Page 44 of Make You Mine

Tig

I got your message and was running through my checklist and I think we’re all set for the engagement party. So, all I need is your beautiful self to be there, and everything will be perfect.

Me

Yay! I cannot wait to squeeze you.

I smile at my phone, because it’s true; I cannot wait to be able to hang around my girl, let down my guard, and truly enjoy myself. Not to mention, having Trent with me, and the pure freedom to act as the couple we’re meant to be.

Tig

Amazing, send me your flight info again. And I’ll have a room all set up for you. Can't wait to see you. XOX

Me

Sure thing. Counting down the days! XOX

My heart twinges just a bit at how surface-level our conversations have been lately. I’ve been debating on filling Lottie in on some of what’s been going on in my life once I'm in the safety of Nori Beach. I know we will discuss Trent, but the fact I haven’t been able to be honest with my best friend about my marriage hurts so badly, and at least there, I’ll feel at ease enough to open up. But I don’t need to decide that just yet. Right now, I need to finish getting ready and enjoy my evening.

I give myself a pat on the back as I stare at my handiwork in the mirror. My costume fits me like a glove, and I can't help but do a little spin. Trent won’t be able to keep his hands off me. My version of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn is uncanny, down to two-tone painted hair and an accompanying baseball bat. My fake tattoos are perfectly placed, and MyDaddy’s Lil Monstershirt is practically a second skin. The only difference is my brunette hair peeking through the blonde strands and the small black eye mask I added to adhere to the club’s “mask or face paint” requirements. But overall, I’m more than thrilledwith how it all turned out. I can’t wait to see his face when he realizes it’s me.

I hear knuckles lightly rap on my door, and then Luca enters, dressed in all black. “You ready?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I confirm, removing my wedding band and placing it in my top drawer.

“Okay, follow me. We’ll head straight to the garage, and I’ll erase the tapes once we’re outside of the compound,” he informs me.

I trust him, but I'm nervous that one of Junior’s staff will spot us.

“Staff is on shift change, so we need to move now.” He basically reads my thoughts with his assurance, heading toward the door.

“Thank you…for everything,” I say with sincerity, and he smiles over his shoulder at me. He has done and risked so much for me in such little time. I pray he doesn’t get caught in the crossfires of everything bound to go down with Junior.

Luca parks the car, and we walk up the steps of Masqued together. Once we check in with the hostess and I reserve my room, we’re ushered through thick red velvet curtains. As the soft fabric brushes my shoulder, I'm hit with a renewed thrill of excitement and nostalgia, thinking about what tonight will bring.

I look around the main floor, attempting to spot Trent and Trevor in the sea of costumed members. He said I’ll know it’s him when I see him.

“They’re not here yet,” Luca says, as if reading my mind.

“Are you going to participate tonight?” I ask, eyeing hisPurge-style light-up mask. The neon blue light is the same color as his eyes.

He shrugs and tilts his head. The gesture makes him appear like the twenty-something-year-old he actually is and not the goombah bodyguard he portrays. I'll admit, I don’t hate having him around, especially now that I know he’s there for me and no one else.

I knock my shoulder into his massive one. “Oh, come on, have a little fun tonight. Besides, I’ll be safe with Trent. You’ll be able to let loose and enjoy yourself…” I trail off when I spot a mess of green hair walking toward me. Even in full disguise, my man immediately spots me.

He looks so delectable in his upgraded Joker costume. Purple suit and all, Trent steps in front of me and takes my hand, twirling me around. He lets out a whistle of admiration, and I couldn’t tamp down my smile if I tried.

“Damn, Doll, I didn’t know what I was expecting…” He chuckles, biting his lip and taking me in. His eyes linger on where my short skirt meets my fishnet-covered thighs. “But this blows anything else out of the water. You look amazing. Come here, punkin’ pie,” he says in his best Jarrod Leto voice before leaning in to kiss my cheek.

“You’re looking good too, Mr. J,” I say with a wink, and I hear a low groan escape his mouth at my words.

“Looks like I'm no longer needed. I'm going to go check things out,” Luca says as he nods his goodbye to Trent and me.

“Have fun!” I yell at his retreating form as Trent’s big arms encircle my waist and pull me close.

“Let’s get out of here,” Trent suggests, groping my ass over my barely-there shorts and making me laugh.

I swat at him playfully. “We literally just got here. Not to mention how much I've been looking forward to being here with you again.”

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