“We—” I gesture around the room. “Are. But you can’t come into the place we’re going to unless you want your brother to drag us both out by our hair, and I don’t know about you, but I took a great deal of time doing it tonight.”

Poppy blinks, crossing her arms in front of her. “I’m still coming. He can deal with it.”

I shrug, ignoring the way Betty and Sloane are icing each other across the counter. “Fine.”

The elevator takes us to the bottom level of the hotel, and our heels clink as we walk across the marble floor. Val is standing near the door, a grin bright on his face.

“I’ve gotta say, you all look amazing tonight.”

I roll my eyes as he saddles up beside Sloane.

“Where we going?” he asks, putting a cigarette behind his ear. “No offense, but Paps doesn’t want you venturing too far. Says it’s not safe and that we’re close to going into lockdown.”

I snatch his cigarette off him and wait on the sidewalk of the busy street. People enter through the doors at the hotel across the street. Cars zip past and I hear Val’s heavy footsteps run up behind me. “Nah uh! I don’t think—” I cross the road between cars, making my way to the entrance doors. Brushing past the bellmen, I make my way to the elevators, turning to see the rest of the girls and a stroppy Val not far behind.

I push the button on the elevator, my eyes drifting up to the corner of the room where a camera is staring back down at me. The doors open and we all pile into the small space. Once the doors close, Val turns to face me.

“Ruby. I’m serious. Right now is not the time to play, especially since Mikhail is on his way back from Russia. Why can’t you just drink in the penthouse?” I ignore his talking, especially when it comes to talking about Mik and Russia. Alcohol has warmed my blood, and all I can feel is the electricity in my veins. I’ve had to watch him dance around Sloane twice with his tongue down her throat.

“What is this place?” Jade asks, the doors parting open. I make my way through to the main bar. People are scattered around the place, music playing softly. It has an intimate vibe to it. There are more lounges than I would have expected, with it being a bar, but whatever.

Betty hooks her arm with mine, dragging me away from the group, just as Jade looks up at the signage, pausing. Her mouth drops open, all color leaving her face as she steps backward.

“Jade!” I call out from over my shoulder, but it’s too late. Betty’s grip is unmatched.