Black

She shakes my hand and then Dante’s. “I’m Josalyn. It’s so nice to finally meet you. Your mom has told me so many great things.”

“It’s our pleasure—”

“Josalyn,” a sweet, familiar voice interrupts me, and I look over the woman’s shoulder to see Shae walk out of a room in the back. Just like that, my night got a whole lot better. She’s fiddling with a clasp on a pink mat. “I’m pretty sure if I can’t fold the mat up, I shouldn’t be meditating.”

Josalyn clears her throat. “Shae?”

“Yeah?” She looks up and nearly trips over her own feet. Her eyes dart between me and Josalyn before settling on me. “What are you doing here?”

I’m prepared to answer, but Josalyn does it for me.

“These are the clients I was telling you about. Rex and Dante Ambrosi. But I take it you two have already met?”

“We have.” Her cheeks flush, and I wonder what she’s thinking about. Perhaps her tits pressed against the window of my condo or my face between her legs.

“Well, isn’t this an interesting turn of events,” Dante interjects, stepping toward Shae. “We’ve never met, but I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Y-you have?”

“All good things.” Ever the charmer, Dante scoops up her hand and kisses her knuckles. “It’s a pleasure putting a beautiful face to the name.”

She flushes again, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. The bastard is flirting with her. I’m going to kill him if he touches her again.

“Drop her hand.” My voice is low, menacing, and holds no room for argument. Dante is a smart man and does as I ask.

Jealousy rolls through me in a thick river of need. The need to claim her and tell the whole world, including my asshole brother, that this woman is mine.

I shake off the ridiculous notion.

For now.

Dante chuckles. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

Christ, what are the chances—could it be fate?—that I had this woman in my bed, beneath me, only a few short days ago, and now here she stands, with stunning blue eyes and that gorgeous body of hers fitted in tight jeans and a blouse that offers hints of the cleavage I’ve feasted on.

My mouth waters.

“Hi,” I tell her.

“Hi.” She smiles, coyly.

“How do you two know each other?” Josalyn asks, seemingly oblivious as she motions toward the chairs. “Please have a seat.”

Shae’s lips part, worry flashing behind her eyes.

“We’re friends,” I offer. “Close friends.”

Shae’s eyes widen at my declaration, but a small smile tugs those sweet lips.

Josalyn nods. “Oh, good. That’ll make planning the party that much easier. Won’t it, Shae?”

“Huh?” Shae asks, her eyes darting to her boss. She blinks, and it’s as though I can see the lusty haze lift from her eyes, leaving them a deep, clear blue. “Oh yes, of course.”

“Good. Rex, Dante, I’m sorry I can’t stay, but you’re in good hands with Shae. I’m confident she’ll make this party everything you’re wanting it to be.”

“I have the utmost confidence in Shae. I’m sure it’ll be perfect. Thank you, Josalyn.” I nod as she turns to go.

Dante and I don’t sit until Josalyn is out of the room.