Page 51 of Power

When she told me that she wanted to move back to Seattle, I saw red. I knew I’d have to let her go eventually after we finished our mission, but a pit formed in my stomach just thinking about it.

If being away from her for only a week had driven me nuts, I couldn’t imagine how letting her go for good would make me feel. She was brilliant and beautiful and deserved to spend the rest of her life with a safe and well-providing man—and I would still want to tear that man up alive, even though he would be better for her than I was.

Now that she was back, I wanted her all to myself and didn’t want to share her attention. But I supposed it was selfish of me to expect her to spend her birthday with just me.

“Well, are you going?” Jai asked.

“And let you spend her birthday with her while I do all the work?” I caved and did something selfless for once. “Yes, I’ll go.”

“Great. I’ll sign your name on the card. You bring the balloon bouquet,” my pain-in-the-ass little brother teased.

Chapter XXVIII

Amelia

Nat said she was taking me out for my birthday. We were going out to dinner at my favorite Italian restaurantand then out for dancing and drinks.

I assumed it would just be the two of us because I didn’t know who else would be able to come out for my birthday during the holidays. People were probably busy on weekends doing their Christmas shopping or making plans to fly home to visit family.

I knew Blake was still in town, but we hadn’t spoken much since our awkward night at the tree lighting. Still, I was completely okay celebrating with my best friend. We always had a great time together.

Twenty-four wasn’t a milestone age, but I still wanted to look nice for the evening. Nat set up an appointment for me to have my hair and makeup done. I opted for a look that was more daring than I was used to.

The stylist was a very fabulous man who was overly excited to style my unruly red hair. It was straightened and styled into a high ponytail that sat at the top of my head—a clean and sleek look. My eyes were smokey and topped with chunky glitter shadow. My cheeks were contoured, drawing attention to my cheekbones. Bubblegum-pink gloss made my lips appear pouty and full.

Nat and I had gone shopping for outfits too, and I had fallen in love with a silver-sequined dress with thin straps. The neckline hung low on my chest, showing off my cleavage. It showed off my legs and much of my back. It was skimpier than what I was used to wearing, but I figured it was my birthday, so I should live a little.

Lately, I had become more comfortable with my body and didn’t feel as shy about wearing things that were more risqué. I still hated heels, though, even though Nat had insisted I wear shiny, strappy ones to match my dress.She better hold my hand while I walk, so I don’t nosedive into the pavement.

We entered the restaurant and checked in our coats. We followed the hostess to what I thought would be our table, but she kept walking to the back of the restaurant, to a private dining room. I followed Nat inside.

“Surprise!” I clutched my heart and jumped back in surprise, nearly falling over in my heels. Nat proved good on her word and saved me from my fall. The room was full of my friends, who lined the far wall under a huge “Happy Birthday” banner overhead. My old friends from IP Innovations were all there. I was happy to see Blake there too, even though we hadn’t cleared the air yet.

I looked at the group of people smiling and singing to me and noticed even Jai had made it. I supposed we had become friends over the past few weeks, and I genuinely enjoyed his company, even though I was technically his employee.

Continuing down the line, my eyes found those deep hazel ones that I had seen so many times. Shyam was there. He stood on the end next to his brother, with his hands in his pockets. His mouth fixed into a soft smile when I noticed him. I was touched that he had come out to celebrate with me. I hadn’t even told him it was my birthday.

I completely forgot about the rest of the people and could only focus on the devilishly handsome man across the room.

Nat grabbed my arm and ushered me to the table. “Come on, girl. Let’s sit!” She directed me to the seat in the middle.

“Wow, guys! I had no idea! Thank you so much!” I said as I sat down.

“The look on your face was hilarious,” said Blake as he took the seat to the right of me.

Nat moved around the table and sat across from me. “Yeah, you looked scared shitless.”

Jai took the seat next to her and chuckled. “I was thinking I’d have to drive you to the hospital for a heart attack or something.”

Large hands pulled out the chair to my left. Shyam sat down silently, his tall frame barely contained by the chair. Everyone at the table chattered amongst themselves as they looked at the menus to scope out what they wanted to order.

“Thanks for coming,” I said in a low voice, warm with gratitude. I knew that this kind of group setting was probably not his idea of a good time.

He leaned in closer to me, enveloping me in his dark, manly scent. “Happy birthday,jaan.”

My smile grew wider.

“I’m not so sure of you looking this sexy out in public where everyone can see what’s mine.” His words spread goosebumps over my skin.

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