400 Weekend in Sin City 16 (1/2)

As the party progressed, guests approached Quentin and Brianna with questions related to the marriage and to congratulate them.

”I didn't know you are married…”, a woman in her mid-thirties said to Quentin, unable to hide her disappointment. She is a designer that goes by the name Bonnie.

Quentin smiled and tightened his hold on Brianna. ”The married part is recent, but Bri is the only one in my eyes since the day we met and to be honest, I don't remember how I managed to live without her by my side.”

Bonnie smirked. ”Love at first sight?”

Quentin glanced at Brianna. ”I would be a fool if I failed to recognize right away the only woman for me.”

”Oh… well, congratulations.”, Bonnie said to both Quentin and Brianna with a forced smile and walked away.

Brianna exhaled loudly and Quentin had enough of these fake congratulations. No one is genuinely happy for them, they only want to probe the situation and maybe get some gossip.

Quentin pulled Brianna toward him and they started dancing.

”How are you holding?”, Quentin asked Brianna.

Brianna rolled her eyes. ”This is not a wedding reception, no one is forcing them to come and pretend to be happy for us.”

Quentin pursed his lips. ”You know how people are. Selfish. Greedy. Jealous. They see everything through their personal lens and if they are not benefiting from the current situation, they will either ignore it or dislike it. But they feel obligated to exchange pleasantries because they want to maintain a good relationship with Reynolds Media, especially now that we are expanding.”

Quentin gazed into Brianna's eyes and smiled. ”You know... I am no different than anyone else. You are the only one in my eyes and I don't care about others. If they drown in jealousy, that is their problem. Most of these people either work for me or are my business partners. And from tonight, they know that you are the boss as well. If anyone shows disrespect, fire them, or break the contract. We can always find someone else to fill that spot. The only one irreplaceable is you, my love.”

Brianna smiled. ”Thank you, Q.”

”No, no… Thank you for agreeing to be Mrs. Quentin Reynolds. Ah, that has a good ring to it.”, Quentin chuckled and made Brianna twirl before pulling her toward him until their bodies stuck to each other.

”Let me know when you want us to leave…”, Quentin murmured close to her ear.

”You are the host of this party if I understood it correctly. You can't leave early.”

”I don't think you heard me well, Bri…”, Quentin half-growled while the intensity of his hold on her increased. ”The only one that matters is you. So, let me ask you again… Do you want us to leave now?”

”Yes…”, Brianna whispered. ”But the hotel is too far away.”

Quentin's lips lifted into a smirk. ”I know something closer.”

”Take me there.”

Quentin gave a small nod. ”Come.”

”Oh, I will…”, Brianna said cheekily, making Quentin burst into a laugh as the two of them made their way toward the backstage.

There is a number of rooms in the back and Quentin was sure that they will find at least one empty, considering that everyone was attending the party.

Max and Liz danced, and Liz was lost in their bubble which isolated them from the rest of the world.

It was only Liz and Max, holding each other and swaying slowly at the beat of their own music while disappearing in each other's eyes. Their smiles were matching and both of them suppressed their urge to kiss, out of fear that it will be impossible to stop.

”Max!”, a female voice burst their magical bubble and made both Max and Liz frown for a second.

Max looked at the woman in her late twenties whose tight dress accentuated her curves while revealing plenty of cleavage that spoke: she is ready to party.

The woman smiled at Max and ignored Liz while Max looked at the woman blankly. With his torturously good memory, Max immediately recognized the woman as one of his previous hookups, but he could not believe that she approached him openly like this, interrupting his obviously lovey-dovey moment with Liz. Is she tired of living?

”Jenny…”, she said while gesturing to herself and gave him a suggestive look. ”Don't tell me you forgot. Two years ago, party at the Haller Lake.”

”Jenny…”, Max repeated robotically. ”What brings you here?”

Jenny grinned happily. ”I have business deals with Reynolds Publishing. Or should I call it Reynolds Media? Anyway, I didn't think you would be here. It's a surprise. A pleasant one.”