“You’re humoring her,” I whisper to him.
“She’s not wrong,” he whispers back. “Food probably does taste better when you’re grateful for it.”
God, I love this man.
The thought hits me so suddenly and with such clarity that I almost choke on my wine.
Phoenix notices immediately, his hand moving to my back with that instinctive protectiveness that’s becoming second nature. “You okay?”
“Fine,” I manage, taking a sip of water. “Just thinking.”
“Dangerous territory,” he teases, but his eyes are soft with concern.
As dinner winds down, I’m surprised by how much I don’t want the evening to end. There’s something freeing about being with people who don’t know our story, who don’t look at us and see a club member and his fellow biker’s little sister. Here, we’re just Phoenix and Clover, two people who clearly care about each other, sharing a meal with two travelers who’ve found their own way of making happiness out of tragedy.
“So, what’s the plan for the rest of the night?” Cedar asks as we finish dessert, some ridiculous chocolate thing that Meadow insisted we all share because ‘chocolate is better when it brings people together.’
“Probably just head back to our hotel,” Phoenix says. “It’s been a long day.”
“Nooo!” Meadow’s eyes go wide with disappointment. “But the night is just beginning. And you two have such beautiful energy together, you should be celebrating.”
Phoenix chokes on his coffee. “Celebrating what exactly?”
“Oh!” Meadow clasps her hands together. “You don’t feel it? You two have a karmic flow. Something big is coming for you soon. Real soon. We need to celebrate.”
“Meadow, honey, they might not want—”
“Please,” she turns those big, hopeful eyes on us. “Just for a little while? I can feel how much love is between you two, and love should be celebrated. Besides, Cedar and I have a whole penthouse suite at the Bellagio, and the view is absolutely magical at night.”
I look at Phoenix, seeing my own conflict reflected in his eyes. The smart thing would be to politely decline, go back to our hotel, maybe call it an early night, since we’re supposed to meet with Sin tomorrow and get back to the reality of club life and all the danger that comes with it.
But when’s the next time we’ll get to just be normal?
When’s the next time we can spend an evening with people who don’t know about Cartels and threats and all the reasons why what’s happening between us is complicated?
“Just for a little while,” I hear myself saying. “If Phoenix is okay with it.”
Phoenix studies my face, and I see the moment he makes his decision. “One drink,” he says. “Then wereallydo need to get some rest.”
Meadow squeals with delight, bouncing in her seat like a kid on Christmas morning. “This is going to be so much fun. Cedar, can we show them the balcony? And maybe play some music?”
Cedar’s expression softens as he watches her excitement. “Whatever makes you happy, darlin’.”
We finish up at the restaurant and make our way to the Bellagio. It feels as if the elevator ride up to the penthouse suite takes forever, but as the doors open, it is exactly as ridiculous as I expected. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking The Strip, furniture that probably costs more than the entire Clubhouse back in LA, and a balcony that offers a view so stunning it almost doesn’t seem real.
“Holy shit,” Phoenix breathes, moving to the windows. “This is incredible.”
“Language, sweetie,” Meadow chides gently, but she’s smiling. “But yes, it really is magical, isn’t it? It’s like… like the future is right here. Like I’ve been transported through time. It really is so remarkable,” Meadow states, glancing out in undisputable awe.
The way her eyes light up makes me so grateful for the life I have.
Sure, my club might be at war.
Sure, I might not have a home to go back to.
But at least I can remember everyone I love.
At least I remember my home and everyone in it.
