Page 48 of Gilded Desires

“It’s nothing. A misunderstanding at work. It’s all sorted out. Honestly. How about another margarita?”

“Here, take my drink. I’ll get us more. Lots more. Should I cancel my show? Oh, crap.” I glance at my watch. “It’s almost time.”

I scoot my chilled margarita into Sapphire’s hands.

A little wide-eyed, I watch as she takes a small sip and then a second and third. Yeah, we’re going to need more liquid courage.

I stop a passing waiter dressed in The Society’s attire. Black dress slacks and crisp white shirt. No name tag.

“Hey, sweetie, will you bring a pitcher and an ice pack please?” I move into momma hen mode. “Now tell me everything.”

I don’t take my eyes off Sapphire’s face as she spills her guts for the next half hour. She fills me in on the trouble with work and a runner named Snake Eye who ended up going to the basement with Harlon.

Ouch.

“Whoever this Snake Eyes is, I hope Harlon cuts his nuts off and feeds it to him in front of those two asshole security men who were supposed to protect you from douches like him.” I take in her bruises and I’m close to picking up the phone to make a few calls when she plucks it out of my hands.

“I got this, okay?”

“Okay.”

We clink glasses. Around a mouthful of tequila and salty margarita mix, Sapphire concurs with my throat-cutty take on what should happen with the man who attacked her.

“I don’t doubt Snaky is wishing for a career change right about now.”

“Speaking of careers, how long before you tell my brother to stick it and you run away with me to New York?” Or some other place the mafia life can’t touch us. The moon maybe.

“As soon as you tell him you’re screwing three guys in the middle of a sex club.”

Her face scrunches at the sight of mine doing the same.

In a low voice I say, “Would you seriously pass up the chance to have something with those three if you had a chance? C’mon. You can tell me.”

“The problem with that is I owe Harlon. You know that. It doesn’t matter what I want.”

Her words reverberate through me like a ton of truth hitting me all at once.

It doesn’t matter what I want. Gage, Rush, and Aziel can never be more than a fleeting time for me. All that matters is what is best for the Constantine family. Worse yet, Sapphire and I are trapped under the rules of a dark world we don’t want any part of anymore.

Around us, the room is starting to fill with key bearers and key masters and my mind turns to the show. I feel the energy shift in the room and look up to see my three alphas prowl toward us.

“More later, okay?” Sapphire and I both stand. She turns, following my line of sight, and comes face to face with all three of my SEALs.

“Hey, sweetheart,” drawls Gage, reaching for me. He slips a thick arm around my waist while the other two come up on the other side.

“Ready for tonight, baby girl?” Rush places a slow kiss over my exposed collarbone. You know what I’m talking about. The kind of kiss that says I know what we are about to do and it’s going to be hella kinky.

Aziel moves an arm tightly around my middle right above Gage’s. This isn’t for the show either. There’s possession in their touches and Sapphire notices big time.

“Mind if we take Belle for a little while? We promise to bring her back safe and sound.” Rush winks at Sapphire, all innocent and sweet.

“Gentlemen,” she says with a knowing smile.

“Just a minute guys, please.” I place my hands on either of Sapphire’s shoulders.

Blue eyes hook mine. “Belle. I don’t know how you do it.”

I know what she means, but I don’t try to correct her. I can see in her eyes she thinks I’ve found some happily ever after when in reality I’ve done nothing but give myself heartache in the end.

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