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I need to be fully alert tonight.
No mistakes can be made.
“I’ll take one.” Vin wraps his fingers around the stem and downs it in one go. He licks his lips, sets the empty glass back on the tray, and grins. “Now I’m ready for the night to begin.”
The whole drive here, I wanted to tell him about Liliya. I practically put a hole in my pants from how fast my finger tapped against my knee. But I need Vin to be alert tonight, and telling him that the woman he swore he wanted nothing to do with is, in fact, the same woman he wants everything to do with will ruin his mood. Drastically.
“Wonder how many tax dollars were spent on this?” Leo asks as he walks up beside us with Mauro by his side.
Mauro glances at the place, shaking his head. I can’t wait for you to kill this motherfucker.
“That makes two of us.” I adjust my glasses, and the four of us step up the stairs together, with a few guards trailing behind us. Photographers go crazy, their camera flashes going off every second.
Vin slaps a hand against my shoulder. “Look like you’re happy to be here.” He grins, waving, having no issue with being in the spotlight. He leans closer and speaks so low that only I can hear. “You’re about to kill the man who has had your woman caged up all these years. I’d say that’s worth a damn smile.”
The corners of my lips curve up even as blood simmers within me at the reminder of what he has done to Charlotte. “I’m going to enjoy this. And I can’t wait to watch him take his last breath.”
He slaps my back. “That’s the spirit!”
The doors are held open as we step inside, making our way through the foyer and into the grand hall before reaching the open-air section at the back, which offers a picturesque view of the lake. Every inch of the place is decorated in honor of Garrett, from the five-tier cake with a 3D image of his head on top to the cutouts of himself waving to his guests. This place screams narcissism.
A few people look our way and immediately notice our arrival. They’re smart and quickly move aside. Others nod in respectful greeting. Most know to keep their distance.
Only those with a death wish would—
“Good evening.” A slender man in a navy suit appears, grinning from ear to ear. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He holds out his hand toward Vin, who stares at it like he might catch the plague if he accepts it.
“And you are?” Vin asks, crossing his arms over his chest, clearly not impressed.
The man awkwardly brings his hand to his side, his smile faltering for only a second. “I’m Gary, Garrett’s assistant.”
Vin smiles, a deep chuckle leaving him. “Gary and Garrett. How cute.” He circles the poor kid, eyeing him up and down. “Say, Gary, did you happen to hear what happened to Garrett’s last assistant?”
Gary swallows, laughing nervously. “Heard he got promoted.”
“So, that’s what they’re calling it these days,” Leo muses, grinning. He shoves his hands inside his pockets. “Guess that makes me his boss.”
Gary looks between us, confused. “Umm. Garrett asked me to ensure you had anything you needed tonight, so…is there…anything you need?”
“We’re self-sufficient,” Vin answers. “But speaking of the birthday boy…” He gazes around the space. “Where is he? We’d love to have a drink with him.”
I fight back a grin, clearing my throat.
“He…” Gary steps around Vin, putting distance between them, his smile fully back in place. “He’ll be making his entrance once the last guest arrives.” Then he strides away to the next group as they enter the room.
“What an idiota,” Vin murmurs. “You just can’t find good help anymore.”
Leo chuckles as a woman in a black dress appears. “Good evening.” She adjusts an iPad tucked between her arm and chest. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your table.”
She leads us to a table front and center before the podium.
“Is this a fucking joke?” Leo asks, clearly not happy with the seating arrangement.
The woman appears taken aback and quickly scans her iPad. “No, this is the table they have assigned you. Would you prefer—”
“This is fine,” Vin tells her, smiling appreciatively. “Please have a bottle of Blackridge Whiskey sent over along with four glasses. We’re eager to get this night started.”
“Of course.” She dips her chin and quickly leaves.
