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I continue to cough, and some more water spills from the glass I have in my hand. "Shit." I place it down on the table, then press my knuckles to my mouth in a bid to stop coughing. A large hand slaps my back, and again. The water finally slides down my gullet and I stop coughing. Tears wet my cheeks, and I accept the napkin from Summer and pat my them dry.
"You okay?" JJ rumbles.
"Yes, of course. Sorry. Carry on." I ball up the napkin and fix a smile on my face.
"I’m so sorry," Summer whispers to me. "It’s being pregnant..." She motions to the barely perceptible bump around her middle. "Afraid all I have is sex on my mind."
I choke back a laugh. She’s direct—I’ll give her that—but her manner is so self-deprecating, I can’t bring myself to take offense.
"Don’t worry," I whisper back.
"You sure you’re okay?" JJ’s voice is laced with concern, and perhaps, frustration. I risk a glance at him, and his forehead is furrowed. His glance is tinged with impatience. Of course, we’re here to talk about a very important deal, and here I am, totally messing this up.
"I’m good," I say in a firm voice and straighten my back. "Sorry about that."
"Oh, please don’t apologize. That was my fault entirely." Summer turns to JJ. "Please forgive me. I distracted your associate."
JJ’s lips kick up. "No harm done," he says in a gentle voice, then turns to Sinclair. "As I was saying, I’d very much like to invite 7A Investments to be one of the first to back Club Infinity."
"You’re starting a nightclub?" I burst out before I can stop myself.
"A gentleman’s club, actually," Sinclair murmurs.
"A gentleman’s club which is also open to the ladies, surely?" Summer pipes up.
JJ glances toward her. "You’re right, it’s a club that’s open to everyone who qualifies. The only criteria behind memberships is that they’re limited to those nominated by an existing member, and to be eligible to be a member, you need to have made a difference in your particular field."
"Hmm," Summer presses a finger to her cheek, "so it can be a contribution in any form? Not just cash?"
"Definitely not just cash. The club will not distinguish between people based on their monetary worth. It’s not just their net worth but the value they’ve added in terms of their art or their service to people, or what they’ve given back to the community.”
"And who would have the final approval?" I ask.
"Me, of course" —JJ’s lips twist and he turns his attention back to Sinclair— "and if 7A agrees to back the club, you’ll get one person nominated to the board who will have the right to veto the membership."
"Who else is backing the club?" Sinclair’s eyes gleam. Good God, the man’s hot. With his dark hair, chiseled cheekbones, those broad shoulders which stretch his tailor-made jacket, and his thick thighs spread wide apart, he takes up most of the space on the settee. In comparison, his wife is petite, and with her mischievous eyes and boho style clothing, she couldn’t be more of a contrast to him. He wraps his arm around her and pulls her close. She all but melts into his side. He looks down at her, and his features soften.
A ball of emotion clogs my throat. Gosh, the two of them look so much in love. Will I find someone who looks at me the way Sinclair looks at Summer? I do have a boyfriend, though, don’t I? Does Isaac look at me like that? Like he can’t get enough of me. Like he’d do anything for me. Like he can’t stop himself from touching me, and can’t take his eyes off me. Like the world begins and ends with me. A ball of emotion clogs my throat. My heart thrums like the wings of a butterfly. I glance toward JJ to find him staring at me.
I scowl at him. He narrows his gaze. There’s a considering look on his face. "It’s not for public disclosure yet." He turns to face the Sterlings. "But for you, I’m making an exception. Investors include the Sovranos and the Soloniks."
Sinclair straightens. "You mean theCosa Nostraand theBratva?"
There’s no change in expression on JJ’s face, but the very fact that his features grow impassive warn me that he’s on alert. "Is that a problem?"
Sinclair’s shoulders tense, then his features relax. "On the contrary, the Don of theCosa Nostraand I are bound by marriage now, so this will help consolidate the relationship.”
“You mean this will help you keep an eye on their goings on, don’t you?” JJ smirks.
“I mean—” Sinclair bares his teeth in the semblance of a smile, “—since theCosa Nostrahave been legalizing their businesses, I’m sure the Don and I will be happy to have more dealings in common.”
At this point, a waiter wheels over a bucket of ice and a bottle of champagne, along with champagne flutes that he places on the table. He opens the bottle with a pop and pours it into our glasses.
When he leaves, Sinclair raises his glass of champagne. "To new associates."
JJ clinks his glass with Sinclair’s. "And to old friends."
Two hours later, we’re on our way back home in JJ’s car. After the toast, JJ and Sinclair discussed some other business while Summer told me more about the Seven and their wives and girlfriends, and how over the moon she is that she and Karma are pregnant together. The meeting wrapped up shortly after. Summer kissed me goodbye and exchanged numbers with me. All in all, I enjoyed myself. It was 5.30 p.m. and JJ indicated he was ready to head home. I expected him to return to the office, but I’m more than happy to turn homeward instead.
