by Nana Malone
A voice from my left startled me. “Everything okay?”
Abbie. The anger morphed into something else far more dangerous. “Shit, I didn’t know you were out here.”
She ducked her head as she stepped out of the shadows. “Yeah, sorry. We both had the same idea.” She held up her phone. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
I shook my head. “Just family drama.”
Her smile was rueful as she spoke. “Tell me about it.”
She shifted toward the balcony door, and my mind searched for something else to say to prolong the conversation. “How’s the camera?”
Her brows knotted together then rose as she tilted her head.
“Your camera? I figure since I was its knight in shining armor, I should ask after it. After all, I nearly died performing its rescue.”
She laughed, and I felt like I’d been lit up from the inside.
“Yeah, it’s good. You know, it was a tough ordeal. But with a little therapy and some new filters for medication, she’ll be all right.”
“Glad to hear it.” My fingers itched to touch her again, but I knew better. Even if she’d welcome the touch, I needed to stay very far away from her. A girl like her would tear me up inside. I knew what I was. And once she found out the same, she’d run for the hills. I was better off staying away. “Next you’re going to tell me she has a name.”
Abbie grinned and took two steps toward me. Hell, if she came any closer, I’d forget about my damned don’t-touch-her rule.
“I call her the badass money maker.”
I laughed. “Are you serious?”
“Of course. I’ve taken all my best photos with her. I have another two cameras, but they don’t seem to do it the same way she does.”
I held up my hands. “Okay, okay. Fair enough. Badass money maker it is.” I rubbed my jaw. “My brother’s a photographer, and I don’t think he names his cameras. His other appendages yeah, but never his cameras.” The moment I’d let it slip about Xander I wanted to bite my tongue off. I prayed she didn’t ask if she might have seen his work. I didn’t need her going all starry-eyed once she knew about the infamous half of the Chase brothers.
Abbie cocked her head. “You can’t mock her name. I like it. Besides, your name is Lex. Please tell me your parents had a sick sense of humor and your last name is Luther. That would be perfect.”
“A Superman lover, I see.” Well, wasn’t she full of surprises? “And Mum and Dad do not have a sense of humor, thank God. It’s Chase, actually. Alexi Chase.”
Abbie frowned “Is Chase a common surname in the UK?”
He inclined his head. “Common enough. I suppose it’s like the surname Smith. Why?”
She shook her head. “No reason.” She studied me carefully. “Anyway, I like it. Alexi sounds Russian.”
“My maternal grandmother was Nomean actually. Grandfather was Greek. Nomea is this little island off the coast of France. Dad’s British.” I cleared my throat and watched her carefully. She tucked one of her braids behind her ear, and I longed to touch her. Who was I kidding? I couldn’t be casual with her, and I couldn’t let her get too close and see me for who I really was, so my only option was to stay away from her. I could try to be good.
“I think I prefer Alexi.”
“And is Abbie short for Abigail?”
She wrinkled her nose. “No. It’s Abena. Abena Nartey.”
I cocked my head. “Beautiful, like its owner.”
She ducked her head. “Uhm, thanks. I guess I should be grateful I wasn’t born on a less attractive sounding day.”
I furrowed my brow. “I don’t understand.”
“Like Sophie, I’m from Ghana. My name means born on Tuesday.”
I grinned, laying it on thick. “What a coincidence, Tuesday is my favorite day of the week.”
She laughed. “You’re almost as bad as Jasper now.”
“Oh, ouch. I like to think I bring my own flair.” I liked her. Enough to ignore the warning bells clanging in my skull. When she was relaxed, she was funny and sarcastic and kept me on my toes. Want her.
“Well, if it’s any consolation, I think you’re probably a better dancer.”
“Hell, yes. I can give you another demonstration anytime you like.”
Her gaze snapped to mine, and a smile tugged at her lips. “I um, thought I already repaid my debt.”
“You did. This dance would just be because it’s fun.” Maybe I was pushing my luck. Maybe she’d scurry away again at a moment’s notice.
But she didn’t. I lost track of how long we stayed outside talking about nothing in particular. But I sure as hell didn’t plan on leaving before she did.
It wasn’t until Faith called her name from somewhere inside the house that she excused herself.
“Duty calls. I guess I’ll see you around, Alexi.”
Oh, hell.
The way she said my name held me transfixed. Abena Nartey was going to be a problem.
12
Lex…
When I opened the door to the barge on the morning before my official birthday, I stood stunned for several seconds.
“Don’t look so surprised, it’s not like you’ve never seen me before,” Dad said.
I didn’t move aside to let him in. “Well, I’ve just never seen you here before. Are you dying?”
He sneered. “You can only wish. Now step aside, and let me in.”
I didn’t see any way around it. If the old man wanted in, I wouldn’t stop him, but I’d sure as hell have exterminators come through afterward and clear out the bad energy. “What’s up, Dad? I still have time to tell you my decision.”
“I do know it’s your birthday shortly. I was there for the big event after all. I’m not totally oblivious.”
I frowned. “Considering that you’ve only been around for a couple of birthdays that I can remember, and given that you usually have your secretary pick my present, I’m pretty sure you’re not here because of my birthday.”
He squared his shoulders. “Well, you would be wrong. Tomorrow, once you’ve properly turned twenty-five, I want you in the office. But for today, I’m here to give you something.”
I worked hard to keep my expression neutral. “Yeah okay, Dad, but you could have had someone bring whatever it is over.” I hovered near the door. “I’m actually late for an appointment.”
Dad scoffed. “I think your friends can wait. After all, it’s only a party. You’re busy talking to your father.”
I gnashed my teeth. I didn’t have time for this bullshit. If I didn’t hurry, I’d be late for my meeting with Toshino. But the hell I was going to tell the old man any of that.
“I really do have an appointment, Dad.”
He shoved his hands into his pockets as he shook his head. “Fine, we’ll continue with our conversation tomorrow. Do you at least want to see your present?”
No, I didn’t. “Sure. What is it?”
He pulled out a set of car keys and tossed them to me. The BMW key fob matched the one I already had for my car. “You bought me a car?”
He nodded. “I asked my secretary to go and pick up something a young man in his twenties would want. She came back with this. A BMW 6 Series convertible. I don’t know what you’re driving these days, but I’m sure this is better.”
No. Not better. Exact replica was more accurate. Was my father that clueless that he didn’t even know what I drove or that I’d bought the car for myself? Hurt chased annoyance as I took the keys. “Yeah thanks, Dad.” I’d find a charity in the morning to see if they’d come pick up the car. At least I could do something useful with it. “If that’s it, I need to get going.”
He eyed me up and down once more. I held his gaze directly and wished I knew why my father had stopped loving me.
I didn’t have long to wallow because Mum called as soon as he left. “How is one of my favorite sons?”
“You know that doesn’t actually mean anything unless you designate one of us your favo
rite, right?”
She sniffed. “You know I can’t choose. You and Xander are both so dear and darling to me.”
“Right. So, what’s up?”
“I know your father just left.”
Ahh, so the old man had called to complain. “Really, Mum. I don’t want to fight about him today.”
“And we won’t.” She placated me. “I was just going to say I have the perfect charity to drop the car off with.”
“You can relax, Mum, I’m not even that pissed. It’s not a surprise after all. Of course, he wouldn’t be paying attention.”
She laughed, and it made me smile. Her laugh was one of my favorite things. “Well, that’s a change. There was a time not so long ago that you would have both deteriorated into an all-out shouting match.”
“Yes, I like to call that period last week.” I sniggered.
“My, how you’ve matured since then.”
“Well, having it out with him would have ruined my birthday, and I’m not willing to do that.”
She was quiet for a moment. “You sound different.”
I had to roll my eyes. She was constantly trying to slink into mother hen mode. “No, I’m not sick. I’m eating, and I’m not working too hard.”
“Oh, stop. Let an old woman worry.”
“I doubt anyone would have the courage to call you old.”
She laughed. “They’d better not. But no.” She paused. “It’s something else. You sound lighter, somehow. Happy, almost.”
Yeah. Almost. “I don’t know what you mean.” Except I did. I’d be seeing Abbie again tonight. Except tonight, I was going to content myself with seeing her from afar. If I got too close, I’d do something stupid.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you met someone.”
I coughed. “Mum, stop. Have you forgotten, I’m with Gemma?”
She sighed. “No. I haven’t forgotten. I’m just saying as much as I adore Gemma, I don’t think you’re particularly passionate about her. I don’t think she inspires this kind of levity in you. Everyone deserves passion, Lex.”
“Um, Mum, this is fast becoming a very awkward conversation.” I shoved a hand into my pocket as I said a silent prayer that she didn’t expound on everyone needing passion.
She sighed. “Fair enough. I mostly just called to wish you a happy early birthday and tell you that your present will be delivered to the Brixton Youth Center tomorrow. I figure you’ll want to be on site for it. I’ve arranged for that basketball player Thai Curry to visit.”
I frowned. “Um, do you mean Steph Curry?”
“Oh, yes, that’s the one.”
I laughed. “Thank you, Mum. That is a brilliant gift. Just send me the details. The kids will be so excited. I can’t wait to see their faces.”
“I’m glad you like it. After all, what does a mother get for the son who has everything?”
“It’s brilliant, Mum. Honest.”
“Good. But Lex?”
“Yeah?”
“I meant what I said about passion. I’d hate for you to let the past stop you from finding someone you can really love. No matter who that might be.”
“Even if it doesn’t look good for the crown?”
“The crown isn’t real yet. Don’t you dare put your life on hold because of it. Too many before you have put their lives on hold.”
13
Abbie…
If I was going to continue hanging out with Sophie, I’d have to get some comfortable shoes and hydrate better.
Bending over, I adjusted the strap of one of the sexy, black, sling-back stilettos she’d put me in. When Sophie had come home to the flat, Faith and I had both been surprised, but Sophie had only been there to grab an outfit and drag me out the door with her. Faith had been smart enough to beg off with the excuse of having to work.
As I stumbled behind my glitterati godmother, I mouthed to Faith, “Save me.”
She only laughed and waved me off.
The glitterati life was fun, but I was starting to see it for what it was. The same crowd at different venues, looking vaguely bored and searching for something to entertain them.
A month ago, I never would have dreamed of this place. A few weeks and a transatlantic flight later, I was bypassing club lines, hanging out in VIP, and being flirted with by guys who were so beautiful they made me feel inadequate. Like Easton.
Nevertheless, I was kidding myself if I thought I was skipping Alexi’s birthday. Just the idea of seeing him again made my heart race. I didn’t want to examine those feelings too closely. Because then I’d have to think about what that meant.
It’s just a crush. A crush is safe. You know better than to look for more.
Besides, I’d made a promise to myself. I was going to live every experience. I was going to find joy in the mundane. For years, I’d been a shell of myself.
True, I knew what happened when I danced too close to a flame because I was enthralled, but… I wasn’t going to let that happen again.
As usual, Max and the boys took care of me while Sophie flitted about hugging and air kissing the beautiful people. I had always wondered how she managed it—to be equal parts sincere and fabulous.
Two sake shots and one absinth drink later, I still hadn’t seen hide nor hair of the birthday boy. Head buzzing and needing some air, I trudged up the dingy back stairs looking for the roof. Maybe it was for the best that I’d yet to see Alexi.
It didn’t matter what he did to my insides; he was first and foremost a guy, so I’d have to be careful. Secondly, he was out of my league. And finally, he was too much like Easton—too handsome, with access to money and power. I’d fallen for the smooth, good-guy image before. I wasn’t going to be fooled again. I couldn’t afford to be. I already had too many scars from my first encounter.
I shoved open the sticky rooftop door, and the chilled air immediately cleared my alcohol-fogged mind of any Easton thoughts. I wasn’t going to think about him or what I’d left behind. Or worse, how I’d let myself be treated. And I was certainly not going to think about how I’d left it all behind. I was going to focus entirely on my life. This new experience. I would only be able to live in this dream world for so long, and I wanted to enjoy every single aspect of it. Even if it did feel like a fantasy.
The dingy stairs and heavy door were misleading. Instead of the industrial landscape I expected, the club’s roof was a lush green garden. A massive trellis obscured most of the view of London nightlife, save one exposed ledge with padded bench seating.
Sucking in the air like it was fresh water after a drought, I escaped to the bench and toppled onto it. I slipped off Sophie’s shoes and immediately started rubbing my feet, wondering what kind of hangover I'd have in the morning. Was there a rule against mixing sake and absinthe, like there was for beer and liquor? Hell, back home I barely even drank, save the occasional martini if I was out with Easton.
A couple of weeks with Faith, Sophie, and their rag-tag bunch of model boys, and I was buzzed on a rooftop in London. Maybe this was my Sex in the City moment. Though, I doubted Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, or Samantha would have been up on a rooftop alone.
“So, first you crash my party, and then you crash my sanctuary. We have really got to stop meeting like this. It could be hazardous to your health.”
I whirled around to find Lex sitting in a hidden alcove about three feet from me. “In case you didn’t know, it's your birthday. I think you're supposed to be at the party.”
Alexi shrugged, and I was fascinated by what the action did to his shoulder muscles.
“Well, the most intriguing girl there barely made time to talk to me. She was occupied by the DJ and a stream of would-be suitors, so I came up here to lament.”
A flush crept up my neck. He’d been waiting to talk to me? “Sorry I haven’t wished you happy birthday properly yet. Sophie can be Sophie. Apparently, there were lots of people I just had to meet.”
“Yes, I saw.” He cocked his head. “You looked visi
bly uncomfortable.”
I snorted. “You caught that, did you?” I’d have to be careful with him. He was way too observant. “Not real big on hugging or air kissing.”
He scooted out of the alcove and sauntered over to join me on the bench. I caught a whiff of cologne as he sat. Something musky, but also crisp and intoxicating.
“So, tell me, how did you end up here? In my sanctuary.”
“Well, I didn’t see a sign, so sorry to crash your private party. And sorry to crash your actual party. I got enveloped in Sophie's plan, as usual. I heard you guys planning the other day, but I had no idea it was your actual birthday until we got here.”
He shook his head. “I was teasing. Any friend of Sophie's…”
I hid a smile. You don’t even know this guy. Well not true exactly. I knew he had a penchant for rescues, and he had family problems.
And he makes your skin tingle when he touches you. Yeah well, I needed to go ahead and forget that one. And he makes you feel safe.
“Well, I had too much sake and chased it with absinthe, so I seriously needed some air.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, that’ll do it.”
“I'm waiting for the hallucinations to kick in any moment now. Will I really see a green fairy?”
He chuckled low, and I wanted nothing more than to melt into that sound.
“I think you're safe from little green fairies. The absinthe they serve these days is missing the wormwood, so you’re unlikely to hallucinate.”
“What? Then what was the point of all that? The sugar cube and the flame? I thought I was getting something really extraordinary.”
“Well, you got the experience at least, if not the buzz.”
I sighed and slouched. “Bummer. Not quite the London experience I was expecting.”
“Oh, come on, at least you came to a cool party.” He winked.
“Yes. There’s that.” My arm accidentally grazed his, and I sucked in a breath as I shifted away. “But that’s not what I meant. I meant the first time doing something out of my norm. Stepping out of the box.”
