Page 5 of Deceit
Grabbing thechampagnebucket and four glasses that the barman hadplaced down on the counter,Tednodded, indicating for us to follow. As he led us across themainarea,Katlooped her arm throughmine, pulling us a few steps behindTed, and leaning into me so she could speak without him hearing.“Holy shit! Where did you find him?”
“I bumped into him and we just started talking.”
“He’s gorgeous. Please tell me you’re going to let him take you backto his place tonight?”
“Of course not,”I hissed.“He’s got to be at least thirty. Besides, youknow nothing canhappen.”
“Speak for yourself, babe. He’s my walking wet dream. I mean,checkout thatass,”Katgiggled.“If you don’t want him, I will.”
Dejection rushed through me. I knew full well nothing couldhappenbetween me andTed, and truthfully, he hadn’t stirred the same feelings inside me that the man onstagehad, but did that mean I was okay with her making a move on him? No, absolutely not.
Did that make me selfish?
Maybe. But this had happened several times when we were younger.Kattook full advantage of flirting and kissing withguyswho’d shown an interest in me, reminding me that Iwasn’tallowed to do anything with them, and insisting that there was no need for her to miss out.
So maybe, just once, I wanted someone to see me, andonlyme.
I didn’t reply,insteadletting my eyes drop to Ted’sasswhere he’d stoppedto talk to two security men standing on either side of a red rope, preventing people from going into theVIParea. Katwas right. He did have a greatass. The way his pants framed itwas mouthwatering, just like the way his jacket pulled taut across his broadshoulders.
Once the security guard unclipped the rope and let us pass, wefollowedTedthrough a small mirrored hallway and into another room. It was much smaller, and the lights were softer than themainatrium, giving it an intimate, cozy feel.
Myattentionsnapped to the beautiful woman in the corner, wearinga stunning red dress, and playing elegant music at thepiano, the lilting notes echoing around the space.
Insteadof payingattentionto whereTedwas leading us, mygazewasfocused solely on thepiano. Mymamahad taught me how to play from the age of three until she died. After,Papahad sold ourpiano, and told me that he didn’t want me to play or sing at home because it reminded him ofMama.
I’dcontinuedto have lessons at every school I’d attended since, and while Imay have been lonely at my school inItaly, I could at least spend hours losing myself in playing and singing, something I wouldn’t be allowed to do when I returned home.
“Wow, this place is incredible,” I said, dragging my wide-eyed stare from the piano and taking in the rest of the VIP area.
“Yeah, now you see why I tend to stay here most of the night. Here,take a seat,”Tedrepliedas we reached a circularbooth.
He placed thechampagnebucket and glasses down before lightly caressingmy lower back as I passed him to slide in.
“Four glasses?” Kat asked, her brows pulled together as she slid into the booth next to me while Ted took the other side.
“Yeah, my friend will be joining us shortly,” he replied, checking his watch and missing the way Kat’s face lit up.
I knew where her mind had gone. If shewasn’tgoing to get anywherewithTed, she’d take a chance on his friend.
Tedpoured thechampagneinto the flutes before sliding one toKatand then handing one to me. Our fingers brushed as I took it from him, and mystomachlurched from theheatblazing in his eyes.
I had a horrible feeling that Ted was hoping for something to happen between us. Guilt began creeping into my body, knowing that even if I was attracted to him, nothing could happen.
“To making new friends,”Tedsaid, holding his glass up tomine.
I clinked my glass against his, unable to hold hisgaze.
“What are we celebrating?” a deep voice rumbled.
My eyes flashed to the man standing by our table, and the deliciouschampagneI’d just drank turned to acid in my mouth, almost making me choke as I tried to swallow it.
Deepin the pit of my belly, a thousand butterflies started to flutter wildlywhen Imetdark eyesstaringat me.
Dark eyes that had beenstaringat me not that long ago with a look ofburning want, but now, they were as cold as ice.
“Ah, perfect timing,”Tedsaid, holding out the final glass to the man.“Ladies, let me introduce you to my very best friend. This is Milo.”
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