Page 15 of Naughty Festivities

Power came from inside.

When you truly believed in yourself, you made choices that created different experiences. And said no to those that no longer aligned with your worth.

It had been a journey she’d gone through herself as an artist and saw many others still struggling. Perhaps it was why she refused to accept any of the men who didn’t deserve her.

Jack was oozing confidence in such a self-assured way she felt like purring.

How refreshing compared to Mathias.

Still, he would work in some office and no doubt think she was a weird artist, so if he was open to a one-night casual thing, she was one hundred percent on board.

As Amelia walked through the studio, stopping at each spot, she found herself smiling at the dance they were playing. She liked that Jack was keeping a distance and shooting her heated glances when she snuck a look.

But if she wanted this to go any further, she had to get rid of Aidan and Logan.

They had no qualms in interrogating a man—or intimidating them—making them lose interest in her as fast as it had arrived.

Jack looked like he couldn’t be intimidated easily, but he might not think she was worth the trouble when those two brats got started.

Amelia walked around a corner and saw Emma, Logan, and Aidan standing around a painting, debating.

Lord.

“I’m just saying you can’t hang this next to your master's paintings,” Aidan said, shaking his head.

“Why the hell not?” Logan asked.

“I don’t think there are rules with these things,” Emma said. “Plus, it’s nice. I like this one.”

“Then we’re getting it,” Logan said and spun around, finding her standing behind him. “Oh. Ame’s. I’m getting this one.”

“So, I heard.”

“Not you too,” Logan groaned.

“You don’t have to buy anything. It was just about showing up for Stella tonight,” Amelia said. “Also, you can leave now.”

“Okay, let’s go,” Aidan said, tossing back his drink and turning around, looking for the server.

“Not every piece of art I buy has to be a million-dollar investment. I like what I like. Plus, Emma likes it, so it’s a win-win,” Logan replied, and Amelia smiled.

“Thanks, big brother,” she said, giving him a hug. “Stella will love that you bought something.”

“Where’s Chang?” he asked.

“I’ll let him know. You head off,” Amelia said, waving her hand out all casual-like. “I know you have a lot of wedding stuff to organize.”

They were all heading to Hawaii in early January for Logan and Emma’s wedding, so the two of them were knee-deep in plans.

“I could do with an early night. I’ve got a book deadline next week,” Emma said.

“Must be exhausting writing smut all day long,” Aidan said, winking at Amelia.

“Dude, you are getting on my last patience tonight,” Logan snapped.

“So, nothing new.” Aidan grinned, then walked around Logan and placed his usual kiss on her head. “Want me to wait and see you home?”

“No,” she answered way too fast.

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