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Jules gave Cold a smug smile. “You’re so full of shit.”

“Fuck off, Jules,” Cold said affectionately. “Have a drink.”

Jimmy wondered what Jules was teasing Cold about but kept his curiosity to himself.

Rowena was enjoying her role as bartender, pouring a tumbler of something dark, maybe whiskey. She offered it out with a warm smile. “Hey, Jules!”

“Heya, Roe,” Jules rumbled. He grabbed the glass and knocked it back in one go. Rowena refilled it and he drank it again with a hiss. “Damn, hit me again.”

“Easy, tiger,” Rowena teased, topping him off once more.

“Any sign of the guest of honor?” Cold asked.

“Oh yeah, he’s here. Last I saw him, he had Lorre ass up in the back of his Nova.” Jules chuckled, choosing to sip his drink now instead of chugging it.

“Aw, so they’re getting back together?” Rowena said, sounding hopeful.

“Didn’t think Lorre had ever gotten around to apologizing.” Cold chuckled.

“Ass up ain’t a bad way to start apologizing.” Jules barked out a big laugh. “Fuck if I know though.”

Jimmy watched the three of them interact, the camaraderie and love obvious between them all. They really were a family. He still wasn’t sure how Jules fit, but it was clear that he belonged with the Legrand siblings.

Rowena came around the bar, bringing a fruity-looking cocktail to Jimmy. “Here ya go, sweetie.”

Jimmy mouthed his gratitude, smiling.

He could handle this.

It was just a party.

Nothing to freak out over.

Then he saw a familiar face walk in, and maybe, just maybe, it was okay to freak out a little bit.

Mickey Tamerlane appeared at the doorway, as silent as his nickname—The Shadow—his dark eyes roaming over the room. His face was blank, his mouth drawn tight, and his posture was tense as if preparing to attack at any second.

Jimmy recognized him from the news and sank down into the couch cushions. The assassin was ten times more terrifying in person. He was a gaunt snake of a man and his gaze was intense. Jimmy was glad it wasn’t directed anywhere near him.

Just a party, he reminded himself.

For this guy.

Who had just gotten out of prison for killing lots of people.

Tamerlane must have been looking for Cold, as he quickly approached him with a respectful bow of his head.

“Tamerlane,” Cold said with a slight growl as he held the last syllable. “Good to see you.”

Tamerlane knelt, kissing Cold’s hand with a reverent sigh. “Boss.”

Cold flinched but allowed it, patting Tamerlane’s shoulder. “We’re glad to have you back.”

Rowena already had a drink ready, a martini loaded with olives, and handed it to Tamerlane as he rose to his feet. She stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. “We’ve missed you, Mickey!”

Tamerlane gave a crooked, rueful smile as he accepted the drink. “It’s good to be back.” His dark eyes found Jimmy, an unfamiliar face at his special party. “Who’s the twink?”

Jimmy had been watching the spectacle, trying to grasp the inner workings of the varying power dynamics at play here, but all he could think about was being on his knees like that for Cold. He tensed when he realized everyone was staring at him.