The Party at the Club

EMMA

The car ride back to our apartment is a mix of tension and anticipation. Alex and Levi can’t stop chattering about the party tonight, while Diablo sits next to me, his face a mask of anger.

I’m aware he’s not thrilled about my actions at the stadium, especially with next Saturday’s fight looming.

In truth, I’ve asked Levi to end my life if I lose next Saturday. Only he and I know about this part of my plan. He wasn’t thrilled about it, but he understood why I asked.

He knows I couldn’t bear being married to Mason or being his sex slave. I know it’ll be tough for Levi, but he’s the only one I trust to do it.

Diablo loves me too much, and Alex—well, I’m not sure Alex could pull the trigger when the time comes.

Even Levi might find it hard to pull the trigger, but I’ve asked him to make sure I get the gun if he can’t do it, so I can end things myself.

This part of the plan is just between Levi and me. I don’t want to think about next Saturday right now. The upcoming fight is a heavy weight on my shoulders, messing with my thoughts.

Once we get home, I take a quick shower. When I step out of the bathroom, Diablo is sitting on the bed, waiting for me.

“Now’s not the time, Diablo. We have a party to go to.”

“Yes, now. What the fuck are you thinking? You’re fighting Mason in a week and you decide to invite the entire fucking football team to the club. Have you completely lost your mind, woman?”

“And then you flirt with one of the players right in front of me.”

“No, Diablo, I haven’t lost my mind. This is my way of dealing with a fight I’m likely to lose. And if I remember correctly, he took my phone, not the other way around.”

“I won’t let Mason ruin my last few days. Either you come to the party and have fun with me, or you can stay here and wallow in self-pity.”

“It’s your fault we’re in this mess in the first fucking place!” I yell, finally losing my cool. “You and your fucking jealousy. I am and always have been yours. Everyone sees that except you.”

“I don’t want any other man except you. I’m going to the party with or without you. It’s your choice.”

“I guess you’d prefer to go without me so you can fuck that guy you were talking to.”

“Who the fuck are you talking about, Diablo?”

“The guy with the number 85 on his jersey, the one that took your phone.”

That’s it, I’ve had enough. I walk over to Diablo. I do something I never thought I would. I slap him hard across his cheek.

My hand stings and his face is red.

“Fuck you, Diablo. Your fucking jealousy got us into this mess and here you are, accusing me of wanting to fuck someone else. The only man I’ve ever wanted is you. ~You!~”

“But you keep fucking things up. Get over yourself. But most of all, get over your fucking jealousy.”

“You better get your fucking act together or you’ll lose me forever this time. This is your last chance, Diablo. No more, do you understand me?”

Without waiting for an answer, I grab my dress and shoes and head to the bathroom to get dressed, slamming the door behind me.

I had a white Patriots dress delivered to the apartment, which I pair with white lace-up stilettos. I apply my makeup heavier than usual, trying to hide the exhaustion, and brush out my hair, letting it fall down my back.

My hair is almost longer than the dress, which shows off most of my tanned legs.

When I come out of the bedroom, I see Alex and Levi sitting in the living room. The fact that I was in the spare room doesn’t go unnoticed by Levi. He raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t say anything.

He knows better than to provoke me, especially with the look I give him. He pours a generous amount of whiskey into a glass and hands it to me. I down it and hand the glass back for a refill.

“So, are we waiting for Diablo, or what?” Alex asks.

I shrug my shoulders. Levi decides to walk to Diablo’s bedroom, but before he reaches the door, Diablo pulls it open.

He looks amazing, as always. He’s dressed in black jeans, black shoes, and a green button-up shirt, the top three buttons left open, revealing just enough skin to hint at what’s underneath.

Without being close to him, I know his eyes will be emerald green. He walks over to me, kneels in front of me, and looks into my eyes.

He takes my left hand in his and looks at the “E” ring. He hasn’t asked me about it yet, and I hope he doesn’t ask me now.

“It’s a beautiful ring, baby love. I hope the gift I have for you is just as beautiful.” He places a blue velvet box in my hand. Inside is a necklace with an infinity sign.

He knows me so well. I love anything with an infinity symbol. That’s one of the reasons I liked Alex when I first met him, because of his infinity tattoo.

“This is just to show you how much I love you, baby love. I’m sorry for everything I did. I know my jealousy gets the better of me. I’m working on it, I promise. Will you please wear this?”

I nod yes, tears threatening to spill over. He can be so gentle and caring sometimes. He stands up, takes the necklace from the box, and puts it around my neck.

“You are mine, as I am yours,” he whispers in my ear. Hearing this makes me smile.

He comes back to the front of the couch and gently pulls me up, intertwining his fingers behind my back, pulling my body against his.

“I love you, baby love, forever and always,” he says before softly kissing my lips.

“Forever and always,” I whisper back. He steps to my side, looks at Levi and Alex.

“I’m sorry, guys. It’s my fault Emma is in this predicament. I’m working on my jealousy. Thank you for always keeping her safe,” he says, looking sheepish.

Before things get too emotional, I break the silence.

“Time to party with the Patriots.”

I grab my bag, tug on Diablo’s hand, and head for the door, leaving Alex and Levi to follow in our wake as usual.

Twenty minutes later, we’re at the front of the club line, having battled our way through a throng of eager women. I knew inviting the Patriots would be a publicity boon, but this is beyond anything I’d imagined.

We make a beeline for the VIP section. I’m relieved to see that Travis has had the foresight to bring in extra security. The women are practically frothing at the mouth to get in. If I don’t get a handle on this situation soon, we’re going to have a full-blown riot on our hands.

After greeting all the players, I ask a few if they’d mind coming down with me to sign some autographs before they kick back for the rest of the night. Thankfully, they agree.

Before we head down, I ask Diablo to stay with the team. The last thing I need is more drama.

As we’re about to head downstairs, I notice Ryan trailing behind us.

“You don’t have to come with us, Ryan.”

“But I want to, Emma,” he replies, grinning.

The guys sign a few autographs—some on paper, some on breasts. One woman even hikes up her dress for one of the guys to sign her ass cheek. Is this what these guys deal with on a regular basis?

I have to close the club doors because we’ve hit maximum capacity. This is hands down the best publicity the club has ever gotten.

Now I just need to figure out how to get them to frequent my restaurant across the street when they’re in town. My mind is racing, filled with thoughts of business and future plans.

I’m so lost in thought that I don’t notice Ryan standing in front of me until he speaks.

“Emma?” I look up into his eyes, and his hands settle on my waist. If I don’t put a stop to this now, I’m going to have a problem with Diablo.

“Ryan, I’m in a relationship. This isn’t appropriate.”

He looks disappointed. “I should’ve known a woman like you would be taken, Emma. But I like you. You’re beautiful, and you’ve got a sharp wit. If you ever decide to leave him, give me a call.

“Can I have your number, just in case? I promise I won’t misuse it.”

“No, Ryan. You crossed a line when you took my phone. I’m not giving you my number, and I have no plans to leave Diablo.”

“He’s a lucky guy.”

“Thanks, I guess. Now, let’s get back to the VIP section before you get mobbed.” I glance up at the VIP section and see Diablo watching us.

I hope he doesn’t blow this out of proportion. We’ve just gotten to a good place in our relationship.

The rest of the night goes off without a hitch. We all have a blast—drinking, dancing, and eating.

Diablo gives me space, but he’s always within arm’s reach, either stroking my back or holding my hand, even when we’re talking to different people.

Everyone heads out around three a.m. Most of the guys give me a hug goodbye but keep their hands to themselves. I’m sure Diablo made it clear that we’re together.

Alex and Levi both give me a hug and a kiss to thank me for the amazing gift and day. It feels good to make them happy for once.

When Diablo and I get back to the apartment, I brace myself for an explosion, but it never comes. He heads to his room and I head to mine, closing the door behind me.

I strip off my clothes and step into the shower, my third of the day.

Wrapped in a fluffy towel, I open the bathroom door and freeze. Diablo is on my bed, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers, grinning at me.

“What are you doing here, Diablo?”

“You didn’t think you were getting off that easy, did you, Emma?”

“If you think you’re here to fight with me, Diablo, you’ve got another thing coming. I’m not in the mood.”

“I’m not here to fight, baby love,” he says, striding over to me with a wicked grin.

I’ve stirred up his demon again…