Page 162 of Reckless Vow

God, this woman. “I love you.”

“Will you dance with me?”

“Maybe later. Do you want to come and schmooze the VIPs with me?”

“Sure. Lead the way.”

“Before we go, I’ve got something for you.” I take her hand and lead her to one of the bars, where I retrieve a little box I’ve hidden there.

“What is it?”

I pull out a delicate golden cuff bracelet I got on my way to the club today. After our vigorous session of sex this morning, I discovered rope marks on her right wrist. She laughed it off, but I couldn’t shake it.

I clasp it around her wrist. “I hope you used the lotion I left for you.”

“After you applied it like a hundred times? Yes, I did.” She rolls her eyes, and then admires the bracelet. “I love it. Thank you.”

I kiss her, and we spend another four hours schmoozing, drinking, and even some dancing. I don’t think I’ve ever danced in my own club. Or any club, for that matter.

Handing Brook a drink, I lean in to kiss her neck. “Where are your friends?”

“I’m here” Saar appears by our side.

“Hey.” Brook hugs her, both women wiggling to the music. “Where is Celeste?”

Saar nods at the bar, where Celeste is in an animated conversation with a familiar dude.

“Is that your brother?” Brook sounds excited.

“Yeah, the dinner before I went to Europe was a bust, but I thought I’d nudge them a bit before she really leaves.”

“They look like they are arguing.”

“I know, but Cal has been on this strange mission to correct as many of our father’s mistakes as possible, and he thinks helping Celeste after Dad fucked her over might be good for both of them.”

“What did your father do to her?” I frown, lost in the conversation.

Brook turns to me. “Saar’s father wanted to hurt Paris, and Celeste was one of the casualties of their feud. I’ll explain later, but she can’t get a job in the city and is about to lose her visa.”

“Not sure she wants your brother's help,” I say as Celeste throws her drink into his face and walks away.

“Oh, what happened, I missed it.” Saar cranes her neck.

Brook squeezes my hand but looks sideways at her friend. “Are you okay? You’ve been distracted all night.”

Saar purses her lips into a straight line. “Some work issues, but nothing to worry about. I’ll be okay.” She turns to me. “Great job, Baldo, congratulations. I almost regret I didn’t agree to get involved.”

“You still can.” Corm’s voice comes from behind me.

Saar’s nostrils flare. “On second thought, I’m glad I stayed away. I better go find Celeste.”

“She really hates me,” Corm mutters and follows her.

“This night was eventful without all this. I’m calling an emergency breakfast meeting for tomorrow.” Brook chuckles.

“Do you want to go and check on Celeste?”

“No need, she’s dancing already. I’ll get the scoop tomorrow, but I’ll check on them both before we leave.”

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