Page 95 of Fighting for His Life

“You’re beautiful, baby. It wouldn’t matter if you were wearing a potato sack. You’d still be sexy as hell.” I really hope my words reassure her, and don’t make things worse.

“Maybe I should change,” she whispers so that only I can hear.

I swallow hard and shake my head. “Not until I’ve fucked you wearing this with those fuck me red heels still on.”

She turns a beautiful shade of pink as she flushes at my words.

“No, man. Come on. That’s my damn sister.”

I let out a chuckle. “It’s never bothered you before.”

“She’s never looked like that before.”

“Pretty sure you just never noticed.”

Then, as if just remembering, Tori asks to use a room to put her dress on. Apparently, it requires two other people to get her into it.

So, the guys sit again. We talk about the team and the game for a few minutes. Maddox enlightens us about exactly what type of business he’s in with his father. Zane is questioning him about investments when his jaw goes slack. I don’t even have to turn around to see what he’s looking at. I smirk a little because I recognize that look. Wonder if he knows yet?

“Fuck. Me,” he mutters under his breath.

I chuckle a little. My boy is well and truly fucked.

I turn to look. Tori is really is beautiful in her ruby red gown, but of course I only have eyes for one girl. But Zane? Well he’s looking at her like a man starved.

Zoey gives me a questioning look. I give a little nod between Zane and Tori. Understanding blooms on her face. She sees exactly what I see and starts grinning ear to ear. To the untrained eye, it would appear she is happy for her brother, and is feeling like a matchmaker. I know better. I know she is gearing up to rag his ass for days over this.

“Come on, everyone,” I finally say. “The car has been waiting for over an hour.”

Theballroom is filled with people. The entire roster of the Raptors is present. As well as the basketball team also owned by Mr. Neveah. I’m pretty sure I see faces of actors and music artist among the herd of people also.

My first reaction to the scene before me is that maybe I didn’t think this through. This may be too many people for Zoey to handle on her first real night out. I’m worried the presence of the press alone may trigger a panic attack for her.

I make a mental note not to let her out of my sight. Not that I had intentions of it in the first place.

The second thing I notice is the over the top grandeur of the place. I’ve been to a few of these things over the years. Especially since starting college, but I can never seem to get used to the sight.

The place is still decorated with twelve-foot white Christmas trees that line the entry way along with tiny white lights draped like a canopy over the top. In the actual ballroom, there is another white forty-foot tree with a huge gold reindeer set in front of it. Long tables line two walls with white tablecloths and gold and white center pieces.

I hear Zoey gasp beside me. I look down at her, seeing apprehension on her face. “You okay?” I ask dipping my head to her ear.

“It’s a little overwhelming,” she admits with a hard swallow.

I wrap my arm around her waist to pull her close. “I’m right here,” I remind her.

She only gives me a small nod.

We make our way through the ballroom. Anao’I is the first person we stumble upon. “There’s my boys,” he says with a big infectious grin. “Second year in a row you two help us get to the playoffs.”

Of course, Zane eats up the praise. “Damn right we did.”

“Not much on the modesty, are you?” Maddox mocks.

Zane only grins.

“Zoey, beautiful girl, where have you been hiding that fine ass?” Fet asks, only half-way joking because he’s a man and not blind. I try to contain my jealously because he really doesn’t mean anything by it. Fet has been happily married for a few years now, and I suspect his wife is nearby. I also appreciate how he’s trying to make Zoey feel comfortable.

He’s one of the few guys that’s been to the penthouse since she’s been home. He’s really gone above and beyond to charm and befriend her. He’s even gotten her to laugh a few times and smile often. I can’t get mad at a guy for flirting if he can do that for my girl.

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