Page 42 of Mafioso's Muse

Lili snuck a glance at Willow. ‘Okay.’

‘Foyer in fifteen for anyone who wants to come out for a celebratory mocktail!’ Harrison shouted to all within earshot. ‘Spread the word while I hustle us some maxis.’ He shot a smile at the pair before walking away.

Lili waited until he was gone before saying, ‘Clearly not an Inky Capo fan either. I’m starting to wonder if he’s jealous.’

‘Impossible. Harrison’s above such emotions, surely,’ Willow said with a playful smile.

‘And what was all that about asmall list of corrections? Why can’t he just let you feel good for a minute?’ She shook her head, visibly frustrated. ‘Maybe the mafioso’s warning to be cautious around him is valid.’

In truth, Willow’s relationship with Harrison had been feeling off for some time. She just didn’t want to admit it to herself because he was such an enormous part of her life—past, present, and future.

Lili turned and pushed the dressing room door open, letting Willow enter ahead of her. ‘And don’t even get me started on the mocktails.’

Willow laughed. ‘We are performing again tomorrow.’

‘I’m tempted to have a beer when I get home just to spite him.’ Then, realising that Piper had overheard her say that, she added, ‘Ginger beer—for its anti-inflammatory benefits.’

Willow pressed her lips together as she headed towards her chair.

News of the celebratory drink spread, and most were keen to join. Once everyone had changed out of their costumes, they made their way outside and bundled into maxi taxis.

The bar Harrison had been referring to was two doors down from Titian—and at capacity. They were forced to wait outside in the unusually humid March heat.

‘Maybe we should try somewhere else,’ Piper suggested.

Harrison gave the bouncer a pointed look. ‘I’m sure it won’t be too much longer.’

Willow could feel the sweat running down her back. So much for ensuring everyone was hydrated.

She glanced in the direction of Titian at the same time Vaughn stepped outside, an unlit cigarette dangling from his mouth. He lit up and inhaled deeply, head tipping back on the exhale. Willow’s heart sped up at the sight of him. The fact that he had no idea she was watching him made the moment feel all the more forbidden. She drank in every inch of ink, every lock of hair, every frown line as he stood there, as visibly bothered by the heat as she was. She thought she might get away with the explicit ogling until he looked in her direction, eyes locking with hers.

Busted.

His frown deepened.

Willow gave him an awkward wave. He stared at her for a long moment, and then his gaze shifted to Harrison, who was standing next to her.

That was the moment Lili noticed him also. ‘Oh for fu…’

Vaughn flicked his cigarette into a nearby bin before making his way over to them. He stopped a few feet away. ‘Miss Hayes.’ Then to Lili, ‘Miss Chén.’

Harrison whipped his head in Vaughn’s direction, straightening. ‘Ah, Mr Gallo.’

‘Harry,’ Vaughn replied drily. ‘A little hot to be standing around outside, don’t you think?’

‘We’ll be going in soon.’ Harrison’s tone was laced with irritation.

Vaughn looked around at the dancers. ‘They’re not going to let a group your size in when they’re at capacity.’ He gestured over his shoulder. ‘Come to Titian. I’ll sort you out.’

‘Most of us are wearing sneakers,’ Lili pointed out.

Vaughn looked her over. ‘I’ll hide you at the back.’

‘I think we’re all happy to wait,’ Harrison said, looking around for support.

It was clear from everyone’s tired, sweaty faces that they werenothappy to wait.

‘It’s really humid,’ Piper said.

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