Page 274 of By His Play

“I hope so,” I whisper out of Elizabeth’s earshot.

Lori chuckles.

“You look nervous, sweetie,” Elizabeth says.

“It’s all going to be okay,” Tate assures me. “Kieran won’t allow it any other way.”

“I know,” I breathe. And I do. But it’s still scary.

Stepping forward, Lori pulls a bottle of champagne from behind her back. “Liquid courage?” she says before glancing around for glasses.

“Here,” Tate says, having found some in the kitchenette of our suite at The Broadway.

In seconds, we all have a glass of bubbles in our hands.

“To Kieran and Effie,” Elizabeth says, and Tate and Lori follow.

My cheeks blaze, but I appreciate their support and friendships in ways I’ll never be able to express.

“I haven’t eaten enough to drink this,” I confess.

“It’ll help with the paparazzi,” Tate says encouragingly.

The benefit of being a no one at previous events has meant I’ve been able to slip in the back.

I usually stand at the windows and watch the commotion as Kieran arrives.

He always eats up the attention and makes the most of every photo opportunity.

My stomach twists.

Tonight, I’m going to be the one beside him attempting to do the same thing.

“Another,” Lori says before emptying what’s left of the bottle into my glass.

It’s another ten minutes before my cell buzzes on the counter with a message from Kieran to let me know that they’re almost here.

“Let’s get this show on the road then,” Tate announces before finishing her glass.

She and Kingston have a sitter for Prince, and she’s planning on making the most of their night together.

Finishing my second glass, I check my reflection and attempt to stuff down my nerves.

It’ll be better when he’s standing beside me.

With my clutch under my arm, I follow the others from our suite and step inside the elevator.

Kingston, Kian, and Neil are in the bar, waiting for us.

The minute we enter, the three of them look up and find their women. I swear, the looks in their eyes is something else.

The amount of love and respect they have for their partners is awe-inspiring.

I’m so lost watching them all that I miss the man walking through the hotel entrance and making a beeline for me.

However, the second he steps up behind me and his warm breath rushes over my skin, my entire body comes alive.

“You look fucking insane, Luck,” he groans in my ear, sending goosebumps skating across my skin.

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