Page 55 of Russian Roulette
His warning surprises me, though it shouldn’t after spending time with the guys. Their bond is tight and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. “I don’t intend to,” I reply honestly. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he’s capable of taking care of himself where I’m concerned.”
Vulcan’s mood lightens with my answer. “Good. Now that we have that out of the way, I want you to do something for me.”
“What?”
“Take me under your wing and let me be your student,” he replies. “Teach me your mad skills, master.”
“Teach you what? Hacking?”
“No, not hacking,” he replies. “Teach me how to hold my breath like you did. How long did you go? Three to four minutes? That’s not natural. You’ve got Kit and Seven fooled, so it’ll be our little secret. I’m serious and want to learn how to do it. What you did at the pool was impressive as fuck.”
I frown at him. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
“Sure, you don’t,” he says sarcastically. “Let’s make a deal. They’ll come a time when you need something from me. When you do, we’ll make a trade.”
I don’t respond, though his offer is something worthwhile to keep in my back pocket.
“Here’s your blanket,” Seven announces from across the room. He walks over with a soft white blanket to match my robe. He carefully places it over my legs and tucks in the edges.
“And your brandy,” Kit says. He’s carrying a tray loaded with half-filled brandy snifters. He hands the first one to me, then holds out the tray for Kit and Seven to grab one.
“Now that we’re all here and squared away, let’s make a toast,” Seven says, smiling at me.
“I’ll make a toast,” Vulcan offers, setting down his brandy snifter. He grabs the half-finished champagne bottle from a silver bucket sitting on the table and holds it up high. “Let’s toast to shoving this champagne bottle straight up Giovanni’s ass.” He turns up the bottle and takes a deep swig.
“Here, here,” the others say, clinking their brandy snifters to each other, then to mine.
“I’ll drink to that too,” I say, sipping the brandy.
Before long, I fall sound asleep on the sofa, feeling warm, secure, and protected for the first time in my life.
29
JADE
When I wake up the next morning, I’m tucked into bed in the guestroom. One of the guys must’ve carried me in here and put me to bed. I can’t believe I slept through it and blame the alcohol. The next time Seven warns me about the potency of a drink, I’ll pay attention. Undoubtably, the brandy on top of the cotton candy drink didn’t do me any favors.
After a quick shower, I change into a pair of jeans and a comfy sweatshirt. As I open the bedroom door, I spot several boxes with my name on them placed right outside. I carry them back into the room to open.
The first box contains an assortment of sneakers in my size. I’m amazed at Seven’s ability to have them delivered so quickly. I try them on and am thrilled to find they all fit perfectly.
The second box reveals a collection of bikinis in various styles and colors. It seems Seven plans to keep me around for a bit longer. In that case, the bikinis will prove useful for the hot tub and pool.
The third box contains a surprise, along with a note from Seven.
“I’ve reserved a table for the two of us tonight at a private pop-up restaurant. Be ready at eight. I thought you might enjoy a change of scenery.”
I lift out a silky cocktail dress that Seven has chosen for me. The dress is a simple black sleeveless cocktail dress with a delicate spaghetti strap, a plunging neckline, and a fitted bodice that will accentuate my curves. Precisely the type of dress I would’ve chosen for myself. The ensemble is completed with a pair of elegant, black, strappy heels.
As I examine the dress and heels, excitement flutters in my stomach. It’s been ages since I last dressed up for a sophisticated dinner. The prospect of going out with Seven tonight eases my irritation over the guys foiling my escape. I hang the dress in the closet and try on the heels, ensuring I can walk in them without stumbling.
“Hey Jade!” Leroy calls out to me from the living room. “Are you awake in there?”
“Yes, I’m awake,” I yell back. “I’ll be right out.”
As I step out of the guestroom, I notice Leroy comfortably lounging on the sofa with his feet resting on the glass coffee table. He’s holding a TV remote, fully absorbed in the daytime drama playing on the large screen TV mounted on the wall.
“Where’s Seven?” I ask.
