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“Well, someone has to do the heavy lifting.” Bash puts the boxes down. “And clearly, it won’t be either of you.”

Mary swats his arm, the picture of mock outrage, before turning back to the counter. “Help yourself to the food. I didn’t know what you’d want, so I got one of everything.”

“Bless you. You’re a saint.” I give her a quick squeeze.

We sit down at the counter and dig in.

Bash nudges me, pointing at the champagne and food. “So, what have you two been cooking up? Anything special?”

“None of your concern,” Mary says.

He takes the last bite of the sweet and sour chicken. “Guess that’s my cue. Thanks for the food.”

“Thank you for helping with the boxes. I appreciate it,” I say.

“What are big brothers for?” He pulls me into a quick side hug. “Besides, it gave me an excuse to escape some paperwork. I’ll take any opportunity I can get. See you.”

Once Bash leaves, Mary fixes me with an expectant look.

“So, are you still planning to accompany me to the party tonight?” Her tone is light, but an undercurrent of hopefulness is laced through her words.

I hesitate, gnawing on my lower lip. I long to stay in the comfort of my pajamas. But how bad could one party be?

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Mary whoops, throwing her arms around me. “You won’t regret it, I promise! This is what you need to get out of your misery.”

“If you say so.” I force a cheerful facade. At least the champagne is helping to take the edge off, the crisp bubbles fizzing. It’s been so long since I’ve been out to a club.

“Perfect! Now, the most important question of all. What are we going to wear?”

Delving into her and my wardrobe, Mary sorts through the clothes, tossing one piece after another until she finds the perfect outfit.

Is that how people dress to go clubbing these days?

Chapter 5

The pulsing beat of the music thrums beneath my Italian leather shoes as I sit in the VIP area of the Crimson Masquerade Club. My gaze scans the crowd below. I joined Connor on his little mission, hoping to find a woman I could use for my fake engagement.

But I doubt I’ll find someone suitable here.

Connor sits beside me. Here for a sole purpose. The promise of catching a glimpse of that girl.

What’s her name? Mary?

I adjust the black silk mask. “What’s the plan?”

“Waiting until she arrives.”

This little excursion is a goddamn waste of time.

Connor’s eyes remain fixed on the entrance. “She’ll be here.”

“Your obsession with this Mary chick is borderline creepy, cuz.”

He shoots me a glare but doesn’t shoot back. Smart move because I’m right, and he knows it. But I’m not one to judge. We all have our vices.

Loosening my tie, I lean back. The rhythmic thump of the bass grates on my nerves. “Why the fuck are we even at this ridiculous party?”

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