Page 34 of A Promise For Tomorrow

“I see, so that’s why you went red when I first saw you at the gala?”

She suppresses a laugh as I guide her to the elevator. “That was all the stylist. But I did give her free range. I needed a change. Plus, I was really conflicted on my feelings at the time—similar to how I feel now.”

“And when you dyed it back to black before we went toThe Triskelionfor your surprise party?”

“I knew then I wanted to go back to my roots. I wasn’t that girl. The one in the lavish gowns and jewels. I wanted to be the Madison you met at the college bar.”My heart soars knowing the truth. She dyed it back for her and for me. I knew it.

“Shit, do you need a jacket?”

“I’ll be fine. The car is heated and we’ll be going right into the club.”

“Take this,” I shrug out of my sports jacket and place it over her shoulders. “I don’t need you catching a cold. You need to be able to see your father in a few days.”

Madison smiles up at me as her hands close the jacket around her exposed chest. That’s when I spot my necklace. How I hadn’t noticed it until now is beyond me.Oh right, I was admiring the body I’ve kissed every inch of.

Black diamonds of the raven sparkle between her clasped hands. The pendant, proudly perched between her collarbones.

“Nice necklace,” I smirk.

“I was feeling nostalgic.”

“I see that,” I shoot her a dazzling smile, my mood significantly changing for the better.

The elevator takes us to the lobby where my Audi R8 Spyder is waiting out front. There is not even a chance of snow in the forecast and we haven’t had any precipitation the last few days. Tonight is the perfect night for a ride in my new toy.

I take her hand and open the doors to the building, revealing the shiny chrome car idling at the curb. Kieran is there watching it for me.And probably jerking off to it.He was more than willing to pull it around for me.

“Have a safe trip.” He pats my back and takes a step back.

Pulling the handle, I hold open the door and help Madison in before shutting it. I toss her overnight bag in the trunk and eagerly slip into the driver seat. Madison notices my excitement as we buckle in.

“New car?” she guesses with a shy smile.

“Yes.” I rev the engine for emphasis. Maddy’s smile widens as she waves to Kieran and we enter into traffic.

An hourand a half later we are pulling up to the back door of the club. Madison and I talked the entire ride about her time in Arizona. I learned how much she enjoys working at the coffee shop and her dreams of owning her own. It’s pretty fucking cool that she took some classes on how to bake pastries. If it wasn’t going to be weird as hell, I would ask Lainey to teach her a thing or two. Lainey’s pastries and baked goods are fucking amazing.

I step out of the car and Madison does the same, not waiting for me to open her door.Stubborn woman. I’m trying my best to impress her tonight. I’d like to be the perfect gentleman she always said I was. The one that perhaps I lost sight of after losing her.

“Here.” Her hand glides across mine as she hands me back the jacket.

The static between us is like a live wire. Where earlier I thought the breaker was completely shut off…

Now, I’m not so sure.

“We can’t have the leader of the Tri-State Syndicate looking like a slob,” she teases.

“Oh, sweetheart…I was this close,” I hold out my fingers in reference, “To wearing my jeans and leather jacket. I fucking miss working the college bar. You know how much I hate wearing this damn fancy shit.”

“I like you rugged. But…I’ll admit, I do enjoy seeing you dressed up.” A blush spreads across her face as she walks to the entrance. Ryan opens the door for us and his eyes widen as he notices Madison. “Hey, Ry. Good to see you again.”

“The same to you, Madison. Welcome back, he says astonishingly. He turns his attention to greet me. “Sir, Conor is here and waiting for you in the VIP lounge.”

“Thanks, Ryan,” I respond, gripping his shoulder.

The metal door clicks closed behind us as we enter the elevator. Madison is fidgeting with her wristlet and struggling to get her lip gloss out. When she finally manages, she coats her lips with a shiny gloss, adding a shimmer to her already darkened lips. Pressing them together with apop, she places the tube back into her wristlet and leans against the back of the elevator.

I can’t tell if she’s toying with me. The sexual chemistry in this elevator is sizzling. So, I settle on testing the waters. Claiming her hand in mine, I lead us out of the elevator and down the hallway to my office. Her brow raises in question.

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