AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Brick turned toward Dominic with a grateful smile and laughter in his eyes that he had cut off what she was about to say.
“Excuse me.” Then she sauntered off with her head held high and as if she had a stick up her ass. Which, of course, she did.
“I hope I wasn’t rude,” Dominic replied with a hand to his heart. Although by the twinkling in his eyes, he knew he had saved Brick from a very unpleasant conversation.
“You were a lifesaver.” Then Brick held out his hand to the man standing next to him. “Nice to meet you. I’m Brick.”
“Dax,” the man replied, then gestured to the woman next to him. “This is my wife, Sarafina.” He tossed his head at the man next to her. “That’s Travis.”
Brick also shook hands with Travis. He didn’t look like he was involved in the mob. Although, the brief information Dominic had given him and Jezebelle said Travis was currently trying to make the organization legit. It was his father who had been the criminal. But by the subtle, annoyed glances Dominic gave Travis on occasion as they chatted, Brick could tell Dominic found Travis just as despicable as his father.
Jezebelle joined them after her dance, with Bradley parting ways, expressing he wanted to say hello to a few friends himself.
Brick was suddenly left with Dominic, Dax, and Travis as Jezebelle and Sarafina excused themselves to use the restroom.
Besides the intense moment with her mother, the evening was going well. He could only hope and pray it stayed that way.
* * *
“I love your dress.Where did you get it?” Sarafina asked as they took their time touching up their makeup.
Jezebelle couldn’t resist rolling her eyes. “My mother sent it. She has this overwhelming need to control every aspect of my life. Sometimes I let her.” She ran her hands down the elegant emerald glittery dress that fit her every curve. The back scooped low with a short dip in the front. Enough to entice a man to want to see more. Just a hint of cleavage. The fabric was smooth and soft against her skin. It was a lovely dress. When it was delivered to the apartment this morning by one of her mother’s lackeys, she couldn’t find a reason to argue about wearing it. She had fallen in love on sight. Even Brick’s eyes had melted in desire when she put it on. It had been difficult to ward him off. She had to threaten bodily harm if he so much as put a wrinkle in the dress from ravishing her silly.
“I would’ve let her on this occasion as well. It’s truly lovely.”
“So is yours. That gold brings out the color in your eyes.”
Sarafina’s cheeks bloomed a dusty rose as she smoothed a hand down her dress. “Dax bought it. I have a feeling he had help in picking it out. Dominic,” she said with a chuckle. “But I’m not complaining.”
“Oh, yes, he has a wonderful eye. He helped Brick with his tux. I’m so glad you’re all here.”
“Because of that other man you were dancing with or your mother?”
Ah, Sarafina was a very astute observer. Although, why did everyone keep thinking Bradley was a threat? He was only a friend. He had been the utmost gentleman as they danced. He didn’t touch her in any inappropriate spot, kept a decent distance between them, and they had light, friendly conversation. Nothing about his behavior had indicated he had feelings as more than a friend.
“My mother. She doesn’t approve of Brick.”
“That man is sex on a stick. I approve.” Sarafina’s eyes widened. “Oh, darnation, don’t tell Dax I said that. I can’t believe that came out of my mouth.”
“I won’t say a word because your husband is some yummy man candy himself.”
They both giggled.
“We should be friends,” Sarafina said as she looped her arm with hers and walked out of the restroom.
“I concur.”
More giggles erupted.
They reconnected with the gentlemen. Dane and Gabby had joined the circle as well. Laughter and lively conversation ensued, making her believe the evening would turn out more wonderful than she had envisioned.
When they parted ways for the meal portion of the evening, her mood dipped drastically. Her mother had that trait perfected to the T—how to bring her joy to zero with a sharp tort of her tongue.
“Tomorrow we plan on visiting a few art galleries. I’ll pick you up at nine for breakfast.”
Her mother did not say it as a request, which didn’t surprise her. She knew her mother was visiting for the next five days and she’d be required to spend time with her. Two days down, only three to go.
“Brick and I will be ready.”
