behind you, beauty,” Kit’s deep voice calls out, and I turn around to see his handsome smile.
“Kit! You made it!” I exclaim, switching smoothly from Vulcan’s arms to his, the transition seamless. “I thought you weren’t able to find a tuxedo to fit your giant body,” I tease, stepping back to take a good look, drinking in the vision of him in formal wear. “You’re even more gorgeous than usual. I can’t believe I didn’t spot you walk into the ballroom since you’re a head taller than anyone else here.”
“The tux was specially made to fit me due to my size,” he says. “I wasn’t sure it would be ready in time. I didn’t want to promise you I’d be here, then back out due to lack of formal attire. I convinced Vulcan to put on a tux for once in his life, and here we are.”
“Thank you,” I tell him. “I’m thrilled you’re all here. My night is now complete.”
The guys spend the next three songs passing me from one to the other, twirling and spinning me. Every touch, every glance, every shared smile tells me I’m special and loved.
The night is the very definition of perfect.
“Only one minute until midnight!” the emcee on stage suddenly announces into the microphone, his voice booming with excitement. “The countdown is ready to begin. Is everyone ready with a glass of champagne? Here we go!”
A waitress glides by and we all grab a champagne flute from her tray. The men gather close around me, smiling.
“Ten…nine…eight…seven.”
I glance around at each of their faces, soaking up the love that binds us all together. They’re all I’ve ever wanted. They’re each vastly different, and yet perfect for me in their own special way. My heart fills, overflowing with love for these three men.
“Six…five…four…three…two…ONE!” we count together.
“Happy New Year!!!”
Showers of confetti and colorful balloons drop from the ceiling as the crowd erupts into loud cheers. The air is filled with laughter, shouts of joy, and the sound of clinking glasses.
Vulcan grabs me first, kissing me urgently with his deep, hungry passion always simmering beneath the surface. When he breaks the kiss, Seven gently cups my face with both hands and plants one of his long, soft kisses on me. Kit tugs me to him last, wrapping me up in those big, muscular arms of his that I love. His kiss is full of promise and protectiveness, the traits I adore in him.
When he finally breaks the kiss, I draw my men into a huddle around me, draping my arms around their waists.
“I realize Kit and Vulcan just arrived a short time ago, but I’m eager to start this year off with a bang,” I say. “Can we go home soon and ring in the New Year in our own special way?”
“By banging?” Vulcan asks, chuckling. “Hell yeah, we can. I’ve been waiting for you to say we could go home since the minute we walked in. I’m dying to rip off these clothes.”
“Don’t get in too much of a hurry,” I warn. “Because I intend to take my time and rip these tuxedos off slowly to savor every moment. In fact, I intend to take photos tonight too. My own personal boudoir photo session of you three.”
“Can we steal you away now?” Kit asks, taking my hand.
“No arguments from me,” I reply.
Laughing, we try to squeeze our way through the celebrating crowd, the air thick with the mingling scents of perfume and champagne. The guests are packed in tight, still cheering wildly and blowing paper horns. It’s a slow process trying to make it across the room.
Glancing back over my shoulder, I try to spot Natasha one last time before we leave. I hope she’s having a good time tonight with Eva. She deserves a chance to have a little fun.
I see her on the far side of the ballroom. She’s alone and moving fast through the crowd, her movements uncharacteristically tense. Her head is ducked down low as she squeezes her way quickly between the celebrating guests, her face partially obscured.
