Page 33 of Vail

“Vail…” Jordan whispered. He brushed Vail’s tears away. This man, this tough as hell guy, was so gentle when he touched Vail and me.

“I mean it. I want to stay. I’d like some mouthwash though.”

“Reghan,” Jordan barked.

The door opened, Reghan peeking his head in. “Yes, sir?”

“Find some mouthwash for Vail.”

Reghan nodded and left.

Vail moved to the sink to splash cold water on his face. “I can’t keep running, as much as I want to.” I handed him a soft towel that sat on the corner of the sink. “He does this shit because he can.”

“He’s still alive,” I said, stating the obvious. God, I was smart sometimes.

Vail’s gaze went to Jordan. “You can’t.”

Jordan’s response was to clench his jaw. Again.

“You were already in jail once since we’ve been together. I don’t want to see you in there ever again. Whether or not you’d get caught. I can’t handle it.”

“And if he were to threaten your life?” Jordan asked. “If he stood before me with a knife to your throat or a gun to your head, you’d ask me to do nothing?”

Vail leaned heavily against the sink. “If Gil was in danger of taking a life, then and only then could you kill him.”

The door opened, Reghan entering with a travel bottle of mouthwash.

“Thank you,” Vail said and took it from him to clean his mouth.

“Marlie is still outside, waiting to speak with you again, sir,” Reghan stated.

Vail took Jordan’s hand in his. “Let’s return to the party. Gil isn’t here, right?”

“No. My men swept the room, the halls, the entire first floor. Em assured me he isn’t staying here either. Gil’s face has been plastered all over the media in the city. If he was here, someone would have recognized him.”

“Okay then. Let’s enjoy the rest of the evening.”

“Are you sure?”

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be than with you and Hart.” He turned before Jordan could say anything else. Reghan held the door open.

Outside the bathroom, I saw a woman in a pale lilac gown that hugged her waist, flared at the hips, and flowed to the floor so only her toes were visible. The gown shimmered with her every movement. It was stunning, and so was she in it.

“The item has been removed from the table,” she said as soon as Jordan emerged. “I’m not sure how it got past us, but it won’t happen again.”

“Please don’t stress yourself over this,” Vail told her. “You didn’t know. Thank you for removing it from the auction.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t want to upset Mr. Altair or either of you.”

“Marlie, I know it wasn’t intentional,” Jordan added. “Vail’s right. You had no idea. I’m sorry if my anger got the best of me before. I shouldn’t have raised my voice. You didn’t deserve that.”

“If the situation had been reversed, I would have been just as upset. But I accept your apology. Thank you.”

Vail offered Marlie his arm. “Could you direct me to your favorite item up for bid? I didn’t have time to view everything yet.”

She slipped her arm through his and began talking about a local jeweler who had donated a custom design. Vail listened raptly as they returned to the ballroom. Only a few guests turned our way when we entered, the rest were content to dance, drink, and browse the auction.

I took Jordan’s arm in mine. Together, we followed behind Vail and Marlie as they looked over the tables. I had little to spare in terms of money to spend, but I did bid on a few smaller items, wanting to do my part. One day I’d be able to contribute more.

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