also the largest room, with a single long table elegantly set with dinnerware.
It was all very classy and clearly expensive, but was worlds different than what we saw in Blakeworth. There was a timeless, simple wealth to this place. It wasn’t flashy, nor overtly trying to show off how rich the governor’s family was. This place looked like anyone could dress up for a night and have a good time here. As nice as everything was, there was no clear class divide between people, and I found that comforting.
“Mari!”
I turned to see Kyrie floating elegantly through one of the archways. The fear and anxiety in her eyes was gone, only warmth shining through.
“Kyrie!” I reached out to clasp hands and kiss cheeks with her. “I barely recognized you. You look amazing.”
“Yeah, damsel in distress isn’t a great look on me,” she laughed.
I squeezed her hands and leaned in a little closer. “You sure you’re okay to be here?” I whispered. “You just got back yesterday.”
She returned my hand squeezing and gave me a reassuring smile. “Trust me, I’m good. All I wanted to do was go back to my normal life, and this is exactly what that is.” She laughed lightly and spread her hands. “The life of a governor’s daughter isn’t for everyone, but it’s the normal I know.”
“Fair enough.” I released her hands. “But if you need anything, even just someone to talk to, let me know.”
“I’ll do that,” she said earnestly, before her eyes drifted over the men flanking me on all sides. “Now will you, uh,” she cleared her throat, nerves creeping into her voice, “introduce me to your, um, husbands?”
“Of course! Where are my manners?” I slid my left hand around Reaper’s bicep, my colorful ring flashing against his jacket sleeve. “This is Reaper, president of the Steel Demons motorcycle club.” I wrapped my opposite hand around Jandro’s arm. “This is Jandro, vice president and mechanical genius. The pretty one standing behind me and grinning at you is Gunner, captain of the guard.”
Gunner laughed lightly, my assumption obviously correct as I felt his soft kiss on the back of my hair.
“You met Larkan and Shadow,” I continued. “And the gorgeous woman on Lark’s arm is Noelle, my sister-in-law.”
“We are not her husbands, I just pretended to be one,” Larkan winked, earning a playful smack on the arm from Noelle.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Kyrie.” Reaper’s voice was warm and smooth as honey. “We’re glad you’re back safely, and grateful to your father for allowing our stay in Four Corners.”
Kyrie’s eyes dropped under Reaper’s heavy gaze, her cheeks flushed pink. I knew exactly what she was feeling—these men were just as hot as they were intimidating to those who didn’t know them. It was the same intensity I felt the moment they burst into the Old Phoenix service center, which felt like an eternity ago.
“The pleasure is all mine.” She composed herself with a bashful smile. “Mari quite literally saved my life. The Steel Demons are welcome here for as long as you choose to stay.”
“We appreciate the hospitality,” Jandro said charmingly.
Kyrie lifted her chin to acknowledge Shadow behind all of us. “It’s good to see you feeling better, sir. I’m glad you could come.”
He blinked in surprise at being noticed. “Um, thank you. Mari is the best at what she does.”
Warmth filled me as I tried to keep my smile in check. I secretly loved that I wasn’t the only woman to acknowledge and validate him. He might need more than just me to boost his confidence.
Kyrie’s hand went to the pendant at her throat, a large tear-shaped stone with swirling colors in shades of red and white. I noticed Reaper’s eyes fixated on it too. It was definitely a unique statement piece.
“Have you guys seen Dyno and the other two?” Kyrie asked as she looked around.
“They’re coming, but may be a bit late.” Shadow surprised everyone by answering her calmly. “Grudge needed some convincing to attend, so they’re working on him.”
“Well with you here, hopefully he feels better seeing a friendly face,” Kyrie smiled politely at him. “Can I offer you all some drinks and appetizers? Everyone is just kind of milling about before the first course.”
We followed her lead through one of the archways to one of the smaller rooms, which was still as big as the entire B&B we stayed at. I took the opportunity to poke Reaper and tease him.
“Staring at the girl’s chest, were you?”
“No, her necklace,” he muttered. “It’s