He nods his head in understanding. “It’s not for all. I bet he didn’t even divulge all that to begin with, just sprung it on you.” He speaks as if he knows more than he should. I have never heard of him prior to this. Who exactly is Jasper?
“Is it any of your concern?” I ask while dropping my head to the side.
“I can see why he likes you.” He turns as a woman walks up to him.
She smiles at me and links her arm in his. “Hello.” Her voice is sultry as she holds on to him. His hand wraps around her waist. “I’m Isadora, and you are?”
“Everly.”
“This is Gunner Reid’s wife,” Jasper says, looking to Isadora then back to me. “Isn’t that right, Mrs. Reid?”
Isadora smiles at me. “Seems we attract the same type of man.” She giggles. She’s beautiful, tall, with long, wavy hair. Her smile is contagious, making you want to smile back at her.
“I don’t think so.” I say it in a manner which makes her smile drop from her face. I look around and, as I do, I spot him. What the fuck! He shouldn’t be here. Why is he here? My breathing quickens and my hands clutch the purse I’m holding tighter. Just as I’m about to remove my eyes from him, he turns and sees me. Gunner’s eyes rake me over before they lift to the couple behind me, and when they do, he starts walking fast in my direction.
“Seems we’ve upset your husband. He may not want you being around us.” Jasper chuckles as Gunner finally steps up.
“Jasper… Isadora,” Gunner greets them.
Jasper tries to keep his chuckle low and Isadora smiles.
Gunner turns and looks at me, and I have to remember not to touch him, to feel him, to do anything with him. I miss the way he feels, the way he smells.
Hard eyes hit me and I look away.
I turn to a smiling Jasper.
“It’s great to see you again. Sorry I missed the wedding,” Jasper says, his eyes flicking to Gunner.
“You weren’t invited.”
“Oh, that’s right, seems my invite got lost in the mail.”
Gunner just stares at Jasper and Isadora smiles at me.
“Would you care to get a drink?”
I’m about to decline and walk away. Away from this odd little group and from this party, but Gunner interjects.
“She’s busy.”
“Oh, come on now, Gunner.” Jasper tisks at him. “Isadora’s a new woman now, aren’t you, sweets?” He kisses her cheek and she blushes.
“I would love to,” I reply to her, which makes her smile wider. She offers me her hand and I place mine in it.
But before I can take a step toward her, Gunner’s hand grabs hold of my wrist, holding me back. His fingers set fire to my bare skin, and it takes everything in me to not lean into him. “I would highly advise against it.”
Turning my head, I look up at him. “Papers are signed. That’s all you came for, right?”
He doesn’t answer, just locks his hard eyes on me. I look down to his hand on my wrist, which is still singeing me, and he removes it, placing it back to his side. Looking back to Isadora, who still has a hold of my hand, we start walking and I don’t look back, even though I know his eyes are burning into me. I won’t look back.
“He’s still watching,” she says.
Our hands drop as we reach the bar, which is all paid for by my father. I order water, not wanting to stay any longer than I have to.
“Oh, come on, water? Really? You look like you need something way stronger than water.” She chuckles as she orders two shots of tequila. My eyes go wide and she chuckles.
“I’ve met him before… your husband. Quite the looker, isn’t he?” She checks over her shoulder to where we just left, and I fight the urge to do the same. “He’s still watching you.”
“He is,” I agree. There’s no denying it, Gunner’s easily the best-looking man I’ve ever seen.
“So, tell me… there’s so much friction. What’s going on?”
I look at her, really look. Her lips lift in a cupid’s bow and I like her. I don’t know her, but I feel like I already have a good friend in her.
“We’re getting divorced.” I tell her the truth. Fuck it! Who cares now, anyway?
“Jasper has told me about him. He’s a tycoon from what I have heard. And he always gets what he wants.”
“Who is Jasper?” I ask. “And how do you all know Gunner?”
She places a shot in front of me and holds one for herself, then downs it fast. I do the same, almost choking on it as it goes down, and reach for my water, washing it down.
“Jasper is….” She looks over her shoulder then back to me, leans in close until she’s near my ear. “Mafia.”