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Chapter Twelve
Before they had taken a step away, they all turned to the door as it opened.
Aria’s brows snapped together and then smoothed out, and she smiled and held a hand out to the man who walked in.
“Welcome. I am Aria, and these are my men, Trent and Mateo. I’m sorry, and I don’t mean to be rude, but what is your name? You look so familiar.”
The man smiled, but she could tell it wasn’t one that she’d describe as happy.
“My name is Dominic Russo, and we did meet a long time ago.”
“I’m so sorry I can’t remember.” She shook his hand.
“That’s fine.”
She nodded. “There is a buffet in the dining room and two bars set up. I hope you enjoy your time tonight.”
“I’m sure I will.” He nodded and then walked off.
“What’s wrong, pet?” Trent said.
“I’m not sure. There’s something about him. He just looks like someone I’ve known and known well, but I can’t place him.”
“We’ll talk to him some more tonight. I wonder how he got an invite to the party if you didn’t know him.”
Mateo squeezed her waist. “Maybe one of the girls does.”
“We’ll ask them. Right now, we have to mingle.”
“I’ll keep my eye on him. I didn’t get a violent vibe from him,” Mateo said. “But I also won’t take any chances with you.”
“I’ll watch, too,” Trent said.
“I love you guys.”
One after the other bent and kissed her, and the world seemed to fade for a moment.
“Mama, I’ve got someone I’d like you to meet,” Hope said.
“All right,” she said.
“I’ll stay with her,” Mateo said.
“Okay, I’m just going to check in with Devon before I look around.”
Aria kissed Trent before being led away.
For the next few hours, she talked with everyone, ate a bite her men shoved into her mouth, and sipped the champagne. She caught sight of the young man she’d met and found him mostly pressed against the wall like he was afraid someone would come up behind him. He seemed to feel as out of place as she did in a room with so many people.
Beth and Alistair walked up to her.
“Aria, the man by the piano. Do you know him?” Alastair asked.
Aria looked over to see the man again. This time, he was watching them intently.
“I’m not sure. He looks familiar, but I can’t place his name or where I would have seen him. Why?”
“He cornered Beth and asked her a bunch of questions about you.”
