Page 12 of Devour

“Eh, it’s borderlining it.” Tori teases.

“It’s dangerous to your health.” Tristan growls.

She looks up at him, batting her long lashes. “I can’t help that I’m attracted to danger.”

They continue to stare at each other and I get the feeling I’m no longer here. Nobody is, except for the two of them. What would it be like to have that? To have someone look at you – only you – and not only look butseeyou. See right into your soul and all your imperfections, flaws, weaknesses, and gaze upon you with nothing but…love.

Boisterous laughter snaps me out of my longing. It’s the groom, Tristan’s brother, Vincent. I’ll have to wait to tell Tristan the owner of this casino is completely unhinged and trying to use me to gain his attention. I excuse myself, but I doubt they even heard me.

Vincent is the playful marshmallow. Though he’s built bigger than Tristan, Vin doesn’t do any physical or verbal conflict until absolutely necessary. His arm is wrapped around his wild card, Alexa. She’s nice, but definitely the more dangerous one of the two. Both brothers went after their opposites. It’s working for them. Their other halves complete them.

“Congratulations you two!”

Alexa gives me a warm smile as Vincent wraps me in a bear hug. “Maeve!”

When my feet touch the floor and my lungs begin to fill back with oxygen, I repeat my congratulations and go ahead and ease away to allow other guests to greet the happy couple. I can’t tell Vincent the drama at his rehearsal dinner.

Just then a familiar voice is in my ear. “Maeve.” I silently groan as I turn to see Leo. “You’re really busting out of your shell. And I do mean busting. Jesus Christ. Could you not find a dress that’s your size?”

“Get away from me. What I wear is not your concern. Don’t like it? Don’t look.” I leave him there with a slack jaw to mingle around the rest of the room, and find Gram.

There’s an open bar in the room and there she is sitting next to a blonde woman about my age and Tori’s best friend, Britney. The blonde must be her new friend that Tristan was talking about. Poor Britney who is the shyest person on the planet is blushing so one can only imagine what Gram is telling them.

I rush over and embrace Gram in a firm hug. She chuckles and pats my back. “Little Bit.”

What a relief to hear her calling me that. “Gram. I had no idea where you were.”

“Really? I thought our driver told you. He introduced me to this lovely lady.”

I turn and – Oh shit! The blonde is Journi Reign. She’s a client at the company I work. I’ve never gotten to work with her personally because she’s a VIP client. Journi snorts. “Lady? I don’t think I’ve ever been called that.”

The two howl with laughter like there’s some inside joke I’m missing. Britney shrugs.

“This is Journi. Journi, this is my granddaughter, Maeve.” Gram takes my hand and pats it.

“Hello. We’ve met briefly when you’ve come to Collierville, Tennessee. I work – ”

“Of course! I remember you. Small world.”

“Have you left a review for our driver?” Gram asks. “Give that man a five-star review. I didn’t know they not only drove you where you needed but tended to get you settled in as well. He went above and beyond.”

“Gram.” I sigh. “He’s not a rideshare driver. He owns this casino. Honestly, I think he’s shady.”

Journi giggles. “Y’all are adorable. Shady is putting it nicely. Nicholas does have questionable morals.”

“More like none,” I deadpan.

Journi nods and tips her drink toward me before taking a healthy sip. Gram gives my hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it.

“A bad boy, eh?” Gram purses her lips together and nods. Then she waves a finger at me. “I wouldn’t mind a night of corruption from one that good lookin’.”

“Gram!”

I lean in toward Journi. “Are we in danger?” She obviously knows Nicholas Deschamps.

“From him?”

“Yes.”

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