“Ladies and gentleman, he’s whistling,” Jason announces to nobody, since it’s just the two of us in the office. “Do I suspect that after weeks of troubles in paradise, you’re finally sailing free of—”
“I’m happy. There is still plenty of room to fuck up, but I’m happy.”
“Of course, there is room to fuck up, it’s you after all.” He snorts and I flip him off.
“Let’s go schmooze. The VIP section is fully booked today,” I say, as though I’m a dedicated club owner. I finally feel like I can focus on something other than Sasha. Not that the memory of her has left my mind, but with our relationship reaching a new stage, I can get shit done. I feel level.
Last night when she cried in my arms, I decided I can’t fuck this up for her—whatever it is happening between us. She never has to find out what I’ve done. At the end of the day, all of it was just positive improvements to her life.
A devil sits on my shoulder, reminding me I can’t start a relationship on a lie. But what does that fucker know? I’m arrogant enough to believe I’m too good for her to let the past interfere. Especially since she doesn’t know about it.
The bar is full and it’s not even ten o’clock. A bachelorette party in one corner is drawing attention from several men. The VIP section is booked for a birthday party, so with these two, we will probably have a very good and busy night.
Jason saunters behind the bar and pours us both from the top-shelf whiskey.
“To no more troubles in paradise.” He raises his glass and we drink. I’m high on Sasha and the luckiest bastard in the world between business booming and having my best friend on my side.
An hour later, Jason and I are discussing the Saudi princess security details when the bouncer interrupts. “We’re at full capacity, boss, and there are two women who claim to know you, but they’re not on the list. Sasha and Tara?”
My heart somersaults in my chest. “Let them in and bring them over.” I almost run to the entrance to greet them but stop myself. I might be desperate, but I don’t have to show it.
“Your tongue is hanging out.” Jason smirks. Okay, so maybe I’m showing it.
I saw her this morning when she lay sleepy and flushed, her hair spread across the pillow, but the minute the bouncer steps aside and my eyes land on her, I almost choke. Overwhelmed.
Her hair is in loose waves and she wears a bit of makeup—not too much, just enough to accentuate her beautiful eyes and sharp cheekbones. Fuck me. That red lipstick won’t last long as soon as I get closer to her.
Her dress hugs her body like a second skin. It’s not too short, not too tight, not too revealing, yet it’s the sexiest dress I’ve ever seen. God, this woman can steal the show without even being aware of it.
“Surprise.” She shrugs, as if unsure if it’s a good one.
“And what a pleasant one.” I pull her to me and take care of that lipstick. She moans against me and my cock wakes up as if we weren’t in the middle of a full bar.
Jason clears his throat and I pull away reluctantly. “Sasha, this is Jason.”
He winks at her and moves his attention to her friend. Sasha introduces us to Tara and I get them cocktails.
“Tara talked me into showing up. I hope you don’t mind. This place is amazing.” Sasha sips her drink, her hand on my chest.
I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her closer. “It’s a pleasant surprise. I can’t believe I didn’t invite you. You look stunning.”
She bites her lips, blushing. “Do you like the dress? I got it today.”
“It’s okay.” I trail kisses down her neck and she stiffens. “What?”
“It’s okay?” She pouts adorably. I didn’t even know I cared for adorable. I laugh.
“I said you look stunning, but I don’t care for all the fuckers here ogling you.” I growl into her ear and she grabs my shirt and pulls me in for a kiss.
“Are you jealous, James Bond? Don’t be. You’re the only one who can take it off,” she whispers and now I’ll be walking around with a semi. And I don’t fucking mind.
Tara pulls Sasha to dance and I stay to the side, making sure no one dares to approach her.
“Missing the bodyguarding times?” Jason shoves me with his elbow.
“Fuck, who knew I was the jealous type?” I shrug. “Let’s have another drink.”
Even from the bar, I can’t pull my eyes away from her.
On the dance floor, two dudes approach Tara and Sasha. I rein myself in, glaring, ignoring Jason who is babbling something. Tara shimmies around one man and his friend puts his hand on Sasha’s hip.
Instinctively, my hand reaches from my gun as unexpected rage coils up my spine. Sasha moves, distancing herself and shoves his hand away. She shakes her head. Even from here, not hearing them, it’s clear she said no. The fucker has a death wish, because he steps into her space again and—
My legs move before I even realize. “If you want to keep your hands, you let go of her right now,” I growl, restraining myself from breaking his fucking nose. The bastard complies, startled. My eyes find the bouncer and I nod. The two are thrown out with little drama.
Sasha stares at me for a beat. I grab her hand and pull her to the bar where Tara joins us.
“Thank you,” Sasha whispers. “As much as I want to say I don’t need saving, I love you stood up for me.” She bites her lower lip and I crash my mouth over hers.
“I hope you brought an overnight bag,” I whisper in her ear, and she shivers against me.
She chuckles. “Why would I?”
“Baby, as much as I want to have you close all night, I’m never sleeping in that horrible bed of yours. You’re staying in my penthouse from now on.” Just like that, I’ve got myself a live-in girlfriend. Fuck me. I don’t even mind.
Sasha blinks a few times. “Isn’t it too soon to talk about living together?”
“Yeah, it is, but it changes nothing. I want you in my bed. Every night. I want to wake up next to you.”
“I need a drink,” she says, but her lips are curled up.
“Why is that?” I arch my eyebrow.
“This afternoon I used all my money to get a new dress for tonight and now I’m living in a penthouse.” She shakes her head and I laugh.
“I told you that dress is an excellent investment,” Tara chimes in.
My eyes lock with Sasha’s and we stare at each other, smiling like idiots. I can’t believe we’ve just taken such a drastic step, but hell, it just feels so right.
“Sasha, I’m glad you forgave the creep,” Jason says and I freeze, widening my eyes. I will him to stop, but he’s looking at her, ignoring my silent plea. “Life has been so much easier. You make him happy.”
Sasha giggles. “What do you mean I forgave the creep?”
Jason throws his head back and laughs. Fuck me. “You’re right—let’s not talk about the stalking.” He raises his glass.
I make the mistake of looking at Sasha, my face probably showing my freak-out. Her face rearranges from the amused easiness of the previous moment to a new recognition, pieces clicking into place reluctantly, but not yet forming the complete puzzle. I hope.
My mind goes into problem-solving mode, coming up with useless excuses and cover stories. Part of me wants to come up with lies…with anything to salvage the situation.
“Oh, shit,” Jason responds to our reaction.
“What’s going on?” Tara giggles.
“Let’s dance.” Jason drags Tara away and I wish he didn’t.
I wish there was more time to figure out what to do next. More time to, I don’t know, invent a time machine and go half an hour back. Even better, two months back, so I can re-do my stupid entry into Sasha’s life. The entry without her knowledge.
Or consent.
Invasion.
Don’t forget to check your email on Wednesday for the next chapter.