“Famous last words.”
“Con…”
“I got it, I got it. Watch the woman.” His gaze turned shrewd. “Because she matters so much it would wreck you if something happened to her?”
“Because she’s a nice person who deserves a nice life. There. Good enough for you?” He did need to change. He grabbed his bag.
“Not quite. But maybe you’ll get there.”
No, he wouldn’t. Because it honestly didn’t matter what he did. It didn’t matter how many times Remypretendedto be the hero, he would never be good enough. Not for someone like Jacqueline.
She needed the white knight.
Not the devil.
But, in some circumstances, the devil was exactly who you could use at your side. He was about to show Preston—and any other bastards on the guy’s payroll—that you didn’t screwwith the devil. And you sure as hell didn’t hurt the woman who belonged to him.
Chapter Twelve
“Are you a member, sir?” The woman near the entrance to the country club’s restaurant offered Remy a beaming smile. “Because I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you yet. And I always like to personally greet all our new members.”
Oh,please. Jacqueline barely contained an eye roll. The lady needed to watch it. Another minute or two, and she’d be practically drooling over Remy. Yes, he certainly looked good. Better than good. He’d dressed in black pants and a black dress shirt. The dark colors just made him look even sexier and dangerous than usual.
“Not a new member. Not yet. You could say I’m just browsing.” He reached for the woman’s hand. Held it.
Jacqueline narrowed her eyes.
Then she realized that Remy had just put some cash into the woman’s palm. A casual little hand-off.
“I’m looking for Preston Guidry,” he added with a charming smile of his own. “It would be great if you could take us right to him.”
The woman pulled her hand back and discretely tucked the cash into the pocket of her dress. “Of course! I should have suspected you were one of Preston’s guests. He always has themost interesting people in his circles.” Her gaze darted toward Jacqueline. Chilled. “Usually.”
Jacqueline sent her a tight smile. She also took Remy’s arm and brought her body close to his.
“This way.” The hostess turned and marched away on her three-inch heels.
“You sure about this?” Remy asked softly before they followed her.
“Absolutely.” Maybe he couldn’t tell that she was shaking. Jacqueline hoped he couldn’t tell, at any rate. She was trying to play this scene in a cool and collected manner.
He nodded, and they were off. She kept her chin up as they navigated past the tables and the people buzzing in the large dining area, and soon enough, they were turning to the left. About ten feet away, she caught sight of Preston. Seated at a round table, with a champagne flute of orange juice—no, it’s probably a mimosa—next to him, Preston was laughing at something the man with him had just said. That man seated by him? He was one of the city council members.
But at that moment, Preston turned his head, noticed her, and his laughter froze. For an instant, she saw rage glitter in the depths of his icy blue eyes, then it vanished. He rose to his feet. A broad smile spread over his face. “Jacqueline!” Warmth poured from his voice. Such a deceptive warmth. He extended his hands toward her. “Darling, I’ve missed you.” He rushed straight to her, his hands still extended, as if he’d pull her in for an exuberant hug.
She tensed.
But Remy stepped into Preston’s path. “The hell that will happen.”
Preston stopped. He attempted to crane around Remy in order to see Jacqueline “But…darling…”
“Yeah, cut the bull. I am not in the mood for it.” Remy’s voice was mild and fairly low, yet the other patrons were still curiously glancing their way. Mostly because Preston’s tone had been so booming thathe’ddrawn their attention. “Save the crap for the dumbass at your table.”
Preston looked over his shoulder. “Do you know Councilman Griffin Bass—”
“Don’t want to know him.” Again, Remy’s voice remained low. “And if you don’t want him to hear what I’m about to say, then I suggest you bid your buddy an immediate farewell.”
Preston leaned closer to Remy. “Do you know whoIam?”