God, he was a remorseless piece of shit. His smug look had my heart slamming in my chest. But for the sake of appearing normal, I tried to remind myself that none of this actually mattered. Not anymore. Lara didn’t love Jackson. Being with him was just an act. There was no sense in being angry for her.
Still, his actual pride over the fact that he was cheating made my blood boil in my veins.
“Christ, it’s not like I’m fucking her,” Jackson laughed, reading whatever remnants of disapproval I had lingering on face. “Are you really going to judge me over this? You couldn’t fuck just one girl if you tried. And let’s be completely real here – Audra’s hot and she isn’t blood. Yeah, she’s got a couple of screws loose but you know what’s good about that? Damaged girls give it their fucking all when they’re giving head.”
Fuck yourself, I thought. But I cracked a convincing smile that made Jackson relax. “Then according to you, I should find myself a damaged college girl, right?”
He laughed jovially. “Yes! Hell yes!” He raised his glass to mine. “So, cheers to that, man. We’re young, we make more money than most people will ever see in their lives and we’re a day from opening the second fucking tallest hotel in the greatest city on Earth. We deserve to enjoy our down time more than anyone. Besides, what Lara doesn’t know will never hurt her. Now tell me that I’m fucking right before I book your flight back to wherever the hell you came from this time.”
Despite feeling hatred in my bones, I let a full grin slide across my lips. Raising my glass, I clinked it against Jackson’s and proceeded to lie my fucking ass off. “Fuck it, you’re right. Just do what makes you happy – as long as you don’t get caught.”
Chapter Ten
Lara
God. And I’m surprised because...? Or right, I’m not remotely surprised.
I shook my head as I stepped into Muse Room. The place looked ever
y bit like an upscale brothel. Dim red light glowed throughout the space. The ceilings were high and hung with vintage chandeliers, the lacey walls lined with curtained booths. Through the sheer gauze veiling each one, I could see couples nuzzling on chaise lounges bigger than twin-sized beds, their bodies entwined and surrounded by satin pillows. Cocktails rested upon candle sconces on the wall.
It was a lounge unlike any other I’d ever seen. Were I with Sloane, I’d be thrilled. Unfortunately, I had come to meet Dane McNulty, so rather than excitement, my stomach twisted with caution and leeriness. What in the hell have I gotten myself into?
“Hello, miss, do you have a reservation?”
I spun around to see a stunning girl wearing blunt bangs, a black corset and garters. “Oh, I’m not sure. I’m here to meet somebody. His name is Da – ”
“Mr. McNulty?”
Of course he’s a regular here. “Yes, Mr. McNulty.”
“Perfect. He’s been waiting very patiently for you,” she smirked before leading me to the back of the room and around a partition. Behind it was a single, curtained booth. Leaning against the curled armrest was Dane, his grey jacket stripped off and draped over the back. Upon spotting me, he tossed his phone to the side and rose to his feet. After ordering two “Black Dahlias” from the hostess, he turned his full attention to me.
“Beautiful. How are you feeling?” he asked, tipping my chin up and inspecting my eyes for tears.
“Fine,” I answered as he then stepped back and took in my ensemble – an oversized raglan and skinny jeans. I had deliberately chosen a tame outfit for Dane but he still looked at me as if I were naked.
“Good. So where’d you tell Jax you were tonight?” he grinned, clearly delighting in the idea of my lying to Jackson.
“Out with Sloane. I assume he knows where Sawyer is tonight, so he’s not worried. By the way, forgot to thank you for telling him that I’m sleeping with Sawyer,” I said with as we sat down. The sarcasm in my voice made him run his tongue along his lower lip. God, I hadn’t even mustered up the courage to flirt yet and he was already titillated.
“My apologies. I tend to have knee-jerk reactions when I’m struck with envy,” Dane said as our drinks arrived. I could feel his eyes glued to me as I reached for the overflowing glass, exposing my left shoulder as my raglan slid down my arm. My cheeks burned as I held still, sipping my cocktail till it was safe to hold without spilling. Easily setting his aside, Dane draped his arm over the back of the couch. His fingers dangled just above my naked shoulder as I let the taste of blackberry and tequila slide over my tongue.
“Like it?”
“It’s good,” I murmured before carefully putting it down. Leaning my side against the back of the couch, I awkwardly brought up my booted legs. “Guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you chose for us to meet in a place like this.”
Dane laughed. “Thought I’d treat myself to the image of you in bed. Can’t really stand that Sawyer’s had something that I haven’t.”
I rolled my eyes. “I never slept with Sawyer, Dane. Had you paid attention to anything besides what you wanted to see that day, you’d have noticed Sloane’s purse next to me. He and I weren’t alone or on some date.”
“Well, you should’ve been. Treat yourself to an affair, Lara. Eye for an eye, that sort of thing.”
My jaw tightened. “Right. On that topic, I came here so you could tell me about Jackson’s relationship with Gabrielle. I want to know everything you know.”
“Well, I already told you about the time I saw them two years ago. I’m assuming that’s when it started, but Jackson never really talked to me about her till early this year. I guess I should give the little shitstain some credit for feeling bad about it in the beginning. Said it was his first time cheating.” Dane took a drink before laughing. “On you, to be specific. Let it be known that he cheated on pretty much every other girl who preceded you. We’ve shared some pretty descriptive conversation about that.”
My stomach lurched. “Charming,” I said dryly. “And what about you?” I asked, finding myself curious. “Are you a cheater?”