Page 50 of Victorious Vice

My attorney, Emily, is on the stage at the podium getting ready to make some announcements once more attendees get here. Already they’re coming in droves, and soon the ballroom is buzzing with conversation.

The ballroom is softly illuminated by chandeliers hanging high above, and the women’s gowns shimmer in the light, while the men, impeccably dressed in tailored suits and tuxedos, exude sophistication.

Bartenders, dressed in crisp black-and-white uniforms, serve up a variety of cocktails and champagne, including the signature cocktail for the evening, a prickly pear margarita for a Texas touch. The faint sound of ice dropping into glasses accompanies the vibrant hum of the guests conversing.

Across the ballroom, the silent auction has begun, and clusters of attendees are mingling near the tables showcasing an array of luxury items up for bid. A soft ping from phones alerts guests as bids are placed, but other than that people are socializing quite nicely without staring at screens.

The string quartet—Robin was right about hiring college students from UT—plays softly in the background. The guests, who are a mix of socialites, philanthropists, and corporate leaders, move fluidly between the bar, the auction tables, and each other, exchanging greetings, smiles, and introductions.

Waiters glide through the room with trays of hors d’oeuvres—delicate smoked salmon canapés, mini truffle tarts, and brie bites—offering guests a taste before the formal dinner begins. Robin’s friend Lorraine really outdid herself. I’ll be having her cater all of my future donor events for sure.

The mini truffle tart is savory and delicious, and as I swallow it and take a bite of my brie, I look around.

Hawk is in conversation with Jared, and I look toward the entrance where people are still arriving.

And I swallow my brie bite nearly whole, taking a quick drink of my Orange Crush to avoid choking.

A man is here.

And he looks even better than I remember.

He’s here.

Vinnie Gallo is here.

And he’s not alone.

16

VINNIE

Ireturned several days ago, my new bride in tow.

Mario was pleased with the results of my trip, even though I wasn’t able to complete the negotiations with Agudelo. One part I did complete was taking Daniela as my wife.

With her father’s permission, we were married in Colombia the day before I left.

Daniela and I had already agreed that the marriage would not be consummated. She just wanted to get out of Colombia, and I was her ticket.

Declan McAllister won’t be pleased, but that doesn’t matter much to me. The marriage to Daniela is in name only, and once she has legal status in the US, I will be annulling it.

These are the terms she and I have agreed to. They’re not the terms set by her father, but I don’t care.

However, I’ve come across some information that has me on edge.

Raven’s life is in danger. Not from Mario or from Declan McAllister. Not even from Jacinto Agudelo.

From someone else.

And as I think about it, I still can’t believe it.

One week earlier…

My negotiations on the territory for the cartel are nearly complete, and earlier today, with Agudelo’s permission, I took Daniela as my wife.

The last couple of nights, though, the shuffling and banging that seems to be coming from my ceiling has become louder and more persistent.

It’s got me on edge, and with this entire place surveilled all times, I can’t exactly figure out where the sound is coming from or what it is.

---