I take another look in the mirror before heading out to see what Liam is up to. Satisfied with how I look, I take in a deep breath.
My hand shakes as I grip the doorknob and the faintest flush makes my cheeks heat.
There’s no way to hide or deny what Liam and I did, so I brace myself for whatever rude comments may come my way and open the door.
During my shower, Brady got up from the couch. The blanket is neatly folded and drapes over the back of the couch. My entrance doesn’t go unnoticed. All three men turn as one to stare as I step into the room.
“Hi.” I give a little half-wave and bite down on my lower lip.
Liam’s mouth gapes and his eyes round as he takes me in from head to toe. He hesitates for a moment, then rushes toward me. He wraps me in a hug and lifts me off my feet.
“You look fucking amazing.” Lowering his voice, he whispers in my ear. “I want to rip off that dress and spend the rest of the day in bed.”
I can’t help but giggle as he nuzzles my neck. It’s a ticklish spot for me, one he’s becoming well acquainted with.
“It’s almost five. I’d say we’ve lost the day.” I cup his cheek and stare adoringly into his eyes. “Do we have work to do?” Although, whatever that work might be is lost on me.
“Some. Mitzy wants us to stay in tonight. No more making a splash on the town. She suggested we have dinner here and spend time at the tables.”
“I can’t gamble.”
“I’m not much of a gambler myself, but it’s all for show.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Understand what?” Liam gives me a look.
“I’m actually really good at poker and blackjack, but since I work here, I’m not allowed to gamble here. It’s a rule that pertains to all our employees.”
“Hmm.” Liam scratches his head. “Does that mean you can’t be with me if I gamble?”
“I can be eye candy on your arm—”
“Eye candy?” Wolfe snorts.
Liam gives him the eye.
“Hey! She said it, so it’s cool. Don’t bust my balls over something your woman said.” Wolfe points at me.
“Anyway …” My attention shifts between Liam and Wolfe. There’s more subtext there than I’m aware of. Nevertheless, I continue. “It doesn’t look good to my employees. If you win, they’ll think …”
“Don’t worry about him winning.” Brady huffs a laugh and joins Wolfe at the table.
“Huh?” I don’t understand that comment.
“Don’t mind them.” Liam tugs me to his side. “They’re being a couple of assholes.”
“Were you going to lose on purpose?” Wolfe snickers and Brady tries to cover his laughter with a cough. “Okay, what’s up with them?” I hook a thumb toward Liam’s teammates.
“Like I said … they’re assholes.” Liam pulls me close, eyeing my dress. His expression heats. “If gambling is out … I can think of another way to spend the night.”
“Before we get ahead of ourselves, I have news.” I glance down at the computer screen. “What’s that?”
“That is your uncle’s house.” Liam points to the screen.
“Um, that’s not his house.” I’ve spent far too many Sunday brunches at that house and know it intimately.
“That’s the structure underground?”
“Underground? Like a basement?” I’ve never been in the basement of my uncle’s house before. There was never a need.
“Not the basement, princess. That’s a stronghold.”
“Really? How did you …” My voice trails off and I hold up a hand. “Don’t tell me … that’s a bit of Mitzy Magic?”
“Gotcha there. Mitzy got a hold of the architectural plans for the house and this little gem showed up.”
“Wow. That’s impressive.” I lean forward, trying to make sense of the underground structure. “At least I have good news.”
“You do?”
“Despite how it went between the two of you, brunch is still on. I told Mother about our engagement and that we wanted to talk to my uncle about giving up my interest in the Belvedere.”
“I bet that got her interest.”
“You should’ve seen the way her eyes lit up. But there’s a catch.”
“What’s that?”
“Wolfe and Brady are not welcome. Mother made that very clear.”
“Well, we can adjust.” Wolfe taps his chin. “How about we stay in, order room service, and figure out how we’re going to tackle tomorrow morning?”
“Sounds good to me.” I pipe up, agreeing easily. I’m up for hiding out until the last minute. “Everyone up for room service?”
“Dining in sounds just fine.” Liam’s voice heats and there’s no mistaking the subtext in his tone.
Wolfe and Brady pretend they don’t hear Liam, but they do. I’m beginning to really adore Liam’s friends. These tough guys are soft where it counts.
“One other thing …” I tug on my hair, twirling a strand around my finger.
“What’s that?”
“Mother said Marco was dealing with a crisis and he has business in the morning. Brunch is always at noon, but she said we could let ourselves in.”
“What does that mean?”
“Well, I assume the crisis Marco faces is six missing women. For whatever reason, Mother will be with him for whatever business he needs to take care of.”
“So, you’re telling us you have the access codes to Marco Rossi’s house?” Wolfe runs his fingers through his thick mop of hair.
“I do.”
“Well, shit. Why didn’t you say so sooner?” Wolfe gives me a look. “We need to get those codes to Mitzy and CJ.”
“Why?”
“We can do a little recon tonight.” Wolfe taps the table.
“That’s not a good idea. If Marco’s dealing with a crisis, he’ll have locked down security. Not that I’m telling you how to run a mission, but that could turn into a shitstorm pretty damn quick.”
“I have to agree with Maria.” Liam backs me up. “But we can show up early?”
“Seems like what we need are eyes on the house.” Brady joins in. “Once Marco and your mother are out of the house, you and Liam can go in.”
“That’ll work.” Wolfe pulls on his chin. “Let’s rope in Sam and CJ, see what they think, and see if Mitzy has anything to add.”
“Meanwhile, I’ll order dinner.” I take a look at each of the men. “Any special requests?”
“Strawberries and whipped cream.” Liam responds lightning quick while Wolfe and Brady laugh.
“Not subtle, dude. Not subtle at all.” Wolfe smacks Liam in the arm. “How about I handle dinner while the three of you call Overwatch?”
We split up the tasks. I show Wolfe my stack of takeout menus as well as the menus of all five of the restaurants in the Belvedere. Wolfe and I wind up ordering a five-star meal from our showcase restaurants, while Liam and Brady call back to base.