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After grabbing the new clutch, I slipped into the shoes and cringed. “I’ll die wearing these all night.”
“You’ll get used to them. Trust me.”
We waltzed into the living room at precisely seven sharp.
When I glanced at the clock again, it was seven-ten.
“Where are they?”
“They’ll be here.” Raleigh sounded far too confident.
When it was seven-eighteen, I was ready to panic. “I’m going to call him.”
“Okay. That should make you feel better.”
Why did she have such a grin on her face? Our men could be lying dead in a pool of blood somewhere and she was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
I dialed the number, pacing the floor in front of the door. Then I heard it ring.
Echoing outside the door.
Without thinking, I unlocked and flung it open, crashing against a hard body.
“Whew,” Danny said as she steadied me on my feet.
“I told you they’d be here,” Raleigh chided.
“That’s two things I’m going to get you for,” I told her.
“I see the two of you are getting along famously,” Danny said as he took a full step away, shaking his head as he allowed his gaze to fall to my feet. “You look stunning.”
“You’re late. You worried me.”
When he grinned, pulling a velvet box from his jacket, opening the flap, I gasped at the sight of the ruby and diamond necklace, the exquisite piece sparkling in the light. I was momentarily thrown, taking several shallow breaths.
“I needed to pick up something to go with your dress. I hope you don’t mind,” he said with a deep growl.
“You’re forgiven.” I threw my arms around him, hissing when he winced, still tender from his injuries. “It’s beautiful.”
“So are you.”
When I pulled away, I noticed the other man and smiled. “You must be Max. That’s all Raleigh could talk about.”
“Isn’t it good to be missed?” Max asked Danny.
“Yeah, it is. I could get used to that. Let me put this on. We don’t want to be late.”
“That would be your fault,” I said as I turned around, lifting my hair.
Then I noticed Max patting his friend on the back. “And so it begins, my friend. So it begins.”
* * *
Viper
As I watched the two women conversing, acting as if they were old friends, I realized how lucky I was. I’d been given a chance at living a normal life. Did I deserve one after every brutal deed, every death I’d caused? Some people would say no with ease. But perhaps in being allowed a new beginning, I could make things right on several levels.
I shifted my hand into the jacket of my tux, rubbing my finger across the smooth box. Tonight was meant to be another new beginning for the woman I adored. I only hoped the timing was right.
