Chapter 10 #2
Easton—in one of his expensive suits—was rocking the hot-businessman look. Vander was in a suit as well, but he’d lost the jacket, and had his shirt sleeves rolled up, showing off the tattoos on his muscular forearms. He had the “mouthwatering badass” look cornered.
And Rhys…
Haven’s belly went hot and melty. He’d changed into dark jeans, with a forest-green shirt that fit him like a glove. His sleeves were rolled up as well, and his hair was shaggy like he’d just rolled out of bed. He looked like a sexy rock star.
He smiled at her, his gaze heating. It skimmed over her silver dress, which had long sleeves, and although he couldn’t see it yet, dipped low at the back. Very low.
He grabbed two glasses of champagne off the island and handed one to his sister, then one to Haven.
“You look good enough to eat,” he murmured.
She quickly took a sip of her drink.
The doorbell rang. “I’ll get it.” Easton strode that way.
A moment later, Saxon entered. He was in suit pants as well, with a crisp, white shirt. He looked like a sexy, wealthy Norse God. Move over, Thor.
Haven watched Gia’s eyes flash, then her face smoothed into blank lines.
“Mr. Buchanan has graced us with his presence,” Gia drawled.
His green gaze skimmed over Gia, something predatory on his face. “I wouldn’t miss out on free food and drink.”
“No surprise there. You’re richer than God, but like mooching off me.”
He nabbed an olive off a platter. “You do know how to make good food.”
Gia arched a brow. “And a woman’s place is in the kitchen?”
Saxon smiled at her. “Ah, there are those sharp claws of yours, Contessa.”
Contessa? Fascinated, Haven watched the pair. They’d completely forgotten anyone else existed.
“And no, my woman’s place is in my bed.” With that comeback, Saxon turned and headed towards the fridge.
Hmm . Haven watched Gia struggle with her temper and shoot daggers at Saxon’s broad back. Holy smokes, the sexual tension was turning Haven on a little bit.
The doorbell rang again, and more people arrived. Most were connected to Gia’s work. Someone put some music on.
For a little while, Haven forgot about Leo, the painting, everything.
Anytime she looked up, Rhys was watching her, and it made her feel warm and jittery inside.
She heard Gia and Saxon sniping at each other again.
She was totally grilling her friend as soon as she could.
How two people could devour each other with their eyes, while flinging shit at each other, she didn’t know, but Saxon and Gia had it down to a fine art.
Needing some air, Haven headed out onto Gia’s balcony. She leaned on the railing, the breeze cool on her face.
She sensed Rhys before she felt him behind her. She clearly had a finely tuned Rhys radar.
He dropped a kiss to her shoulder, and she shivered.
“If I’d seen the back of this dress when you’d first come out, I wouldn’t have let you wear it.”
She tipped her head back. “It’s not the Dark Ages, Rhys. Men don’t get to dictate what women wear.”
He trailed a finger slowly down her spine, sensation igniting in its wake. “I hate any man looking at all this honey-gold skin.”
She leaned into him, and felt herself losing herself in him.
He spun her around, and his lips were close to hers, just a tiny fraction away.
“Rhys—”
“I love it when you say my name like that. Like you want so much, but you’re fighting so hard.”
He lowered his mouth to hers, nibbling her lips. His hand slid around her ass as he kissed her. She rubbed against him, her tongue stroking his. She was so weak.
Then she pulled back. “I can’t risk this, risk you.”
“Haven, trust me.”
“You’ll break my heart.”
He froze, staring at her.
“You want a good time, but for me—” She shook her head. “I’ll be left fumbling with pieces that will never go back together. And it’ll be a mess, with Easton and Gia—”
Rhys kissed her again. She clung to him.
“It’s worth the risk,” he murmured. “We can’t predict the future, but I want you, Haven. In my bed, in my arms.”
She was totally going to cave. “I…I need another drink.”
She ducked under his arm and made it back inside before he stopped her.
Gia’s apartment was filled with laughter, music, and conversation. Haven pushed through the crowd and set her glass down on the island. She needed a break from Rhys’ orbit. He continued to pull her in, and she couldn’t seem to stop it.
What if she just let go? What if she let him claim her?
Temptation trembled through her.
The doorbell rang. Some late arrival.
No one was headed for the door, so she reached it and opened it.
A smiling, young woman, wearing a little slip of a blue dress, beamed at her. “Hi. I have some stuff for the party. Can you give me a hand bringing it in?”
“Sure.” Haven stepped out.
The woman’s friendly smile shifted to something that made Haven frown. Then the woman gave Haven a shove down the hall.
“Hey!” Haven squeaked.
“Good work.”
The male voice made her turn, and she saw Leo. Her eyes widened.
He pressed a cloth to her mouth, his arm snaking around her.
“What the hell!” Her words were muffled and thick. She struggled against him.
Then dizziness hit her, her legs turning wobbly.
Leo’s face turned wavy. This couldn’t be happening.
Then there was nothing.