Page 65 of Safe and Sound

“Yeah, but my grandparents have baggage that your mom probably doesn’t.”

“Like what?”

They know better than anyone regardless of how hard you try, you can’t save your kids. Just before they came over from Greece, they lost their only daughter in a car accident.”

For some reason, Shannon’s face flashed before my face. Like Ava’s parents, she was O’Dell’s only daughter, and she was taken from them far too soon.

At the ache in my chest, I grimaced. “That’s horrible.”

“It was. I know that’s what has made them so crazy about Ava. I mean, she’s this late in life miracle who comes just when my aunt died.”

After eyeing what must’ve been my devastated expression, Nick sighed. “I think we’re seriously overdue for a subject change.”

“Absolutely.” Since my usual mode was to turn to humor, I eyed his outfit with a grin. “Nice outfit.”

“Fuck you,” he jokingly replied.

“Do you style this look all the time when you’re not clubbing?”

“In case you missed it, it’s Gloucester’s annual Greek Festival this weekend.”

With a laugh, I replied, “I’d gotten an inkling.”

“Because of that, my grandparents go all out here at the restaurant. That means me and all the other grandchildren get stuck wearing this bullshit.” Wagging his brows, he said, “Wait until you get a load of Ava.”

“Is she dressed like a goddess or something?”

He grinned. “Yeah, or something.” Clapping me on the back, he then turned me to face the left side of the restaurant.

“Holy fucking shit,” I muttered at the sight before me.

It was Ava, but not like I’d ever imagined she’d be. She wore a glittering purple and gold belly dancer’s costume. The sequin encrusted top cinched her tits up and sent them spilling over the cups. Her abdomen was bare from the low hanging sheer pants. Her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders in long waves while her blue eyes were heavily lined causing her to look even more erotic.

With each swirl and pop of her hips, the coins around her waist jangled along with the ones on her wrist. Greenery peeked from the waistband where not just men were rewarding her efforts.

Besides being deliciously scantily clad, she was dancing on top of one of the tables. Above her head, she waved a white napkin. Standing stock still, I was utterly mesmerized by her.

After giving me a slight shove, Nick said, “Go get her, tiger!”

Chapter Fifteen: Ava

Standing on one of the recently vacated tables, I twirled around and shook my tits and ass as Nick had suggested. Only during the Greek festival and other special occasions did my parents allow dancing on the tables. Those who normally might not partake always seemed to be in the mood once one of the belly dancers like myself hopped up.

Always the multitasker, I poured shots of Ouzo for two of the twenty-something girls dancing with me. “Opa!” I shouted.

“Opa!” they called back.

With my pitcher of Ouzu in hand, I whirled around and got ready to hop onto the next table. But then a figure stepped in front of me, blocking my ability to jump.

Glaring down at the person, I realized it was a very familiar figure.

“Fuck me,” I muttered at Dare Kavanaugh grinning up at me.

At the sight of him, a dizzying flurry of emotions overtook me. My heart fluttered in my chest while my knees went weak. He had come for me.

And dammit if that wasn’t the sexiest, most romantic thing a man had ever done for me.

Gazing up at me, his eyes burned bright with both amusement and desire. “Hello, Ava.”

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