The Payback (Team Zulu 2)

After slipping into gym shorts and a tank, Brandon answered the door. “Sorry to keep you waiting. Come on in.”

A curvy Latina entered first, pulling a wheeled clothing rack filled with long, hanging garment bags and shoe boxes on the bottom shelf. “It’s no problem. We’re a few minutes early, anyway.” Her easy smile and sunny attitude made what could’ve been an awkward introduction easier. The room reeked of sex. They had to know what we’d been up to when they’d rung our doorbell.

If this was the woman styling me for the ball, I was in safe hands. She wore a black pencil skirt with a gray off-the-shoulder knit top. Her ensemble was accessorized with a gold-trimmed belt, dangly earrings, and strappy black heels. She projected effortless class, which was how I needed to appear tonight. Not like a student who usually ran around in leggings, retro tees, and biker boots.

Brandon held the door open for the second woman to enter. I didn’t miss how the willowy redhead in a designer navy pantsuit gave him a not-so-subtle once-over. Her haughty gaze lingered too long on his biceps for my liking. Perhaps her close assessment of his physique was part of her job, but I suspected it was Brandon’s universally appealing hotness that drew her eye. Couldn’t really blame her. She also pushed a clothes rack, only hers carried men’s suits.

The bubbly brunette’s eyes landed on me, and a bright smile lit her face. “Good morning! You must be Vivian.”

Vivian?

She continued before I could correct her. “I’m Sofia, and this is Clarice.” She nodded to the poised redhead. “And you are exactly like Brian described. Just gorgeous! I have some gowns that will look amazing on you.”

Brian?Of course, we were using aliases.

I tightened the sash on my robe, and when the women began unzipping garment bags, I mouthed to Brandon,Vivian?He gave me his trademark roguish grin while tying up his tennis shoes. I rolled my eyes when thePretty Womanreference clicked.Jerk.

Luckily, I’d thought to straighten the sex-ruffled duvet before they’d entered, because Sofia wasted no time in laying several full-length gowns across the bed. Her genuine excitement took me by surprise. I liked her. Ginger? Not so much.

Brandon had closed the laptops and shut down the monitors but assured me it was safe for the women to be in here. Apparently, their company specialized in discretion and was well paid for it. If either of the ladies thought it was strange that we had a bunch of computer gear in the room, they didn’t mention it.

Brandon approached and cupped my face. “I’ll head to the gym and leave you to it. Breakfast will be here soon. I’ll be back in forty-five.”

“The gym? Aren’t you…” I spoke quietly. “Worn out?”

“It’s called stamina, Vivian.” The cocky son of a bitch didn’t lower his voice at all. “And if you’re going to be trying on dresses, it’ll only tempt me to tear them right off. I don’t think these ladies will appreciate me damaging their goods.” He gave me a wink. “Have fun.”

“Wait.” I grabbed his hand as he went to leave. “Should I choose something inconspicuous?”

“We’re going to the most exclusive ball in Philly. Everyone will be decked out in their finest. Pick whichever dress you want.” One hand went around my waist, and he drew me nearer. “And after the ball, I’m going to remove it from your body and fuck you boneless until the sun comes up.”

Someone behind me coughed. All I could do was nod, trapped in Brandon’s aquamarine gaze. Then he took my breath away with a kiss that was entirely inappropriate for an audience.

Suck on that, Ginger.

“They’ve got my measurements,” he said on his way to the door. “I’ll let you pick a suit for me.”

Once Brandon had left the room, Sofia approached and clicked her tongue. “Your boyfriend has itbadfor you.”

“He’s not—”my boyfriend. Except he kind of was. How strange. I turned to Sofia. “You really think so?”

“Honey, you’d have to be blind not to see that man’s head over heels in love with you. Nice catch.” She smiled and went to collect another garment bag.

Holy shit.

I had a boyfriend.

A smoking hot, badass boyfriend. And Sofia thought he was in love with me.

Warmth flooded my belly. I couldn’t hold in the smug grin that pulled at my lips.

At the bed, I glanced over the dresses Sofia had laid out. My eyes widened when they caught on one.

“You don’t need to open any more bags.” I pointed to it. “I want that one.”