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LILY
I’m probablya little overexcited about girls’ night, but I can’t help myself. It’s been so long since I did something like this. I take my time doing my hair and makeup back at the house, and then launch into a full-on fashion show to pick my outfit.
“Okay, what do you think?” I ask, showing off my third dress to Nero, as he reclines on the bed. The first one was too dressy. The second one was short, low-cut, and skintight. Nero nixed that before I’d even stepped all the way out of the bathroom.
I wouldn’t normally let him tell me what I can and can’t wear, but I had to admit that it was a little too revealing for me to be completely comfortable wearing. And he looked damn sexy and possessive, swearing nobody but him was going to see me like that.
Now, I’m modelling a cute fit-and-flare dress in navy blue, with towering strappy sandals, and some gold jewelry.
“I love it,” he nods, looking amused. “But you know,” he stands and strolls over, sliding his hands over my body, “if you wanted to put that second dress back on and blow off this outing, I could definitely make it worth your while.”
His hands go to my hips, but I duck away, laughing. “Save it, mister. I’m really looking forward to this. Do you know how long it’s been since I just hung out with friends?” I add, fluffing up my hair. “Years. Actual years!”
Nero smiles. “I like seeing you like this, all excited.”
“You see me excited all the time,” I throw him a wink, and he chuckles.
“Have fun,” he says. “And when you get back… Well, you’ll definitely have fun.” He pulls me into a hot kiss, making his intentions clear. I give a happy sigh. A night on the town, and then a night in Nero’s capable, muscular arms?
Sounds pretty perfect to me.
I Uberover to a buzzy bar in Soho to meet the others. Avery has already found us a table on the packed patio, and Juliet waves me over, sitting with a woman I don’t recognize. I called her on a whim, she’s always been kind to me, and since her husband is Nero’s half-brother, she understands a little of my crazy life now.
“This was a great idea, Lily!” Juliet beams, greeting me. “You have no idea how much I needed a night out. This is my friend, Mara,” she adds, introducing the other woman. She’s a friendly looking brunette, with cute, cropped hair and funky eyeliner. “She’s a designer at Sterling Cross.”
“Oh, that’s amazing,” I smile. “I love the work there. You’ll have to show me some of your designs.”
“Lily’s an artist, too,” Juliet announces, and I blush.
“Not really. I’m just taking some classes right now.”
“Don’t be modest,” Juliet smirks. “Can you imagine a table of guys all sitting around, being self-deprecating?”
“’No, don’t pay any attention, I’m really insignificant and boring,’” Avery plays along, mimicking in a low voice. We all laugh, and I know right away that tonight is going to be fun.
I look around and gesture the waitress over. “Who wants what?” I ask, ordering a margarita.
“Mojito, thanks,” Mara says.
“Ooh, I’ll get an espresso martini,” Avery decides. “I can’t get any girly drinks with the guys, they give me so much shit,” she adds, rolling her eyes.
I laugh. “What about you, Juliet?”
She pauses. “Umm, just a lime and soda water, thanks.”
The waitress leaves. “Not going to cut loose with the rest of us?” I ask Juliet, teasing.
“Not tonight.”
I catch a flash of happiness in her expression. “Wait a minute…” I gasp. “Are you…?”
She beams wider, unable to keep the smile off her face. “Maybe…”
“Juliet!”
“Wait, what?” Avery looks over, confused.
I look to Juliet for confirmation, and she gives a little nod.
