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Solid and concrete.
It would be another cage that Serenity couldn't escape. Because even if my past didn’t creep up and terrify her, she was still healing. Still learning who she was and what she wanted outside of family obligations. Telling her I loved her would only encourage her to stop exploring anything outside of me. And I wanted her to have the freedom, even when it killed me to think of her anywhere else but with me.
I shifted against the bar, hating when my thoughts traveled this direction. I scanned the bar again, noting so many of my players having a great time either drinking and mingling or dancing on the dance floor.
I was ready to text Daisy, who’d promised me she’d get Serenity here safely when the girls said they were going to get ready for the party together.
Serenity had been more than excited, the prospect of a costume party where she got to pick out her own role to play was next level for her. And that's exactly why I resisted the urge to text and took another drink in order to help myself calm the fuck down.
Asher spotted me as he made his way through the crowd. “You certainly don't look like you're ready to handle what's about to hit you,” he said as he came to stand next to me.
I tilted my head, wondering what the hell he was talking about. “Have you heard something about Doyle that I haven't?”
Asher shook his head, biting back a smile that had me cocking an eyebrow at him. “That's not the O'Brien I'm talking about,” he said, glancing over his shoulder.
I followed his line of sight, and it felt like the floor had been ripped out beneath me.
Daisy, dressed as a pinup girl, held hands with Serenity as she guided her through the crowd. She wore a Princess Leia costume, her hair intricately woven into braids to match. And it wasn't the white dress that covered every inch of her body, either. Nope. It was the costume that looked more like a metallic bikini with some bolts of fabric hanging between her legs, leaving every inch of that glorious body on display.
She was stunning, breathtaking. And everyone noticed.
“She's a Maxfield,” I finally corrected Asher, who patted me on the back.
I stayed locked in place at the bar, content to watch her, and checked myself every time one of my players practically drooled at the sight her. She laughed at something Daisy said, both of them heading our way before one of my fullbacks approached Serenity.
I moved before I could think, before I could rationalize that Serenity could absolutely handle herself. I reacted on instinct, catching my fullback asking if Serenity wanted to dance.
“That's my wife,” I said. “And I sign your checks,” I added for good measure.
The fullback immediately took two giant steps away, an apologetic look on his face. I gave him an approving nod, the tension in my muscles relaxing as Serenity's arms wove around mine.
“What do you think?” she asked, releasing me and doing a little twirl that gave me the most exquisite view ever.
“I think every man in this room wants to be me tonight,” I said, smiling down at her.
“You've got that right,” Daisy said. “You’re welcome,” she said to me before winking at Serenity and heading over to Asher.
Serenity’s eyes flashed up to mind, concern streaking there. “I'm not going to ask you if this outfit is okay,” she said, even though the tone of her voice said anything but.
I laughed, tucking her tighter against me, heat blazing beneath my skin at the feel of her bare skin beneath my fingers in such a public place. “You never have to ask if anything is okay. You're in charge. Always. And you look exquisite.”
She grinned confidently, tipping her chin ever so slightly. “I feel exquisite,” she said. “I had no idea how much fun it could be getting ready for a party with a girlfriend.”
I'd always loved Daisy, since the minute she captured Asher's attention, but that love ran deeper now seeing the smile and happiness she brought out in Serenity.
The booming music in the club shifted to a new song, and Daisy squealed behind me, hurrying between Serenity and myself as she grabbed her hand. “We have to go dance!” Daisy didn't bother looking at me for approval, and neither did Serenity as they headed to the dance floor.
I couldn't take my eyes off of her as I made my way back to Asher, scooping up the drink I'd left next to his.
“Remind me to thank Daisy for this,” I said to Asher.
“Oh, make no mistake, she's not doing it for you,” Asher said. “She happens to love Serenity. If you ever piss her off and Daisy finds out, I'll only be able to give you a five-second head start.”
We both laughed at that, clinking our glasses together before taking another drink. “I have no intention of ever upsetting her, but knowing me, it’s bound to happen. I'm happy to know she has someone in her corner willing to go to bat for her.”
“Always selling yourself short,” Asher said. “You two have come this far, considering all the bullshit that you've been dealing with. Any news on that front?”
I shook my head. “Doyle went off the grid. Even Dante's best guys haven't been able to locate him. I'm not sure what he's planning, but whatever it is, I’ll be ready for it.”
