way car doors usually opened. She slid in and her dress shushed against the soft seat. He tucked her
gown into the car and gently shut the door. Lucian slid in beside her. The car was already purring.
“Ready?”
She smiled and nodded and they were soon on their way. The summer heat cooled as it filtered
around the windshield to tickle her hair and tease her shoulders. Driving a car without a top was loud
in a hypnotic way. Lucian handled the car like he did everything else, with expertise and refined
control.
She grinned as pedestrians stopped to admire them. A few people took pictures with their phones as
they waited at traffic lights and for the first time in a long time, Evelyn thought about the paparazzi.
Lucian had been very careful to keep the papers out of sight. Trepidation curbed her curiosity as far
as their cutting words went, so she didn’t mind his keeping the news clippings out of her sight. She
knew the horrid things they were saying linked back to real shame, and she’d rather not witness how
badly her personal business was being exploited when there wasn’t really a solution to stop their
attacks. Lucian said he’d handle it, and she trusted him to do just that but knew the media hype
wouldn’t vanish overnight.
They were still making headlines, and the media was making all sorts of assumptions about her and
her past. Lucian had given a statement to his PR team, admitting only that he was in love and the
media would have to wait for further details. He’d told her it was up to her, if she wanted to offer
explanations for her presence in his life, but he remained very protective, constantly reminding her
that no explanation was required.
Beyond the distraction of their own personal relationship seemed to be rumors regarding Lucian’s
business relationship with the green company he’d been trying to work with. She didn’t know much
about his professional doings, but she hoped both issues were resolved sooner rather than later. It
surprised her that someone would have the guts to face off with Patras Industries. However, the
opposition wasn’t all that brave if they continued to keep their identity secret. The moment Lucian
discovered who was leaking information about his deal, Evelyn had no doubt all opposition would
crumble.
When they arrived at Toni’s building, her excitement took a tumultuous turn, swirling in her belly
at the unexpected. A valet complimented Lucian on his car and took the keys as a doorman greeted
them. They took the elevator to the top floor, and soft music could be heard from behind Toni’s door.
Lucian knocked, and she was surprised to see Dugan answer.
“Mr. Patras. Ms. Keats.”
“Dugan.”
He didn’t let them in. He was also dressed in a tux. A white scarf was draped over his shoulders, and
she spotted the hints of a holster beneath the breast of his coat. “The password . . .” he said, holding the door in place.
Lucian said, “Lá breithe shona duit.”
Dugan nodded as he opened the door, and Evelyn’s jaw unhinged. She’d never been inside Toni’s
condo, but she was sure this was not the way it usually looked.
The walls were draped in heavy damask fabrics and drawn back with thick cords of gold. Crystal
chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, and a jazz quartet played in the corner. Boxes of booze and
hay were stacked with well-planned detail to look haphazardly smuggled. A sleek bar filled the corner
of the grand living room. The bartender was dressed in vintage attire, his dress shirt complete with
vintage bands around his shirtsleeves.
Palms of ostrich feathers topped the well-dressed tables. Polished silver accented each place. There
were crowded counters set with dealers and games. Lucian squeezed her hand. She’d been standing
there staring.
“Toni does love to entertain,” he mumbled. She turned to him and simply shook her head,
speechless. “Shall we find my sister and say hello?”
“What did you say to Dugan to get in?”
“It’s a speakeasy. I had to give the password of course. I said, Lá breithe shona duit. It’s Gaelic for
‘Happy Birthday.’”
“Because Jamie’s Irish?”
“Yes.”
As they made their way into the room, Evelyn was in awe. The place was like a portal back in time.
Every guest had taken time to dress the part. Not a single detail was overlooked.
As Lucian said hello to acquaintances and made introductions, she took the time to envy Toni’s
ability to do something so grand for Jamie. Evelyn hoped to someday do something along these lines
for Lucian. She’d ask Toni for help of course, because she could never be this creative.
When they found Lucian’s sister, she squealed. “You guys look incredible!” Toni’s gold dress was
so beaded, every move she made jostled the long strands. She looked lovely. Her dark hair was down
in smooth waves. A feathered gold band wrapped around her forehead and her lips were as red as
Evelyn’s.
She pulled her in for an affectionate hug. “What do you think? Do you think Shamus will like it?”