She had no idea it was in more ways than one.
Women.
Gambling.
The shady deals.
The greed.
It was done.
Everything except for the overpowering need I had for Aster.
Sauntering that way, I ruffled my fingers through Tessa’s red hair, just to fuck with her.
Her mouth dropped open. “How dare you, Logan Lawson? Do you have any idea how long it took me to achieve this perfection?” She shimmied in her electric-blue dress that was so tiny someone was definitely getting a peep show tonight, top or bottom, we couldn’t be sure.
“I mean, okay, I’m already perfect, but we went all out tonight. Have you seen us?”
She swished an overzealous hand at Eden and Salem.
Truth was, they were all fucking knockouts, unforgettable in their own ways. But it was Aster who was hiding her laughter off to the side of them who lit me up.
The one who sparked a wildfire in my insides and made me feel like I was being burned alive, and somehow, it still was the best feeling ever.
“Sorry to break it to you, Tessa, but I only have eyes for one girl.”
I moved for Aster, relished the way the redness flushed over her chest and up to her cheeks, like maybe she was getting burned alive, too.
“Awww.” Tessa looked like she was about to cry.
Salem took her hand. “Come on, let’s dance while I can still keep my eyes open.”
Eden giggled as she hooked her elbow with Salem’s. “Um, no, you’re here at least until midnight, lady.”
“But my feet are swollen,” Salem whined.
“Yeah, and my boobs are leaking. Suck it up.”
They started to weave into the crowd. Aster looked back from over her shoulder as they went.
Joy.
It shined all around her.
A halo of light.
My Little Star.
FORTY
ASTER
Lights strobed,and the band played, and the crowd rejoiced.
Celebrating.
My celebration was the truth of this man who held me close in the middle of the crush, his forehead dropped to mine and his big hands spread out around my ribs as we swayed. It was close to the way we’d done the night of his birthday.