As Rossi’s performance started and Nova stepped off the stage with my hand at the small of her back, I felt more than heard her heave a heavy sigh. “That was fun, but not something I want to do regularly,” she confessed as we started for Broadway.

“Good,” I said as Nardo cleared a path for us, while Pietro stayed at our side. “I wouldn’t have stood in your way if you’d decided to make a career out of this, but I will admit I am relieved that you don’t want to make this a full-time thing. I dislike sharing your attention.”

She laughed as she glanced up at me. “Really? I didn’t notice. It must have been someone else doing all that growling each time Garik winked at me.”

“I did not growl when he winked,” I muttered. “Because I didn’t see him wink at you. The growls were when he tried to touch you. They were a reminder of the warning I gave him earlier today about keeping his hands to himself.”

“You warned him not to touch me?” she asked with an amused twist of her lips. “Did this warning include the promise of broken bones?”

“I believe the promise was a slow and painful death,” I answered honestly.

“Ah, of course.” She nodded gravely. “And what would the punishment have been for catching him winking?”

“The removal of his cock from his balls.”

Her giggle caused several people nearby to stop and look straight at us. Shooting them a cold glower, I tucked her closer and increased our pace. Once we reached the Renaissance Hotel, we went straight up to the R Lounge on the rooftop where we could watch the ball drop. I had to pull some strings, but I was able to get the place to ourselves with just a few handshakes and the right amount of cash.

While Nardo stood guard, Pietro ensured the space was secure before the two of them stepped back into the shadows. Still there, ever-vigilant and protecting us, but giving us the illusion that we had complete privacy.

A table had been set up with hors d’oeuvres and champagne. Taking a glass for each of us, I crossed to where Nova was already looking out over the crowd far below. Portable heaters kept the area toasty, but the wind still blew her hair into her face as she leaned over the railing.

“Thirsty?” I asked as I offered her one of the crystal champagne flutes.

Taking the glass, she sipped at it slowly. It wasn’t the first time she’d had champagne to celebrate something, but I never let her have more than one glass. Tonight was no different. Now more than ever, I wanted her to remain clearheaded.

“Ryan, seats at this lounge for this night alone are over sixteen grand. I’m not even going to ask how you got us a private party up here.” Her eyes sparkled like the diamonds threaded into her dress. “But I do want to say thank you. When I agreed to do this for Lyric, I didn’t imagine I would be spending New Year’s Eve like this.”