Page 76 of Bound and Blitzed

You sure everything is okay?

Valentina

Yeah. Why?

Avery

I don’t know. Just checking.

I frown and glance around the space. I’m at a charity gala with my family, what could possibly be wrong?

Valentina

All good. See you at home.

Avery

I love you, sweetheart.

Valentina

Love you, too.

“Hey!” Carla comes up to me. “Ready to go in?”

I drop my phone in my purse and smile at her. “Absolutely. Let’s go have some fun.”

My sister tugs my arm and pulls me into the gala.

Sandwiched between Carla and Raia, I smile and commit to having fun tonight. We drink wine, dance in the center of the dance floor, and cheer loudly as the donations raised by the event are announced. I clap for the speakers, share a dance with my father, and take a shot of tequila with my brother. Mamá and I take goofy photos in a photobooth with props, laughing hysterically as the rest of our family joins.

“Christmas photos for next year!” Carla exclaims.

“We don’t do those.” Mamá shakes her head.

“Thank God for that,” Ale jokes.

As the night draws to a close, Mamá and Papá head back to the hotel, kissing us kids on the foreheads and telling us to stay together and get home safely.

“It’s like they still don’t realize we’re adults,” Carla says, gesturing toward the bar.

“And I’m nearly thirty,” Ale reminds us.

At that, Carla and I stop and stare at him.

“Old man,” Carla murmurs, shaking her head.

“Here.” I give him my arm to insinuate he needs my assistance walking to the bar.

He smacks it away, chuckling, before wrapping an arm around my waist. “You both got jokes.” He shakes his head. Then, he glances down at me, his green eyes flashing. “I’m used to Carla’s shit, but I could always count on you to do right by me, Vale.”

I grin at him, knowing he’s teasing.

Alejandro tugs me closer and kisses my temple. “Can’t believe you’re a married woman now.”

“Do you like Avery?” I ask, knowing it shouldn’t matter and yet, it does. I want his approval.

Ale looks at me and shrugs. “I don’t know him that well.”

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