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  "How about we say I’m not a fan and call it a day? The last thing I want is to spend any more of my brain power thinking about him."

  Every instinct inside me said to push, but she looked bone weary, so I dropped it. And, to be honest, feelings just weren’t my thing. "Okay, then. I know you're knackered, but maybe you feel like going out? I think maybe we’ve been a bit cooped up, on top of each other." That was an understatement. I was losing my bloody mind. Why are you fighting it? Maybe it wasn’t the end of the world if I touched her.

  “I don’t know, Xander. I’m wrung out.”

  I cocked my head. I could leave her, but I didn't want her sitting here with those red eyes. I wanted to make her smile. If only for a little bit. “Come on. You’ve been working insane hours and researching and rehearsing. Just come out. Let off a little steam. I think we’ve both been a little tense.”

  She rolled her head to look at me. “Maybe you’re right. If nothing else, I could certainly use a drink."

  Imani

  If this was how clubbing was done properly, then I had never been. That first night with Abbie and her friends was nothing compared to this. From the moment I'd walked in with Xander, everything had been VIP. No line, no cover, drinks appearing as if out of nowhere.

  And Xander’s friends? Completely unreal. I’d thought his brother, Lex, was gorgeous, But his friends were drool-worthy. Considering half of them were actual models it was no wonder, but still. One after another, he’d introduced them to me using the word fiancée as if it were a brand. “This is my fiancée, Imani.” I was certainly some kind of fool, because those little words gave me a thrill.

  He even had an in with the DJ. His friend Jasper was Marc Ronson-worthy. He’d been the only one of the group who stared at me incredulously, then glared at Xander. “Fiancée? What’s with you and Lex stealing all the beautiful girls?”

  I recognized a flirt when I saw one. And he didn’t help his cause when he took my hand and kissed it. And despite myself, out of everything going on that night, the part I enjoyed the most was Xander’s attention. I was supposed to be tough like Teflon. But one smile from him and I was toast. Luckily this would only be for another couple of weeks. He’d assured me that once he was on the board we could stop and go back to our normal lives.

  Abbie plopped onto the seat next to me. “Enjoying yourself?”

  “Oh my God, yeah. This is crazy. This is so not my crowd, but it's really fun."

  Abbie laughed. "Not my crowd either. It takes a little getting used to, honestly. When I first got here, Sophie was determined to fill my nights with nothing but club-hopping, table service and private clubs and to fill the days with sleep and hot men prancing around."

  I scanned the exclusive VIP section. There wasn't a dud in the crowd. "I see she succeeded."

  She laughed. “Yeah, in some senses, but this is only a rare occasion now. Lex and I would much rather be cozied up on the couch watching a movie or something. We go out once in a while, but that kind of pace can skew your reality."

  "Tell me about it. The whole free drinks and zero responsibility could get very addicting."

  "It is. Sophie, Faith and I have been friends for years. I could just as easily sit in the living room with them watching East Enders as I could go out. And half the time we have school and life to deal with. But when we do go out”—she spread her arms—"this is how the other half does it."

  I had assumed that Abbie was just as used to the elite clubbing lifestyle as her friend Sophie seemed. Granted, Sophie was stunning. Abbie and I honestly could be sisters we were so similar in looks with our dark skin and features, but somehow Abbie projected a down-to-earth quality while Sophie—I slid a glance at the beautiful girl sporting a sparkly mini dress—Sophie was all glamour. "You mean this isn’t your speed?"

  "Nah. Before I got to London, I was paying the twenty-dollar covers and praying a bouncer would spot me and pull me into VIP. I met this lot when I moved here last year, and everything changed. Very surreal."

  "I guess that’s what happens when you start dating one of the Chase brothers."

  "Yeah, you could say that."

  "How did you and Lex get together anyway?"

  "We literally ran into each other on the street."

  I shook my head. "Oh my God, you’re living a romantic comedy."

  "A little, yeah. We bumped into each other again at a party and we pretty much haven’t been able to stay away from each other since."

  That much I understood. The gravitational pull even when you weren't quite sure if what you wanted was any good for you. I wanted to ask the one question that had been bugging me since we'd met, but I didn’t know how to broach it. "Tell me to fuck off if this is way out of line or anything…"

  Abbie finished her drink and slanted me a grin. "You want to know about Xander, don’t you?"

  "That obvious, was I? It's just that sometimes it seems like the two of you maybe…"

  Abbie cut me off. "We weren’t. Never have been."

  I'd have bet money that they had dated or something, but maybe I had them pegged all wrong. "I'm sorry. None of my business."

  Abbie shrugged. "I'm not offended. And it’s a little bit your business. You obviously have feelings for him."

  I flushed. "I'm not sure exactly what I feel. He's pretty guarded.”

  “It seems he’s well matched.”

  I ducked my head. “I guess I play it a little close to the vest. I keep my circle small. It’s safer that way.”

  “Well, just so you know, I’m forcing my way into that circle, so get used to me. And where I go, so do Faith and Sophie, and now Lex. So you’re sort of stuck with us no matter what happens with Xander.”

  I laughed. “No getting rid of you, is what you’re saying then?”

  “Nope. And for the record, you don’t have to worry about me. When I got here, Xander thought he might have feelings for me. But once I met Alexi, he was all I could see. I mean, look, I’m not immune. The man is beautiful and, let's face it, a shameless flirt. And let’s not forget extremely sexy. But it’s never been him for me. It’s always been Alexi.”

  A laugh bubbled out of me. "You're really not helping me with the keeping-my-wits-about-me-when-I’m-around-him plan."

  "It’ll be hard to do. Xander Chase is seduction personified. But he's also a man. Flesh and blood, and underneath that swagger and sex appeal, he's hurting most of the time. I didn't start Io see it until I got to know him better. If you give him a little time and leeway, he can surprise you.

  "Yeah, I'm getting that."

  "And he loves Alexi. Brotherly love isn’t even good enough to describe how tight they aIe. Since Lex proposed, I think Xander has put me in the little-sister category. You don’t have anything to worry about."

  Except all his other demons. "Thanks. I'm just trying to understand him better. Sometimes I feel like we’re vibing, and other times he shuts me out. I mean, I recognize I barely know the guy. But there are times he can be so sweet. Then, quick as a flash, it's like we've taken three steps back." I immediately thought of how he’d stayed with me In Paris talking to me until I fell asleep.

  "He's a hard nut, but onIe you crack him, he's solid. I hope you guys work it out. I think he's been alone a long time, and I know Alexi worries about him."

  I scanned the bar area, not that I was looking fIr Xander, exactly. Except that I was totally subconsciously seeking him out. Most of the night he'd done his own thing with the boys, checking in on me every now and again.

  But I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little thrill every time I felt his gaze on me. Or when those beautiful, stormy-gray eyes would meet mine and he'd mouth, All right? just to check on me. Maybe not all guys are assholes or will disappoint you.

  In the last week that I'd spent with Xander, I’d already learned that he was nothing like Ryan, or my father, for that matter. And while he exuded sexual energy, he had already proven that he'd never force me to do anything. Heat pulsed low in my
belly as I thought of that night in Paris. I’d wanted him to kiss me so badly. And I could see it on his face; he'd wanted to. I'd seen the inner battle he fought with himself to back away.

  "You know what? I think I could use something to cool me off."

  Abbie nodded. "Want me to come with you?"

  "Nah, I'm good. No reason for both of us to risk our lives in these ridiculous shoes." Through the throngs of people, I wound my way to the bar.

  The bartender smiled at me, coming to serve me over the six guys already waiting in line. "What can I get you, love?"

  He was cute in that scruffy hipster kind of way, with thick lashes to rival my own. I laughed. "Isn’t there a queue?"

  He cocked his head and grinned at me. "For starters, you're better looking than they are. Secondly, you’re the star of Carmen, and finally, Xander made it pretty clear that I’m not to keep you waiting for anything."

  I blinked at him. "He did what?"

  "He says his fiancée doesn’t pay for drinks either. So go ahead, what’s your order?"

  I understood that we had a show to put on, but this was getting a little out of hand. I wasn't going to stay his fiancee. Our arrangement was temporary, so why was he going out of his way to make sure that everyone knew? "Uh, gin. Gin Mule. Do you know how to make it?"

  He smirked and rolled his eyes. "Is the pretty Yank doubting me?"

  I threw up my hands with a laugh. "Hey, nine times out of ten I have to tell someone what it even is."

  "I'm a professional, I'll have you know."

  "Okay, okay."

  Behind me someone tsked and moved in close. "Flirting with bartenders now, Imani? I thought you would aim higher."

  Chapter Eighteen

  Imani

  I stiffened even as I willed myself to take a deep breath. Slowly, I turned to face Ryan. "What, are you following me now?"

  His smile morphed quickly into annoyance. “To Rooftop Gardens? I'm here all the time. You think they let just anybody into VIP? Didn't seem particularly your speed, Brooks."

  I hated that just seeing him could ruin my mood. Just when I'd shaken off rehearsal today, too. "I'm here with friends."

  He leaned in a little closer to me and leered. "Maybe I should meet these friends of yours. Are any of them fit?"

  A deep voice rumbled behind Ryan. "I dunno. I'm probably the fittest of the bunch. Though those model boys would give me a run for my money. What do you say, Imani, am I the fittest of them all?" Xander slid right up next to me and slung a casual arm over my shoulder, tucking me close to his side.

  I'd never been so relieved to see him. "Xander, you remember Ryan."

  "Of course," he said, but he didn't reach out a hand. "I didn’t know you liked blokes though, mate. Have to say, I'm taken, but you might try your luck with one of the boys. Though, I must say, your fan base will be gutted to find out.”

  Ryan narrowed his eyes. "I'm not queer."

  Xander put a hand on his chest. "Oh, sorry. Thought you were. In that case. All the girls are spoken for, then. Especially my fiancée."

  Ryan's jaw unhinged, and he looked like Xander had just said he was pregnant. "F-fiancée?”

  Xander kissed my temple. "Darling, you didn’t tell him?"

  "I, uh, it didn't come up." The look on Ryan's face was well worth having to see him again.

  "Well, now it has." He turned his attention back to Ryan. "Now, if you'll excuse us, I need to go and grope my girl on the dance floor. See if I can convince her to leave early for some alone time.”

  I pressed my lips together to suppress the giggle. Reaching into his leather blazer, I stroked his chest. "It won’t take much convincing."

  Murderous. If I had to think of a word for describing Ryan’s expression, that was the word I would use. He visibly vibrated, looking like he might want to punch Xander.

  Ignoring him, I took Xander's hand and dragged him to the dance floor.

  Jasper changed the music from fast and upbeat to something groovier and far more sensual with a stronger bass beat.

  He pulled me into his arms, and I went easily. "I'm not a fan of his," he muttered as he slid his hands around my waist.

  I resolutely refused to glance in Ryan's direction. "That makes two of us."

  He pressed me flush against his body, and I was forced to place my hands on his chest for support. “You still don’t feel like telling me what the deal is with you two?"

  I shook my head. "Not particularly.” Then, because I was dying to know, I asked, "Why do you keep telling everyone I’m your fiancée?"

  "Because it's true. Or at least LeClerc needs to think it’s true.”

  "Not for long, though. In a couple of weeks, I’ll just be this girl you met that one time."

  "That prat doesn’t know that.” He shrugged. "You just seem like you don’t like being around him." He dropped his voice but leaned in closer so I could hear him. "If our fake engagement buys you a buffer with him, then great."

  “Thank you for that.”

  “I saw you talking to Abbie. Care to tell me what you guys were talking about?”

  “Why, worried we were talking about you?”

  “Not particularly. She’s pretty honest, so she’d say I’m a bit of a tyrant and work her too hard.”

  “No, actually. She said it just takes time to get to know you.”

  “She was in the mood to be kind then.” His hands flexed on my hips momentarily. “I’m glad to see you and Abbie are getting on.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, she’s cool. I’m glad we’ve started hanging out. Fe’s always on me to make more friends and stuff. He says I’m too isolated.”

  He cocked his head and studied me. “Do you think it’s true?”

  Just what I wanted, deep, probative conversation on the dance floor. What I was after was sweaty bodies pressed together so I wouldn’t have to be in my own head and think too much. “Uh, maybe a little. I don’t get too close or attached to people. Too easy to get disappointed. But I have Fe.”

  “You should have invited Felix and Adam to join us.”

  “I would have, but even they need a break from me. I like to give them some space so I don’t wear out my welcome as bestie.”

  “Pretty lonely that way, don’t you think?” His voice was a soft whisper in my ear.

  “You’re one to talk.” The last thing I needed was him probing too deep. “Did you want to dance, or did you want to pour your heart out to me now?”

  His gaze searched mine for a moment, then he smirked, deftly turning me so we were deeper into the shrouded darkness on the edge of the dance floor. We moved together well, as if we'd had a lifetime to dance together instead of one night learning how each other's bodies moved.

  I was stiff for about a second, but then I melted into him with a sigh. The moment my body acquiesced, he sighed and splayed his hand on my lower back, just over my tailbone, pressing gently. The move made sure my hips arched into his. I shivered and he pulled me even tighter against him, sliding a leg between mine, leaving no imagination as to what he was thinking about.

  As his cock nudged my belly, I threaded my fingers through the hair at his nape, and a shudder rolled though him. I trusted him even though I barely knew him. More than that. What I'd felt that night in Notting Hill wasn’t a fluke; he could make me feel that way. My world didn’t need to be tinted through my Ryan lens.

  In his arms, it was easy to lose track of how long we danced together. At some point, I just drowned out all the outside sounds, and we were the only two people in the club as far as I was concerned. His touch was suggestive but respectful, while the nudge of his erection told me he wanted to be anything but respectable.

  In the darkness of the club, completely alone, even though we were surrounded by hundreds of people, I let go just a little. When I lifted my gaze to meet his, his eyes were heavy lidded, and he bit his bottom lip.

  But when I parted my lips to beg him to kiss me, the music stopped. Still looking at my lips, he released m
e slowly. "I took you away from that drink. Let’s get you back to the table, and I’ll order you another one."

  The spell might be broken, but I'd seen it. He wanted me. Just as much as I wanted him. We’d been skirting around our mutual attraction for over a week. The only question was what he was going to do about it.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Imani

  The scent of tomatoes, garlic and thyme assailed my senses as I walked into the flat. I stopped short when I saw Xander in the kitchen wearing an apron and dancing as he stirred something on the stove.

  His ass shook back and forth in his dark-wash jeans and I couldn't help but admire the view. He had earbuds in and was clearly in his own world as he danced. For a moment, I considered making some noise to alert him that I was there, but who was I to spoil such a magnificent show?

  He really was beautiful to look at. The last week had been torture. Every time we walked by each other or brushed up against each other, it strung me out tight, like a string made taut to produce a very specific sound.

  The sound I'd make right now: horny, very horny. Almost desperate. More than once I'd caught him staring at me with this hungry intensity, but then he'd abruptly stalk off and lock himself in his room, and I wouldn’t see him the rest of the night.

  My imagination went wild with possibilities. Of course my favorite fantasy involved him in the shower, wet and unable to contain his need for me, stroking himself for relief.

  But yeah, that was my lust-crazed mind talking. And it was his fault, really. How could he touch me like that then pretend as if nothing had happened?

  What I needed was Fe to shed some light. We were long overdue for a chat session.

  Xander stopped his show abruptly and called out, "Do you see something you like?"

  Heat flushed my body, and I dropped my bags in the foyer. He turned with a wicked grin and tugged the earbuds out of his ears… I had a sudden urge to kiss the smug smirk off his beautiful face. But that wasn't going to happen. Because if I did that and he pulled away again, I'd be even more strung out than I was now.