The dress is more modest than the others I’ve worn to events with him, more appropriate for the ballet. But it still makes me feel beautiful, especially after seeing the way he couldn’t tear his gaze away from me when he first saw me in it.
Aiden’s hand is firm at the small of my back. His body is tilted toward mine. He angles himself to block me from view, block other people from approaching.
Protective. Possessive.
The place is incredible. The entryway has ornate gold mirrors so clear they’re like windows. I catch a glimpse of myself as we pass through—the way my hair is pulled up into an intricate knot at the back of my head, the dangling silver earrings with winking gems by my neck. The dress is deep green, the neckline elegant and draping.
I look like I belong. It’s the first time I’ve felt that way.
We take our seats without much conversation. From what I gather, the brothers had a busy day. They meet us there, their conversation slow and thin. I can tell they’re all still affected by their mother’s loss. This must be the first thing any of them have done since the funeral.
Violet is incredible. The charisma I saw in her at the gala is amplified on stage, especially as she’s the centerpiece of the show.
I glance over at Aiden’s brothers, curious, and find that they’re watching with rapt attention. Even Finn is staring, though I can see him slide a hand into his jacket for a flask. The sip he takes is small, so maybe that’s progress.
I turn back to the ballet after a moment, losing myself in the beautiful movements and the haunting music. The show is long, but the time flies by, and when it ends, we all gather in the lobby to wait for Violet. Finn distractedly scans the crowd, a grin breaking out across his face when Violet comes around the corner.
“Hey!” Connor calls, catching her attention. He grins and waves her over. “Congratulations!”
She’s already carrying a few bouquets. She smiles, her brown hair gleaming under the auditorium lighting, which brings out a few of the reddish highlights as well.
“Thanks,” she says, smiling widely.
Each of the O’Reilly brothers and their cousins pull her in for a hug, pride clear on all of their faces.
“Congratulations,” I say when it’s finally my turn. “You were incredible.”
“Thanks. I’m glad you were able to come,” Violet replies.
Her blue eyes dance as she looks at me, and the way Aiden is holding me close to him.
I feel oddly accomplished to have some kind of approval from her. I don’t usually hang on anyone’s approval, but it feels nice. Violet is like their sister. If she’s happy about me sticking around, maybe things aren’t that bad.
Lachlan says something about a bar, and in a whirl of movement, we’re leaving. The crowd is still thick, but we navigate it well enough to escape in a few minutes.
The bar we end up at is fancy and dimly lit, with music playing in the background. As soon as we settle at a table in the back, a cocktail waitress comes to take our drink orders. Aiden and all of his brothers and cousins order whiskey, and I decide to join them, but to my surprise, Violet just asks for a sparkling water.
“You don’t drink?” I ask, glancing over at her.
“Not often,” she says, wrinkling her nose. “Not part of the diet!”
I shake my head. “I can’t even imagine what lengths you must have to go to, to keep yourself in shape for what you do.”
Finn speaks up, maybe overhearing us. His eyes flicker with amusement and he turns to lean in, like he’s joining a secret club.
“You’d be surprised what lengths Violet goes to.”
“Well, now I sound psycho,” Violet says sarcastically, slapping his arm.
He arches a brow. “Oh.Nowyou do?”
“You’re a dick.”
He shrugs as if in agreement, and she laughs. The banter and easy conversation continues as our drinks arrive, and I can’t stop glancing around the table, listening to them all. The closeness of the group is obvious, and despite the recent tragedy in their lives, everyone seems happier and more relaxed than I’ve seen them in a while.
They all needed a night like this, even Aiden. He sits with his hand on my knee, and I can’t stop thinking about how warm it is.
“Remember when you told me ballet looked easy?” Violet asks slyly, gesturing at Connor with her glass of water.
