* * *
As soon as I walk into the gala with Vicky’s arm looped around me, I know I’ve made a mistake. The Navarro ballroom is as extravagant as expected. The room is packed. With politicians, businessmen, criminals pretending not to be criminals. Everyone is dressed fancy in designer suits and dresses that could probably feed a small country.
I don't notice any of it.
I only notice her.
As soon as I walk into the room, my eyes are drawn to her. Like there’s a magnetic force pushing us together.
A breath punches out of me.
Fuck.
She looks fucking amazing. Beautiful. A dark emerald dress clings to her curves before flowing toward the floor. Her hair spills over one shoulder in dark waves. A delicate necklace rests against golden skin.
She looks every bit the daughter of a cartel king. Every bit the princess of this estate. And yet somehow she still looks like the woman who loves to stuff her face with French fries and has the voice of an angel.
She still looks like mine.
The contradiction hits me harder than it should.
Our eyes meet from across the room. I can tell she’s shocked to see me. But she covers up that reaction soon enough.
"Damn,” Vicky whistles. “These people know how to party.”
“Careful, Victoria. We’re in the den of snakes.”
I've known Vicky for a long time. People tend to assume a physical relationship automatically means something more. With Vicky, it never has.
Neither of us have ever wanted that. We’ve had a few wild nights together but it’s never been anything more. She hits me up occasionally when she’s bored and looking for a night of fun. Sometimes I reply but usually I ignore her and she’s never held it against me.
Vicky likes excitement. I like uncomplicated arrangements. It worked. At least until Liliana barreled into my life.
It still works now though. Which is why she's standing beside me tonight looking entirely too pleased with herself.
Dark red hair is in a tight ponytail on her head. Her black gown leaves little to the imagination. Confidence radiates from her as naturally as breathing. I’ve always appreciated the way she doesn’t expect anything from me. She’s dependable. I might even go as far as to call her a friend.
Unfortunately, tonight she's enjoying herself far too much.
“She definitely doesn’t look like a snake,” she says, eyes fixed at the same spot as mine, watching Liliana.
Lindsay filled her in on the whole reason I even invited her in the first place. Safe to say, Vicky was beyond amused. Before I can tell her to shut up, movement catches my attention.
Ignacio Navarro begins to approach us at the doors. And he brings Liliana with him.
My entire body goes rigid.
"Matteo,” Ignacio extends a hand towards my brother. “It’s a pleasure to have you all here.”
“The pleasure is ours,” Matteo rumbles. “The Don sends his regrets but he had scheduling conflicts and will be unable to attend.”
Scheduling conflict is bullshit. Salvatore just couldn’t give a damn about coming. He and Valentina are on babysitting duty tonight.
Then Ignacio turns toward his daughter.
"Allow me to introduce Liliana."
I blink. Matteo blinks.
