I threw back my drink, noting I needed to have some food before I made myself sick. When I made my way to the trays of hors d’oeuvres, I found Maria standing stoically against the wall, watching the party as if she were hired security. Granted, she was gorgeous security, but security nonetheless. She had my aunt Vica’s classic beauty—strong cheekbones and full lips she accented with bright red lipstick. Her thick, dark hair and rounded curves made her look like a fifties pin-up model where I was more surfer-chic most days.

“Having a good time, I see.” My comment was loaded with sarcasm, but that was Maria’s preferred method of communication.

“You know I hate weddings,” she cringed.

“I hate to break it to you, but this isn’t a wedding.”

“Might as well be with all the white and the well wishes. It gives me the creeps.”

I set a slice of fresh bruschetta on my plate and peered up at her. “You’re an odd individual, you know that?”

Her lips pulled back in a wicked grin that would have given Cruella de Vil a run for her money. “You have no idea.”

This time it was my turn to give a devious smile. “What I know might surprise you.” I didn’t wait for a response. I simply winked and wove my way back into the crowd. I had no idea why I’d hinted at what I knew. Maybe I was tired of keeping all the secrets. Our lives always felt like some kind of twisted game of who could keep the most secrets, but now, it was starting to feel empty. Pointless even. I wasn’t about to do anything rash, but I enjoyed giving her something to mull over.

As I maneuvered through the throng of people, I sensed the heavy weight of someone’s stare following me. Pausing, I subtly scanned the room until my eyes landed on Nico standing against the far wall.

He came.

His sudden appearance affected me far more profoundly than I would have preferred. It was the first time I’d ever seen him in a tuxedo, and the sight had my knees feeling weak. As if he knew his effect on me, the corners of his mouth twitched up, but his gaze never wavered. Like the Pied Piper playing his hypnotic melody to lure lemmings out of the city, Nico’s presence commanded me to come closer. Without permission from me, my body obeyed his unspoken orders, and I forged a path through the sea of bodies straight to where he stood.

“I wasn’t sure you’d come,” I said quietly, my eyes still locked on his.

“I wouldn’t have missed it, even if only to see you in this breathtaking dress. I should gut every man here for laying eyes on you.” His words were spoken in a husky tone that drew a blush to my cheeks, making me drop my gaze.

“Last night you sounded like you wanted nothing to do with me.”