Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 94997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94997 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Lucy’s, which is the club Eli owns and where his main office is, is where we’ll be hosting this year. It was a wonderful surprise when I showed up today to find a new employee among the staff. And, of course, I had to approve them.
“Do we even want to look at the guest list?” Ford asks me.
I smirk. “You put me in charge of it for a reason, right? Party, party,” I say, and he rolls his eyes. The thing with Dutton is he prefers lowkey, which is precisely why the entire club will be packed. Yes, the public can line up to come in, but I’ve sent an invite to everyone and anyone we know. It’s going to be a good fucking night.
The club has been staged differently, with decorations, extra security, and the booths completely blocked for our more intimate group only.
Eli takes another sip of his drink. “Everything seems to be going smoothly this month,” he says, almost bored. When Eli first officially took over from his father, Crue Monti, a dull day was rare.
People initially tested boundaries with Eli, and met with him directly or us in his stead. Either way, it was never pleasant. Hits were made, even from his wife, Jewel, and we’d dealt with multiple shifts in our dealings and new contracts, so with all that happening, it’s fair to say we were more on edge during that time.
In our line of work, a quiet day is like the calm before a storm. I credit Eli, though, for how quickly he resolves issues, often by torture and death. He’s lethal. If someone’s caught in his web, they don’t usually walk away alive. He’s also spending more time with Jewel, which means, by default, we’re not with him as much, and I’m becoming bored. No one to hunt, to kill, to even intimidate a tiny bit. My only outlets are the gym, partying, and sex.
As for tonight… I’ve already gone to the gym today, so it’s time to do my two other favorite things. And, yes, I realize I’ve already blown my load once today, but you can never have too much sex, right?
CHAPTER 5
Ivy
Do I want to go to the party?
Yes, of course.
Am I disappointed my parents are out of town on a random Europe trip they didn’t tell me about?
That answer is also yes.
So I didn’t bring a date because, frankly, the only reason I was going to was to piss off my dad. I even had a bird watcher lined up as my plus one. I don’t care so much what people’s hobbies are, but I know my father won’t tolerate much, let alone a bird watcher. My father is far from being at one with nature, which is why the guy would’ve been the perfect date.
I’m running late, but that’s probably no surprise to anyone. I considered inviting a handful of dates all at the same time, just to see how that situation played out, but as I went through the app and came across the profile of the dickhead I went on a date with last week, I ended up removing the app from my phone entirely.
Maybe I’m turning a new leaf, you know? Maybe I plan to start fresh and not date and fuck so many people.
I try not to snort at that thought. I’m just going to catch them the old-fashioned way. I’ve been using dating apps for almost a year, and I’m honestly not a fan, even if it is easy to get dick from them.
I receive another text message from Hope as I approach the entrance to Lucy’s, I feel almost smug as I see the line of people who look irritated when I walk straight in.
“Good to see you, Ivy,” the bouncer says with a smile. I squeeze his shoulder.
“You too. Promise me it’ll be a fun night.” I laugh.
“Always when you’re around,” he jokes, and I stride inside like I own the place. Most bouncers know me because of my family. And because—let’s be real—I’m a good time. I’m trouble only in the number of hearts I break. But that doesn’t pay their salary.
My phone buzzes again, reminding me of the text from Hope, and I check it.
Hope: Where are you? You’re late.
I adjust my short, blonde hair, making sure it’s slicked back. I’m wearing a light pink dress that fits like a glove and stops just below my ass. I paired it with my favorite silver heels that sparkle under the fluorescent lights.
My soul purrs with satisfaction as soon as the music pours into my ears, and I sweep my gaze over the crowd. Tonight is going to be fun.
I look up to my left, where I see the designated spot for Dutton’s party. It’s the usual section we claim when we’re here. I head toward the familiar group, spotting Hope first. It seems like a sigh escapes her as she sees me walking up the stairs. Bouncers guard both the top and bottom of the stairway.