Page 85 of Liam
Ava steps in, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. “You look lovely, Aleria. And more importantly, you’re here. That’s what matters.”
Sloane nods. “We’re just glad you came. It’s not about what you’re wearing, it’s about getting to know you.”
Cora grins, her eyes warm and welcoming. “And any woman who can keep up with Liam’s big brain is already part of the family in our book.”
Ava loops her arm through mine, steering me toward the entrance. “Come on, ladies. Let’s show Aleria how the Valeur women do a night out.”
The line stretches around the block, but Ava marches straight to the door. The bouncer unclips the velvet rope without a word, and we breeze past the waiting crowd. “Is thiswhat it feels like to be a Valeur?” I whisper to Sloane. “People just move out of your way?”
She grins, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Oh, honey. You have seen nothing yet.”
The club interior is a sensory overload of pulsing lights and thrumming bass. Cora leads us to a VIP booth, ordering a round of cocktails that sound more like chemical compounds than drinks.
“I’ll have a Threesome,” I say when it’s my turn, earning a surprised look from the bartender and an approving nod from Ava.
Cora snorts. “Bold choice for your first drink of the night.”
Ava smirks. “They say if you have one Threesome, you’ll want another.”
My face heats. “Oh no! I mean, it’s just the drink. I’ve never had a…you know,” I say, all eyes on me. “Like, ever.”
Sloane gives me a teasing grin. “It’s okay, Aleria. No judgment here.”
“No, really.” My cheeks burn even hotter. “I’ve never had a threesome. I’m not… It’s just the drink.”
Cora giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Relax, sweetheart. No need to explain yourself. We believe you. Mostly.”
Ava pats my arm, laughing. “Welcome to the Valeur girls’ night. Where we make every innocent comment sound scandalous.”
As we sip our drinks, the conversation flows. I struggle to keep up with their rapid-fire wit and inside jokes, feeling like I’m trying to solve a differential equation while riding a rollercoaster.
“So, Aleria,” Ava purrs, leaning in with a mischievous glint in her eye. “What’s it like with our dear Liam? Does he argue legal briefs in his sleep?”
I take a sip of my drink to hide my smirk. “Oh, it’s a real courtroom drama every night. Lots of ‘overruled’ and ‘sustained.’”
Cora clamps her hands over her ears. “La la la! I can’t hear you! That’s my brother you’re talking about!”
Ava arches an eyebrow, ignoring Cora’s protests. “And how does the defendant plead?”
“Guilty,” I say with a wink. “Of being good with his hands.”
Sloane leans in. “Do tell. Any surprising evidence presented?”
Cora groans. “Oh God, please stop. I’m begging you.”
I bite my lip, thinking of our last encounter. “Let’s just say his oral arguments are very...persuasive.”
“I’m going to be sick,” Cora moans, but there’s a hint of amusement in her eyes despite her disgust.
Ava and Sloane burst into appreciative laughter and low whistles.
Sloane raises her glass in a toast. “To Liam, may his ‘legal prowess’ never be found in contempt.”
“To brain bleach,” Cora mutters but clinks her glass with ours anyway.
The women burst into laughter, and a warmth spreads through me that has nothing to do with the alcohol. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.
As our laughter dies down, I notice Ava’s expression shift, her eyes taking on a more serious glint. She glances around,then leans in closer. “Aleria, while we’ve got a moment, can we talk about Liam?”
