Chapter 64
sixty-four
“Primo, are you sure you don’t want a drink?”
I resist the urge to snarl at my cousin, forcing my face into a fierce scowl instead. “Yes. I’m sure.”
Juliet rolls her eyes as she adjusts the thin gold chains holding up her dress.
If you can even call it a dress. The damn thing is basically two scraps of blue gauze tied together with chains at her shoulders and sides.
It goes with the ridiculous shiny heels strapped to her feet.
And the color matches her light blue toenails.
It reminds me that I am decidedly out of my element in an all-white suit. Because, apparently, everyone needed to be on theme.
The thought should probably annoy me, but I only feel the urge to grin. Alice.
Graham Everett groans, shuffling notecards. The best man has been anxiously stomping around since I got to the venue for the rehearsal dinner. Having checked and re-checked all the security measures in place, I stopped here to make sure everyone in the wedding party knew their positions.
Turned out, Grayson and Ella had snuck off for a moment alone. Which left me with Graham Fucking Everett.
He paces in place, running a hand through his slicked-back hair. Looking ludicrous in a blue linen suit, the exact same shade as Juliet’s dress. A gold waistcoat flashes from beneath his open jacket as he pivots on his heel and wears another path into the floor.
“I think your fiancé is the one who needs that drink,” I mutter.
Juliet casts him a disapproving frown. “He’s had one. Didn’t help. I’m running out of ideas…”
Graham freezes, pointing a glare toward us, until he catches Juliet’s eye. His expression goes slack, then twitches into a smirk.
“Amir, get out. We need twenty minutes.”
“Jesus Christ,” I grumble, standing and striding for the door.
“I only need ten,” Juliet calls out, wringing a laugh from Graham as I slam the door to their suite behind me.
I have shit to do anyway.
Ella, the woman of the hour, appears with Grayson glued to her back. They take a break from beaming at each other to glance at me.
“Everything is secure,” I report, nodding at my boss before grimacing. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
Ella grins, floating forward. “We insist.”
They have insisted this entire time. In fact, I’m the reason they booked this venue for their rehearsal in the first place. After I told Ella my plan, she made it her mission to be my accomplice.
Her made-up eyes dart over my shirt. A small smile betrays her amusement at my new outfit.
“I look ridiculous.”
She huffs. “Oh, come on. New chapter, new look. Is everything ready upstairs?”
“Yes. Is she here yet?”
A rush of nerves rolls through me. I wonder if Alice has recognized the building yet. It’s a pretty basic brick structure… and it was dark the night we came.
Over Grayson’s shoulder, my sweet girl has worked her magic on the huge entertaining space. The theme is an ode to the changing season—all white furnishings, colorful lounge furniture, spring blooms, and loose masses of greenery.
It’s pretty, but none of it holds my interest. There’s only one sight I want to see, and so far? I haven’t even caught a glimpse of her.
Then again, I know she is excellent at fading into the background when she wants to. It will be easier for her to hide now that most of the guests are arriving, filling the luxurious space with a sea of bodies.
I scan the space, making sure I recognize each individual face. Grayson steps up behind Ella, casting me a look. “I thought we agreed you were off duty for the next two hours.”
Now that our team is solid once again, I’ve tried to learn to let Barnes take the reins from time to time. He’s more than qualified—and I need to get better about carving out intentional time for Alice. Especially if my plans for the evening go well.
Though before I can get to that, I have to find my girl.
Ella smiles wider, reading my mind.
“Go,” she says, “I’ll send Alice to you.”