Page 35 of Tomorrow's Never Promised

Conor gets up and takes Lexi’s hand, twirling her onto the dance floor.Good for him. The lad is super romantic. He could use a good woman by his side. I’m sure Madison won’t mind.

I take my own lady’s hand and spin her towards the stage. The lights are reflecting off the crystals on her mask. She looks like royalty tonight. An outfit designed for a queen.My Queen. I pull her back towards me, her body landing flush with mine. She steadies herself by gripping my biceps. Those gorgeous chocolate eyes find mine as I loop her arms around my neck.

We once again fall into our little bubble. The noise becomes dull and distant. It is just our breathing, the touch of her warm hand around mine, and the music. I grab the nape of her neck, latching my lips to hers. My hand slides slowly down her back and over the swell of her arse as we dance. I hold her body tightly against mine, devouring her lips. My cock strains against her thigh, letting her knowjusthow ready I am for tonight.

Someone clearing their throat breaks me out of the trance I’m in. I place one last kiss on the tip of Madison's nose before we break apart. Madison turns towards Lexi, talking nonsense, embarrassed of being caught in an intimate moment. The waitress hands her a glass of champagne, and she takes a long sip, fanning her face and laughing.

Liam stands in front of me, looking like a goddamn trainwreck. His tuxedo is wrinkled and unbuttoned at the top. His hair is dishevelled. My guess is he didn’t get his lady back. He finishes his double shot of whiskey in one swig and slams the tumbler onto the waitress’ tray as she passes.Fuck. He’s tanked. He only drinks like this when shit gets heavy.

He grips my shoulder with force. “Kil, ya gonna introduce me to yer woman?”

Madison whips her head around mid-laugh. Her eyes go wide like she’s seen a ghost, which I guess she has—he looks like the undead tonight.

Liam stumbles back. “Damn, Liam. You’re a fucking mess!” I grip his shoulder to steady him. “I take it you couldn’t get her back?” I soften my voice.

“No.” He runs a shaky hand through his hair. “When I stopped by her house this morning, her mum told me she had aboyfriend,” he explains, his voice laced with disdain.

“Soo…are you going to introduce us?” He gestures his pointer finger between himself and Madison.

“Madison, I’d like you to meet my best frien–mybrother–Liam,” I say while pulling him to me and slapping his back.

She turns to me with a curious look on her face. “Brother? I thought you were an only child.” Her hands reach up to play with her necklace. I wrap my hand around her waist and pull her to my other side.

“I thought so too,” I laugh, giving Liam a squeeze. “We just found out on Christmas that we share the same Da.” I kiss her on the top of her head. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, sweetheart. It was a lot to take in.”

Liam sticks his hand out a short distance, considering we are all huddled together—“Lovely to meet you…”

“Madison…Madison Marrone.” She grips his hand and shakes it, pulling back immediately. My poor girl is probably terrified of him and his erratic behavior. He’s not acting like himself.

He must have really loved her.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Madison. Killian is a lucky guy to have a beautiful woman like you on his arm.” He pulls away from me. “Excuse me, the bar is calling my name,” he gruffs before sulking towards the bar.

Madison plays with her necklace some more. This is the first time I’ve seen her this uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry, love.” I lean down and whisper in her ear. “From the looks of it…he’s been drinking all night. He’s not always so rude.” I rub my hands over her arms to relax her. “This morning, he went to try and win back the girl he fell in love with. Poor lad looks destroyed.” She nods and looks over to where Liam is leaning against the bar.

“Liam is in charge of our Connecticut business. He takes care of the Triskelion and Schmitty’s. I’m surprised you’ve never seen him before. That’s where they met. Madelyn attends your school as well—perhaps you know of her.”

She finishes her champagne, and I take the empty glass from her. “I’ll drop this off at the bar and check on Liam. I lace my fingers through hers and we make our way through the crowd to the bar.

“Would you like another drink?” I ask as we settle in next to Liam. His head lifts to look at us.

“Actually, I need to use the restroom first before my bladder explodes,” she laughs apprehensively.

I am about to show her the way when Liam offers first. He must have come to his senses and remembered his goddamn manners.

“I’ll show you where it is. I have to take a piss anyway.” He holds his arm out like a gentleman instead of the caveman he’s been already.

“Shall we, Ms. Marrone? Or perhaps you prefer Madison or maybe,Maddy?” he laughs, as they start walking towards the doors.

“Madison or Maddy isfine.” I hear her say in a clipped tone.

She turns back to me. “If Lexi is looking for me, just let her know I went to use the bathroom. I hope she is okay. I don’t know where she went.”

I look around for Conor and Lexi, but they are nowhere to be found. I hold back a smirk and level my voice to not give it away. “I’m certain she isjust fine.”

I’ve been holedup in my room, nursing whiskey after whiskey. The noise of the gala downstairs has grown significantly louder. I guess the party is poppin’.

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