Page 132 of Wicked Dares
On Saturday night, Levi and I return to the Astoria for another event.
But this time, it’s for an event his family are hosting—the Vale Summer Ball.
Although I’ve seen his father and brothers before, this is technically our first official meeting. And I’ll be meeting his whole immediate family.
Weeks ago, when I was here, I felt completely out of place and overwhelmed.
Now I feel comfortable in my skin again, without the tension and worry about looking good for Arthur.
It’s also nice to just be out with Levi somewhere that isn’t about business.
This is just about fun.
Levi’s hand settles naturally against the small of my back as we move through the glittering ballroom.
The Astoria is just as beautiful as it was before, and the same vibrant vibe fills the air. I think this is one of those places where you can always rely on having a good experience.
We spot his family in the far corner of the room and make our way over.
I’m nervous, but not in a bad way.
Levi introduces me when we reach them, and they all make me feel ridiculously comfortable. It’s like I’ve known them forever.
Louise and Adeline practically claim me as their own within the first ten minutes. I also get on with Isla and Elodie, Knox and Dorian’s wives, right off the bat.
His father is a sweetheart, and I’m not entirely surprised that Locke has the same sort of personality and humor as Levi.
If I were to take a guess, I’d assume that although all the brothers are close, Levi seems closest to Locke. And he definitely felt like the middle child amongst the group.
Before I know it, I’m absorbed in them and the night is perfect. We talk and dance, laugh and sip champagne, and everything is amazing.
I keep thinking how much my life has changed.
In the same breath, I wonder what it would be like if I hadn’t made certain decisions.
The biggest of all was that I could have stayed in San Francisco and tried to make things work there after Reece. Of all the places I’ve lived, that was home the longest. My family are all there, and I adored San Francisco for its beauty. It made sense to stay.
But I didn’t. I saw something more for myself.
This must have been it.
I’m glad I was right and didn’t cut myself off from this chance. Of course, I very nearly did when I was stuck in my feelings about getting too involved with Levi.
Thank God I didn’t.
Now I’m genuinely happy and looking forward to going to England. It was one of the places on my bucket list.
Isla talked a lot about England because she and Knox will be heading there on Monday and spend six weeks there—so I’ll have company when Levi and I arrive.
Levi and I are nearly home now, and from the way he keeps looking at me, I can tell it’s going to be a long night.
When we walk through the door, that’s it.
He takes my hand and pulls me flush against him for a desperate kiss, then he picks me up and carries me straight to the kitchen.
I have no idea what this man has in store for me.
He sets me on top of the breakfast table and kneels to take off my heels. He sets one on the floor, then he holds my foot with the other and kisses the top of my feet.
