ALI

“Don’t you think this is a little much?” I ask Mer as I stare at myself in the mirror. I can’t believe she fit me into this barely there little black dress that is made with hardly enough material to cover my privates. It is beautiful though with its spaghetti straps and loose scoop neck that seems to extenuate my neck line. The shiny material is loose and allows plenty of movement even though I know if I move too much my privates won’t be private any longer. “I mean seriously, Mer. I won’t be able to sit down or bend without the entire club seeing my goodies.”

She laughs and waves a dismissive hand. “You look hot! You’re normally so put together and business like that your body needs to be released! Don’t you agree Esmerelda?” I laugh when Esmerelda just scowls and Mer rolls her eyes in response. “Besides I’ve watched you these past two weeks. Something is very wrong and even though you won’t tell me now, I know you need a break. We all need a release sometimes, and your magic feeds off your emotions. I can only imagine how wound up your fire is right now.”

I know she’s right and I also know there is no use in arguing with her so I simply nod and change the subject. I inspect myself further, surprised by how pretty and sexy I feel. My long blonde hair is laying against my back in beautiful beach wave curls thanks to Esmerelda. My eyes are simply lined with black liner and mascara which helps make my eyes look brighter than normal. My lips are my focus tonight it seems being dressed in a beautiful shade of red that is deep and glossing, making my usually plain lips jump out. I sigh and look down at the black heels I’m wearing and realize I hardly ever wear heels. I wonder if I’m even going to be able to walk.

I notice then that Mer is glaring at me. Crap. I see she is still waiting on a response so I huff. “Ugh. Fine. Who’s all going to be at dinner and on this outing?”

“Shi had some things to take care of that needed to be done before heading out. So honestly I’m not sure.” She says with a shrug as she fixes her lip gloss and gives herself one last look over. Once she is satisfied she grabs my arm and rushes me out the door.

“You look gorgeous by the way.” I say with a smirk when we finally reach the stairs. The red dress she’s wearing accentuates all of her amazing curves. She is the most curvy out of all us and she loves it. Hell, I would too.

“Thanks, gotta keep everyone on their toes.” She says with a wink.

We make it to the dining room and see the long mahogany table fully set with white linens, crystal and fine china. Candles are spread out throughout the room giving it a warm and romantic feeling. Mer and I look at each other with confusion in our eyes.

I hear someone walking through the side entrance and turn to find Shi and Birsha walking in dressed to perfection. He is in a dark suit with a gold tie that fits him perfectly. Shi matches him wearing a gold dress that dips low in the cleavage but brings out her beautiful skin tone. She really does look like royalty.

“I thought you had things to take care of?”

“Oh yes. Mer must have told you. I had some errands to run but I made it back in time for dinner thank goodness. I’m starving, and oh my goodness Ali look at you! You look fucking hot!” Shi says with a smile and I can feel the heat flash across my face. Birsha leads her seat at the head of the table as he takes the other end as he ushers us to sit as well. Mer takes a seat on one side and I take the other.

Suddenly the air in the room starts to thicken and I know without even looking that Xei and Gin have entered the dining room. I look up and let my eyes follow their movements as Gin walks to Mer’s side of the table and takes a seat next to her. He sits with confidence in his usual black suit that always fits him like a glove. His dark hair is slicked back and his just as dark eyes shine with the lighting in the room. I can see the edge of his tattoo peeking up from his color shirt, and I know exactly what it looks like. I remember my fingers trailing down his hard chest following the lines slowly… Fuck Stop Ali. I can’t let myself get caught up in the past.

I avert my eyes and look over to Xei who is now settled right next to me. He’s changed from the worn jeans he was wearing earlier to fresh dark ones and a yellow button down shirt. The color suits him and makes his tan skin shine but the fit is what really heats my insides. I can see his large muscles stretching the material making me remember the way it feels to touch his smooth skin. His shoulder length blonde hair has been tied back letting his bright blue eyes be seen. He leans over and whispers hello to me and his scent of spice and apples flood against my nostrils. Fuck he smells good. Memories start racing back to that night and I clench my thighs in and try to shake off the thoughts. What the fuck is wrong with me?

Luckily Birsha and Shi start talking about the club we will be going to and how excited they both are to show us around. They both spent time here years ago and wanted to enjoy the last year surrounded by the beauty of London. I can’t blame them, what I’ve seen so far is breathtaking. I keep my responses short and my eyes off the two sexy men that have me all confused. Doing that allows me to enjoy the dinner conversation more and keeps my mind from wandering.

Soon dinner is served. Everything is perfectly put together. The plating of the food is phenomenal. Steak with grilled vegetables and delicious garlic rice is placed perfectly on the plate. However, my favorite part is the moist and decadent chocolate cake I have for dessert. I can’t help the soft moan that escapes my lips when I take the first bite. Then I quickly regret it when I feel Xei stiffen next to me. I brush it off and try to ignore it and continue to finish my desert. Soon we have finished our food and agree to head out.

The moment everyone starts to stand I get butterflies in my stomach. I don’t usually go out and I definitely don’t usually dress like this. Mer looks over and gives me an encouraging smile and quick tug of her head letting me know I need to get up as she follows Shi and Birsha out of the dining room. I look over at Gin who is already following behind them and I feel a tug of sadness as I watch him leave.