“He will. But you need to go too. We all do.”
“Why?” I shake my head.
“A lot of the power players in Boston are going to be there,” Connor says, as if it’s obvious.
“Single operators?”
“Yeah, but most of the Assembly will be there too, doing business. These people have deep pockets.”
I know it. There are plenty of non-mafia men in Boston who are lax with their money. If you have something they want, they’re willing to pay any price for it.
I nod grudgingly, although attending a gala is the last fucking thing I want to do right now.
“All right. We’ll be there.”
“Good. I’ll talk to you soon.”
He hangs up, and I tap my fingers on the steering wheel as Rose glances at me out of the corner of her eye. I can tell she’s curious but still guarded, still withdrawn from me.
I don’t care. I can’t. This is business, and I do business well.
Keeping my features carefully impassive, I turn to look at her.
“We’re going to need to get you another dress.”
CHAPTER15
Rose
The evening gown Aiden had delivered for me is laid across the bed. It’s not as expensive as the wedding dress he ordered, but it’s certainly a lot fucking fancier than anything I ever wore in college.
It’s gorgeous, made of a blush-colored silk, floor-length and cut close to the body. There’s a slit in the leg, high enough to be sexy but still tasteful. The front drapes beautifully, barely allowing any cleavage to peek out. The back is the opposite—it dips low, hanging in a soft pool at the small of my back.
I haven’t touched it yet. I’ve spent the last hour doing my makeup. I’ve been almost afraid to put the dress on, like I can’t let myself love it.
But fuck it. I’m here. Why not do something that makes me feel powerful again?
When I slip the gown on and stand in front of the mirror, I bite my lip, stunned by my appearance.
The dress fits like a glove. It drapes perfectly, hugging my hips and falling loose to the floor. Even the slit in the side is perfect, situated just right to show my legs when I walk but disappear as I stand still.
My hair is loose, curled softly as it drapes over my shoulder. The ashy blonde color is perfect against the rose fabric of the dress. Even my makeup is perfect, muted browns that make my eyes look deeper and sexier. The green of my irises looks even richer, accentuated by the colors.
I don’t look twenty-two and fresh out of college. I don’t look like a woman who still hasn’t figured out her future. I look sexy, strong, and refined. I look like I know what the fuck I’m doing.
Even if it’s just an illusion.
Pulling my shoulders back and turning away from the mirror, I leave the bedroom to meet Aiden.
When I arrive downstairs, he’s standing in the doorway to the living room, hands in his pockets as he leans against the wall.
He looks up, and the moment he sees me, a look of pure heat passes over his face. My skin flushes, and it takes me a moment to actually take in his appearance.
He’s in a perfectly tailored dark suit, and with his dark hair and sharp blue eyes, he looks savagely handsome, just like the dangerous man I know he is.
Aiden’s eyes linger on my body. I know I’m doing the same, openly staring at him, but I can’t help it. I almost forget what we’re supposed to be doing, but then his phone buzzes, and he drags his gaze away from me to answer it.
Someone speaks on the other end of the call, and his voice is low when he answers, “Yes. Bring it around.”
