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I grasped Vander’s shoulder, bringing my lips to his ear so he could hear me. “Is this Luminescence?”
He nodded, and happiness burst inside my chest. I’d only been here once before, when Alessandra and Cole had first married, but that night had ended with a harsh punishment. With a week of limping because I dared to have fun.
Those memories tried to push through the surface, but I shoved them back down, locking them inside my box of shame. Refusing to let my past ruin my night.
“Grace!” A girl with dark hair screamed a second before her body slammed into mine. Tessa held me in a tight hug, rocking us back and forth. “What are you doing here?”
“Having a date?” I found Vander’s eyes over her shoulder, and he nodded.
Holy shit, I was on a date with my husband. I wasn’t sure what was happening or if I wanted to be here.
Why would he cancel on the charity dinner? Because I said I didn’t want to go. I wasn’t used to having my opinions and feelings matter. But they did to him. He took me dancing because he knew I enjoyed it. I was more confused than ever.
But with Tessa’s arm around my shoulder and the music beating through my veins, I gave myself over to it. To my husband.
“Join us.” I was being dragged again. She led us to an elevated platform in one corner of the club that served as the VIP area.
“You remember Kincaid?” I smiled at the blonde I’d met a couple of times before. “And Maddox.” I nodded, swiveling my gaze away from the lunatic whose lap she sat on. “And Bash.”
Her husband’s name came out on a squeal as he yanked her hips, dragging her into his arms. “Nice to see you again.” He greeted me before giving Vander the guy nod of acknowledgment.
We took the empty bench seat next to them. Soon, champagne was being shoved into my hand. Anxiety spiked in my blood. My eyes went to Vander, my fingers trembling around the glass.
He leaned back in the seat, one arm on the booth behind my head, the other holding a glass full of an amber liquid. I guess when you were the owner; you got quick service.
His brows scrunched as he saw me looking at him. “Something wrong, Sunflower?” His eyes flicked to the drink in my hand, and my anxiety ticked up another level. “Did you want a white wine instead?”
My fear vanished as quickly as it had come. I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across my face or the band tightening around my heart. “No.”
He knew me so well. Knew what I drank. What I liked. Knew when I was upset. Knew what I needed.
How had I never seen him before?
At least not this side of him. This sweetness. This man who seemed determined to give in to every little request I had.
“So, what are you guys doing here?” Kincaid asked as she sipped her drink. “Isn’t there some big charity event the Kents are hosting? Alessandra is there tonight.”
“Wait, hosting?” I shifted in my seat to look at Vander.
His only response was a shrug. “Cole’s got it.”
“Vander, if we’re the hosts, we can go. It’s fine.”
I hated the idea of leaving when we’d just gotten here. Of not spending time with these women who had slowly become friends. I’d met them several times through their association with Alessandra. But I’d had to keep my distance; now, I could let them in.
But I would leave. Not because I feared what would happen if I didn’t. Because it was important to him. The thought of prioritizing his needs scared me more than anything.
My breathing grew shallow as he cupped my cheek in one hand. His thumb stroked my skin, and I fought the urge to lean into his touch. “Do you really want to go? Not because you have to, but because you’d enjoy it?”
I had never enjoyed those dinners. Or having to fake happiness.
Right now, all I desired was more time with my husband. With this man, I was only just getting to know. Starting to understand.
With his evergreen eyes piercing me, I told the truth. “No.”
“Then no.” His lips brushed my forehead in an almost kiss. My body hummed for more. “I’m not saying we won’t ever have to go to those events, but only when you’re ready. When you want to.”
My words were barely a whisper. My breath stolen by this softer side of him. “Thank you.”
