AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Please. It won’t do us any good in the box.” I jump right to the remainder of our business while she slides the ring onto her finger, gaping at it, her lips rolling in with a hint of excitement as sparkles of light gleam from it, prancing around the plane’s cabin.
“We’ll be staying at La Lune Noire,” I continue.
She glances up, trying her best to focus on me instead of her finger.
“It’s owned and operated by a friend of mine and his brothers. Their hotel has everything we need for the wedding and the prep—restaurants, pools, stores, bars, and a salon and spa. There’s even a casino. We won’t be leaving the property.”
Her shoulders slump, face stony, ring momentarily forgotten. “I’ve never been to New Orleans. I was excited to explore the city.”
Not a chance. Too dangerous. “We aren’t going there to sightsee, Ivanna.”
She huffs, her eyes filling with more defeat than anger. Unshed tears brimming.
Fuck.
Surprisingly, she doesn’t say anything, but instead stews silently while chewing on the inside of her lip.
No fire. Only disappointment. Sadness.
I brush my hand over hers, certain to press my palm into the ring as a reminder of both our nice moment and what she’s willingly agreed to. “Fine. If all goes well, I’ll consider a brief outing on thelast day. We’re returning Wednesday morning, so we can be back in time to see your father.”
She perks up, a bright,winningsmile breaking over her face, all the way up to her tiny,deviousears. The smattering of freckles on her cheeks and nose shine like a warning of menace rather than the markings of innocence.
The Little Storm played me.
WELLS
La Lune Noire is known as the most upscale establishment in New Orleans—not upscale in the way of stuffy pomp-and-circumstance refinement. Upscale as in exclusive.
Think speakeasies and secret society clubs.
Password admittance for a hefty price.
Law enforcement in their pockets.
They own the town because everyone wants at least a peek, and after one visit, they compile a file so thick on you that if you dare take them down, you’ll go down with them.
That’s rarely an issue though. Governors, senators, police chiefs all covet this as their cherished escape. The siren song is addictive. Pleasure lurking in every shadow. A place where purse strings are loose because the morals are looser.
Of course, the primary hotel and casino are open to anyone, as are two of the restaurants. It serves as the front of house, distracting the naive tourists and uptight townies from hunting for proof of phantom legends.
Axel Noire is an old friend, essentially from a former life. Both of us have become far different men from when we were boys. Life has a way of sharpening a man.
He, his four brothers, and his little sister live in the North Tower penthouse—the only residence located in that building—running their twenty-four/seven operation. Here, they reign as kings of the worldbecause nothing can touch them. For that reason and others, I trust them nearly as much as my own guys.
My crew will be staying in the South Tower penthouse, which provides plenty of room for us to spread out. Secluded from the general public, the tower is reserved for those who require the utmost concealment. Five bedrooms, all with private en suites, a formal living space, dining room, kitchen, and office—perfect for our needs.
Ivy is accustomed to the best. Her parents spared no expense in offering her luxurious experiences, but La Lune Noire is unlike anything. Brimming with both sophistication and sin, the atmosphere is delightfully seductive. And although she hasn’t said much, her twinkling blue eyes tell me the alluring appeal is casting its magical spell on her as well.
Safety and discretion are paramount to everything concerning Ivy, which is why La Lune Noire was an obvious choice for our wedding. The fact that my guys love it here doesn’t hurt either.
The penthouse butler shows us to the suite, apprising Ivy of the countless services, before addressing me. “Axel would like to see you in his quarters once you’ve all settled, sir.”
I turn to Ivy. “How much time to freshen up and dress for dinner?”
“Fifteen minutes?” It’s a question, making it clear she’s overestimating her abilities.
Glancing at my watch, I note that the night is still young, so there’s no need to rush. “Thank you, Bernard. Please tell him to expect us within the hour.”
