“This isn’t optional. Now that you’re close to home, it’s time you got into the fold. It would look bad if my own daughter ignored her duties.”
“I don’t have any ‘duties.’”
“Yes, you do. Who do you think pays for that fancy new house you have? You will show up and smile and be gracious to all the donors.”
Never mind the fact that I pay my own rent, being commanded to come to some campaign fundraiser under the guise of helping women who are starting over after leaving an abusive relationship. No thank you.
“I’m sorry, but I’m busy.”
“I didn’t ask. You will be there. Saturday night.” The line goes dead before I have the chance to argue further.
I rub my temples, trying to stave off the growing headache. I take a couple deep breaths and head back inside the club, ready to have a good time with my friends.
“What did he want?” Darlene asks as soon as I take my seat.
“He wants me to go to some campaign event disguised as a charity fundraiser,” I say with a grimace.
Darlene winces. “Ugh, that sucks. Are you going?”
“He didn’t exactly make it optional. He said that it’s time I step up and do my ‘duty.’ This is why I lived hundreds of miles away.”
“I’d apologize, but I’m not really sorry. I like having you close again,” Darlene says.
“I know. Me too,” I say begrudgingly.
CHAPTERTWO
Jasper
I can’t keepmy eyes off Darlene’s friend. The girls couldn’t be any more opposite if they tried. Charity is loud and brazen and drop-dead gorgeous. She’s tall and thin but with curves that fill out her sexy little dress. Don’t get me started about that dress… it’s pale pink and is low cut in front. The skirt swirls around her thighs, and her long legs end in a pair of sky-high heels, making her already tall frame even taller.
“You’re staring again,” Ransom says in his low, rumbling voice.
I give him a scathing look. “I could say the same thing,” I say, indicating Tessa with a flick of my eyes.
“Fuck off.”
I chuckle at that because I’m not wrong. He’s always staring at Tessa. They are like gasoline on a fire when they are together. And not in a good way. I’ve been friends with Ransom for years, and even I don’t know the story between them. It’s clear there is one to be told, though.
“Are you still on the Sullivan case?” he asks.
“No, finished up today.”
A few months ago, that question would’ve meant something different. I was a cop for more years than I want to remember. I got sick of the bureaucracy and decided to quit and go into private security. I work a little above and below the law now, and it suits me just fine.
“I bet you're glad to have that one done.”
I chuckle at that because he’s not wrong. Mrs. Sullivan is a bit paranoid. And when rich people like her get paranoid, they hire private security. I’ve been glued to her side for the last three weeks, and nothing has happened. Well, nothing except for her constantly hitting on me. She’s a sixty-year-old widow and is a horny old bat.
“It was interesting.” Is all I say in response. Mrs. Sullivan is my first client that didn’t actually need help. It was a waste of my time, but sometimes you have to go where the money is.
My attention is drawn back to the girls where they are sitting across from us, laughing and having a good time. Charity throws her head back, laughing boisterously. The long line of her throat and the plumpness of her lips has my cock thickening in my jeans. I want to suck and lick at that slender column of skin.
Fuck.
I need to not be thinking about her like that. She’s not my type, and I’m not looking for a relationship right now. Her phone rings and she pulls it out of her purse, her smile quickly turning to a frown. Her brow furrows and she looks annoyed. She silences the call and seems to shake off whatever negativity the call brought on.
“Who was it?” Darlene asks.