“Me three.” Alex stood and smacked me on the ass. “Get up, woman. Let’s go in my room and play with hair stuff. Leave these two alone to negotiate.”
“What?” Juliet’s big blue eyes widened.
Dmitri smiled. “Yes. You go, Alex. I handle.”
I tucked my towel around me and rose before pointing my finger at Dmitri. “Go easy on her, Russian.”
“Of course.” Dmitri smiled down at me as he motioned an unmoving Juliet to come to him.
I wanted to stay and watch, see if the large Russian could coax the skittish Juliet, but Alex pulled me into his booth and shut the door.
He clapped. “This is going to be good. You think they’ll fuck?”
I cocked my head at him in the mirror. “Of course not. She’ll probably run screaming before he even gets a finger on her.” The words came out and whistled around my consciousness, a flash of barren tree limbs darting across my mind and the scent of earth and rotting leaves in my nose.
“Hey, you okay?” Alex patted my shoulder.
I forced a smile. “Fine.”
“Let’s give you a cut. Spruce up these ends. And, just for you, I’ll tell you all about my newest boyfriend while I do it.” He whipped out a black cape and tied it around me. “Have you ever seen a pierced dick?”
I spent the next forty-five minutes laughing and telling Alex just how bad he was after he regaled me with tales of his conquests, the most recent being a TV star on some show about zombies.
When he was done, I felt lighter, and my hair was cut, shampooed, and styled to fall in waves.
I ran my fingers through the strands. “Thanks, Alex. I’m a new girl.”
He bent over, caught my eye in the mirror, and kissed my cheek. “No. You’re the same one I fell in love with a couple months ago.”
I smiled. This was by far the best Christmas present I’d ever received.
“Let’s see if the coast is clear or full of Russian dick.” Alex silently opened the door and crack, then swung it all the way. “What the—”
I peeked over his shoulder. Dmitri and Juliet had disappeared.
A smell wafted to my nose, something rich and delicious. My stomach growled.
“I think lunch is ready.” Alex walked into the room and grabbed my clothes from the nearest rack before tossing them to me. “Get dressed. I’m starving. And please tell me I’m invited.”
I dropped my towel and pulled on my underwear, jeans, and t-shirt. “Of course. But we need to find Juliet and Dmitri first.”
Someone cleared their throat. I stared around. The sound came from a closet along the front of the room. The door opened and Dmitri stepped out, his eyes everywhere but on Alex and me.
“Where’s Juliet?” Alex asked.
The door opened again and she hurried out, though Dmitri slapped her ass as she went by.
“I’m not discussing this.” Her face was on fire.
I grinned, happy that the simple enjoyment of another person, no dark motives at play, was possible under this roof. “Fine. Come on. I bet you two worked up an appetite.”
Juliet tucked her hair behind her ear before thinking better of it and plucking it back out. I led the procession, up the main hallway, past Sin’s study, past the breakfast room, and to the large dining room where I’d signed the contract that fateful day. It seemed so long ago now. So much had changed.
Laura puttered around adjusting plates, but the table was perfect. A large roast sat in the middle, flanked by sides of green beans, mashed potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, and any number of foods placed around like decorations.
“Wow,” I said. “This is beautiful. I almost hate to eat it.”
Laura smiled and motioned to the chairs. “Everyone sit. I already told the boys it’s ready.”
We took our seats, leaving the three spots around the end for Sin, Lucius, and Teddy. There were three more places set, and I wondered if Renee would join us. I missed my friend something terrible, the loss a nagging ache.
Deep male laughter bounced into the room for the foyer, Teddy and Lucius appearing in the doorway.
Lucius’ eyes opened wide as he surveyed the room. He clearly had no idea there was company.
Dmitri growled.
“Keep it civil.” I laid my napkin in my lap as Laura poured the wine.
Lucius leered at Dmitri before sitting in his usual chair. “Yeah, keep it civil, comrade.”
“Very nice to see you again, Lucius is it? I’m Alex.” Interest lit his face, the charm switch flipped.
I smothered my laugh as Lucius simply eyed the eager stylist.
Teddy bumped my elbow and grinned at me. “Have a good night?”
Lucius shifted in his seat and scowled at Teddy.
More steps in the hallway saved me from having to respond. Sin walked in, his black button down open at the throat with the sleeves rolled up. He wore a pair of perfectly fitting jeans with a familiar belt. Was the room suddenly warmer? My heart skipped a note as he strode to the head of the table.