Page 90 of Attraction (Mobsters + Billionaires 3)
We don’t allow security in the event, but Kej will accompany us up the big staircase to the front door.
There is a small gaggle of paparazzi outside, and everyone aims their cameras toward my beloved. There’s a murmur as people try to figure out who it is, but one enterprising photographer figures it out, and the rest pile on.
“That’s Ford Bradley!”
“Ford! Ford! Who are you wearing?”
“Who did your mask, Ford?”
“Are you scared to go to the Rogues’ Masquerade?”
He grins, brilliant, and shakes his head. Thankfully, we’re early, and they’re respectful—likely due to Kej’s quietly intimidating presence—so we hit the stairs and reach the entrance without a break in stride.
I turn to Kej. “Thanks for working tonight—Brody’s great, but I trust you, and you’re the better driver. Think it’ll hurt his feelings if I ask you to drive us home tonight?”
Kej chuckles to himself. “I’m sure it’ll be fine, sir. He’s a good driver, but I don’t mind fracturing a law or two to get you home early.”
I shake his hand, looking forward to doing just that. “Good man. I anticipate we’ll need your services around nine o’clock, so make sure to grab some dinner for yourself.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Kej says, sending us a short salute. “If you need us beforehand, just text, and we’ll be back right away.”
“Deal.”
Ford adjusts his bow tie as we walk into the towering lobby. Before walking to the check-in desk, I step us to the side.
“You nervous?” I ask, touching his slightly overworked tie. “You looked so confident in front of all of those paps.”
He takes a deep breath, adjusting his mask. “Will you judge me if I say yes?”
“Never.” Grabbing his hands, I wait until he’s looking me in the eye. “No one is allowed in with a gun, and most of these guys without their guns are not intimidating at all. This gala is meant to do good for the community and establish cordiality, or at least decent lines of communication between families. There’s a hard and fast rule about leaving rivalries at the door.”
“People actually honor it?” Ford asks, his eyes luminous.
“Absolutely. And don’t forget what I said about someone laying a hand on you.”
“They own the consequences. Which are quite…severe,” he says, sounding a little breathless.
I feel a little bad about corrupting him, but then again, he’s made me a better man, and I call that an even trade.
We approach the door to the ballroom, and I smile. Mary volunteered to help with check-in, and it appears she has things well in hand.
“Mary, darling, you look beautiful. I’m sure you’ve got this place running like a top.”
She blushes at the compliment. “Flatterer. You just don’t want me to sit you next to Smelly McGee.”
“Smelly McGee?” Ford asks, chuckling.
“Seriously. That’s his nickname, and his last name is actually McGee.”
“How unfortunate.”
Addressing Mary, I thumb a gesture at Ford. “As long as I’m sitting next to Hottie McBradley here, I’m good.”
“Luca, you know I’ve got you two squared away,” Mary says, and it warms my heart to see her get more comfortable around me. “I’ve got you sitting with Anthony and Mads.”
“Good woman.”
Security approaches us, and I realize I didn’t warn Ford. Thankfully, he handles the pat down in good humor.
