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Fuck.
I guess it is a party, right?
Chapter Nine
Bella
While almost everyone else keeps their cups flowing, I stop after two, not wanting to get too drunk. I notice River only has one beer and that’s it. In fact, I’ve never seen him drunk—the man is always in control. He has been nothing but attentive all night, introducing me to people I haven’t met, and making sure I’m okay. Julianna comes and sits with me, looking out on the dance floor, while River and Romeo chat with Echo, the manager at their burlesque nightclub. I’ve never been there, but Echo is a very attractive woman, and River seems to be close with her.
“I had lunch with Rosalind today,” she’s saying, but I can’t look away from the woman standing a little too closely to my man.
“How was that?” I ask her. I still don’t trust Rosalind, and I don’t think I ever will. But I understand she is Julianna’s sister, and I know she’s making an effort to work on their relationship.
“Fine. I think she’s trying, you know? And they’re all just work colleagues and friends, trust me,” Julianna says, reading my mind. “She’s a cool chick. Kind of standoffish, but when you get to know her, she’s really nice.”
“Good to know,” I reply, forcing myself to look away from them. I trust River, and I’m usually not a jealous person at all, but with him I can’t seem to help myself. Not that I’d ever let him know that. I don’t remember feeling jealous even once with Mark. Maybe because deep down I didn’t care and knew that he liked me more than I did him. Or maybe it’s because I know that bikers are never short of female attention.
And River? He’s a ten out of ten.
Brutally handsome, badass and a secret sweet side that only I can apparently see.
I wouldn’t let go of that without a fight.
“Romeo’s parents are here,” she says, sounding surprised. “I didn’t think they were coming.”
“How’s your relationship with them going?” Romeo and Julianna getting together was a big shock to everyone, and I know both families are still getting used to the fact.
“A little better now that I’m pregnant,” she admits, resting her palm on her stomach. Her giant diamond sparkles on her finger. “But it’s not great. I don’t know if it ever will be. But we are all polite and civil, so that’s what matters.”
His mom, Victoria, downs her glass of alcohol. Julianna looks over at me and shrugs. “She can be a little problematic sometimes, I’m not going to lie. It sounds like River’s mom, Lisa, raised Romeo more than Victoria did.”
“Have you met Lisa?” I ask, curious. River rarely talks about his family, and when he does it’s usually about Corey. He doesn’t mention Matthew, his mother or father. And I don’t push, I figure he will talk about them when he’s good and ready.
“No, I haven’t. I’ve only seen photos of her. She’s kind of kept to herself since Matthew died. Romeo said River bought her a house. And her and Corey have a strained relationship, too,” she says, so only I can hear. “I know River goes and sees her. I think they are quite close.”
“He doesn’t talk about her much,” I admit, wondering why that is. “He hasn’t taken me to meet her yet either. Should that be something I should be concerned about?” Maybe he thinks she won’t like me, or maybe she’s one of those mothers who doesn’t like any woman her son ends up with. What do they call them? Boy moms?
“Really? Romeo reminisces about their childhood, and Aunty Lisa is usually in the stories. She had a big impact on him. He calls her up now and again, and he’s been out to see her a few times.”
“What about River’s dad?” I ask, realizing he hasn’t been mentioned once.
Julianna goes quiet for a moment before answering. “I haven’t heard much about him, but what I have heard isn’t good. But I think you need to ask River about it yourself.”
Which is code for she doesn’t want to get in trouble for giving me too much information. Frustrating, but she’s right. It should come from River himself and no one else.
“That’s fair enough. Wow, your mother-in-law is now downing tequila shots,” I say, grinning.
“She must not get out often,” Julianna replies in a dry tone. “And is it just me, or is Damon hitting on Corey? Wow, he has some balls on him. No one ever dares to talk to Corey in case it pisses River off.”
“Yeah, River did see him. I had to distract him so he didn’t go over there and cause a scene. Should I warn Damon?” I ask, not wanting to give the men something to fight over. We don’t need any extra drama happening, please and thank you.
“If you tell him to leave her alone, he’ll just want her more. You know what men are like. They like the forbidden.”
“You’d know,” I tease, and she laughs out loud.
“Yes, I do. That’s why there’s no point saying anything. Who knows, maybe she won’t like him.”
We share a look and giggle. Damon is fucking hot, there’s no other way to put it. He’s got gray eyes that see into your soul, a head full of dark hair and a smile that could charm his way in and out of anything.
