Page 223 of Remy

Ivy cackles as Allison’s laughter carries from the far side of the backseat.

“Not funny.” I yank open the door, forcing Ivy to scoot into the middle seat with a wave of my hand.

“You look incredible.” Allison stares at my dress as if it’s from another planet, because given my usual laid-back style, it practically is. “I’ve never seen you in anything like that before.”

“And you probably never will again. Lesley’s granddaughter gave it to me a year ago because it didn’t fit her anymore. I’m surprised I didn’t throw it out.” I slide inside feeling all kinds of uncomfortable, dump my clutch into my lap, and then yank on my belt.

“Okay, ladies.” The female driver eyes us from the rearview mirror. “Where are we headed?”

“Smoke & Mirrors.” I pop my lips together, hoping my lipstick is okay seeing I didn’t have time to check.

Allison squeals. “I love that place.”

“Wait. Why?” Ivy grumbles. “Can’t we go somewhere else this time?”

“Nope. If you get to announce to my entire neighborhood that I’m getting eaten tonight, I’m calling dibs on our location.” I grab my cell from my clutch and look up the club’s address to show it to the driver. “Take us here please.”

“Liv,” Ivy sighs. “That place is?—”

“It’s the only club I know. And I feel comfortable there. Please, Ivy, just one more time,” I beg. “Would it help if I told you our names are on the VIP list?”

“Are you serious?” Allison clasps her hand around Ivy’s thigh with another squeal. “How the hell did that happen?”

“I guess Dad knows a friend of a friend.”

Ivy continues to vibrate with skepticism, the disparaging mood not budging even after I nudge my arm against hers.

“Pretty please, Ive.” I place a smacking red kiss to her bare shoulder. “With sprinkles on top?”

“Okay. Fine. Whatever you want. I just don’t like what I keep hearing about the place.”

I try not to feel offended. Really, I do. But I want her to like Remy’s club, especially when one day I’m hoping she’ll like Remy, too.

“So… Smoke & Mirrors?” the driver asks.

“Hell yeah.” Allison bounces in her seat. “Let’s do this.”

37

REMY

I receive a text from the bouncer the moment Ollie enters my club.

I tell myself I need to give her time to be with her friends. But it takes twenty-eight agitated minutes of restraint before I stalk from my office and make my way downstairs to the main club area with Valenti and Russo tailing me.

I find her in seconds, my eyes calibrated to her beauty as she sways on the far side of the half-filled dance floor in a dress made for sin.

She’s here later than I’d anticipated.

I assume they must’ve gone somewhere else for pre-drinks. But it’s still too early to be crowded in here. The bars aren’t packed. The VIP booths are relatively quiet.

She doesn’t have a drink in hand, only her clutch, but it’s clear her night hasn’t been spent concentrating on sobriety.

Her hair is down. Her body sways with carefree abandon. And that smile.

Fuck.

How can one curve of lips possess such power?

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