by Vivi Dumas
“No, there’s no need to talk to him. We know what we came to do tonight. What he’s doing really doesn’t matter. We’ve got to find out about Antione. Have you heard anything?” She tore her eyes from Jacque, feeling the pain of rejection. She wanted so much to believe his words, to hold on to the hope of him truly caring about her. Like every other man in her life, he failed her.
“No, nothing yet.”
“Okay. Let’s spread out and work the room.” Her blank face projected a mask of indifference.
Before they could leave, Etienne stopped them. “How’s everyone enjoying the party?” he asked, placing a frigid hand on Angel’s elbow.
“It’s a wonderful party. However, some of your guests are questionable.” She glanced in Jacque’s direction. “I won’t hold it against you though.” Etienne followed her gaze.
“Oh. I’m sorry, my dear. I planned this party months ago, before I knew about you. Isabella and I go back a long time. She always shows for my parties. This is the first time she’s brought Jacque in decades.” He studied the couple on the other side of the ballroom.
“No need to explain. It’s your party, you can invite whoever you want.”
Isabella’s curvy hips swayed to the rhythm of the music, drawing the attention of the men she passed. With her blonde hair swept up into a French twist, Angel could see the full extent of her beauty. The low-cut, navy, sequined dress sparked a fire in her blue eyes. The thigh-high split on the right side of the dress exposed her creamy white leg and sparkling silver and rhinestone shoe. If Angel were a guy, she’d want her, too.
Jacque towered above the crowd as they traveled toward her. His white jacket stood out in the sea of black, but he didn’t need the jacket to be noticeable. His black pants boasted a crisp crease and his black shirt welded so much starch it could stand on its own. Angel’s mind drifted to what lay underneath, and then she shut her eyes for a moment as she pulled herself out of the distraction. She had to stay focused.
Etienne greeted his old friends. “Good evening, Isabella. Jacque.”
“Evening, Etienne. Good to see you again. It’s been a while,” Isabella answered. “Good to see you, too, Angelique. You left in such a hurry, you forgot to say goodbye.”
The urge to slap the sappy smile from her face pulsed in Angel’s hand. “Next time I’ll be sure to leave you a note. Nice to see you again, Jacque. I see you’re doing well.”
“Thanks. You look like you’re having fun tonight. I’m surprised Laurent allowed you to leave the house barely dressed. I’m not sure if I could’ve let Bell out of the house with such a revealing dress on.” Her name on his lips made Angel feel nauseous.
“Luckily, I’m not attached to an overbearing asshole. I can wear whatever I want. No one else has complained about my attire. Etienne, what do you think?” Her voice dripped as sweet as honey as she made a small circle, showcasing her goods.
Etienne winked at her. “I think you look good enough to eat.”
“Now you’re just teasing me.” She giggled. “I think it’s getting a bit crowded in here. Come dance with me, Etienne. I promised you one earlier. Jacque, Isabella, good to see you both.” Taking Etienne’s arm, she pushed past Jacque’s disapproving stare.
***
Jacque snatched Laurent by the arm and stormed out of the ballroom, leaving Bell behind. The room faded red as he fought to contain his rage. It was killing him to see Angel in another man’s arms. Watching Fabian hold her close and sensing the attraction in her fueled his jealousy.
And the way she looked in that dress.
Except for the night in Hades when they had made love, he always saw Angel dressed down. He never witnessed her in her full glory. She was magnificent in her gown and every man wanted her. Competition.
“What the hell are you doing?” Laurent asked.
“I should ask you the same question. You let her come out here flirting and flaunting herself to every man! Her breasts are damn near popping out of the dress.” His hands shook with anger. Placing them in his pockets, he tried to calm himself.
“Look, man. She dressed herself—not my problem. Like I peeped you earlier, she has a job to do, and you need to let her do it. Anyway, she’s damn good at it. If you can’t handle it, go home. The way she’s dressed is the least of your worries anyway.”
“What do you mean?”
“Man, for someone who reads as much as you do, you’re dumber than road kill when it comes to women. You’re in deep shit. I’ll make sure to make the sofa for you tonight, because you’ll be bunking with me.”
“Why the hell would I stay with you? I’ll be at Angel’s.”
“She’s pissed at you. So pissed, she’s gone into calm-before-the-storm mode. You’re an idiot. Why would you bring Bell, your ex-girlfriend? The one person Angel can’t stand?”
“Because I needed a way in. Bell knows it doesn’t mean anything.” Jacque raised a brow in question.
“Did you tell Angel you were coming with Bell?”
“No. Shit. It didn’t even cross my mind. I just needed a way in. Fuck!” He slammed a fist into the marble column, fracturing the stone.
“Look. You got some serious beggin’ to do. Bring your knee pads and a big diamond when you go over there.”
“I’ve got to explain to her what’s going on.”
“Not right now. We all got to play this out the way you dealt it. She’s already pissed, so no use making a scene here. Talk to her after the party.”
“I’m a fuck up. I should’ve known to talk to Angel or just not come with Bell. Then Bell doesn’t help with the smart-ass comments. I guess they’ll never get along.” He shook his head at his lack of forethought. It was going to take some groveling to get himself out of this one.
Jacque lingered in the hall after Laurent left, thinking about how to make this go away. As he leaned against the wall, a new guest came through the front door.
Antione was the last person he expected to see tonight, however, Jacque was happy for the lucky break. A smile pulled at his lips as he watched the maid trip as she was checking out Antione. It astonished him that women found Antione so attractive. His long lean build was frail compared to Jacque’s thickness. The tussled sandy-brown hair looked as if he just rolled from the bed and a scar trailed along his jaw, a gift from the last person who tried to bring him in. Silver left a lasting impression on vamps. Unfortunately, the silver dagger ended up in the heart of the guy who gave Antione the scar.
“What’s up, man?” Antione gave him a nod.
“Not much. Haven’t seen you in a while. Where the hell you been hiding?”
“Around. You know how it goes. The women of this time make things so easy I have to make my own challenges. What ‘bout you?”
“Just tryin to stay out of trouble.”
“You still with Bell?”
“It is what it is. We’re here tonight. Doesn’t mean anything tomorrow.” Jacque’s laugh bounced off the stone floors.
“I hear there’s fresh meat in town. I came to check out the new chick. Have you seen Marie’s granddaughter?”
Jacque eyes narrowed at the thought of Antione near Angel. “Yeah. She’s here.”
“What’s the verdict?”
“I wish I would’ve left Bell back home.”
Antione punched him in the arm jokingly. “Then I’ll be seeing you later. I got work to do.”
Jacque followed Antione back to the party. He scanned the room for Angel and found her perched on a stool surrounded by admirers. The light shimmered off her caramel skin, creating a golden aura around her. Antione stopped at the bar, eyeing her as he ordered a drink. Jacque had to warn her.
As he headed in Angel’s direction, Bell grabbed the back of Jacque’s jacket. She was beginning to be more trouble than she was worth. He really should’ve thought this plan through before he asked for Bell’s help. He snatched her arm and started to leave, but she clutched his hand, stopping him a second time. He didn’t have time for h
er shit right now.
“What’re you doing?” Bell spat under her breath.
“What are you being crazy about now? You know this is why we keep breaking up,” Jacque answered, in an exasperated tone.
“Every time I look up, you’re making goo-goo eyes at her. Do you know how embarrassing it is when people know my date wants someone else?”
“Look. You knew the deal when I asked you to bring me here. I came here for Angel. End. Of. Story.” He growled into her ear and snatched his hand from her.
“It’ll never work. As a human, her emotions will drain you until there’s nothing left of you. And her time with you will always be limited,” Bell challenged.
Pissed, Jacque fired, “A short life with her will be better than a lifetime of bullshit with you.” Then turned and darted away before she could move.
Shifting through the small gathering, he watched Angel work the crowd. She reminded him of a Victorian doll sitting on her stool, delicate and beautiful, but he knew a fierce woman lay underneath the resplendent exterior. Her gaze traveled over Jacque, gracing him with a sultry smile. He couldn’t tell if this was a part of the show or if she forgave him. She gave Antione the same smoldering stare, making him curse under his breath.
A DJ replaced the quartet at some point while Jacque was away. The modern music transformed the ball into a feverish dance club. The DJ slowed the pace down with “Brand New Luv” by Robin Thicke.
Inhaling some courage, he asked, “Can I have this dance? For old times.” Everyone waited for her answer.
Antione nudged him with his elbow. “You beat me to the punch, young.”
“You’re not going to embarrass me in front of all my boys? Are you?” Jacque said half-jokingly.
“What happened to your date? I hate to cause any trouble between you two.” Her words were like daggers of ice piercing his heart.
“There’s always trouble between me and Bell.”
A roar rose from the crowd at Jacque’s statement.
He waited with his hand outstretched, hoping she wouldn’t refuse.
She took his hand and he led her to the middle of the room. “For old times.”
Sweeping Angel onto the parquet floor, he took in the sweetness of her fragrance. Her arms circled his waist and rested on his lower back. Her breast pressed against him, making his temperature rise. They swayed to the rhythm of the music. She floated like a cloud in his arms. He wanted to pick her up and sneak her away to one of the bedrooms upstairs made available for just these situations. Instead, he opened his eyes to remind himself where he was. Maintaining his control was paramount.
He lowered his lips to her ear. “You’re magnificent tonight.”
She pulled away. “Glad you approve. Bell’s pretty, too. You two look good together.”
“You have to let me explain. I just don’t have time now.”
“Whatever, Jacque.”
He felt her body stiffen. “Look, babe, I’m sorry. I should’ve told you about her. It’s not what you think.”
“Is there a reason you asked me to dance? I won’t talk about us here.”
Jacque pulled her tighter, trailing his hand down her spine. “Antione’s here,” he whispered.
“What!” She spun her head searching the crowd filling the dance floor.
“Shhh. He the guy who made the crack about me beating him to the punch. He came to meet you.”
Angel finally met his gaze. “What do you mean?”
“You’re a big attraction. He came to check out the new game in town.” Jacque held her in place even after the song ended. The DJ kept it slow. “Here I Stand” blared through the speakers.
“What should I do?” she asked, trying to break his embrace. His arm gathered her snug to him, not allowing her to leave.
“Our best bet is you making him your new friend. Get close to him.” His wishes contradicted his words. “Please be careful. He’s more dangerous than he looks.” Jacque brushed one of her curls out of her face. Instinctively, he bent down and kissed her. Before he could stop her, Angel shoved him and brought a stinging blow across his face. The crowd gasped as she turned on her heels and stomped away, leaving Jacque alone on the dance floor.
Chapter Thirteen
Satisfaction and sorrow existed in a single heartbeat.
Angel’s breath weighed heavily in her lungs as she flung open the French doors and relished the sanctuary of the gardens. His unexpected kiss gave her the opportunity to remove herself from the situation. The longer she stayed in his arms, the more her defenses yielded. Every time she was close to him, her survival instincts went faulty. His lips could make her forgive any transgression. She couldn’t afford to make any more mistakes when it came to Jacque.
“Angel, what’s going on?” Marie asked, as she stepped on to the veranda.
“Sorry, Grand-mère,” she answered, wiping the tears from her face. “Jacque said Antione is here. Freaked me out.”
“So all the fuss was about Antione?”
“Not all of it. Some of it is Jacque being an asshole.”
Marie peered back into the house through the French doors. “Which one is he?”
Angel spotted him at the bar. “Oh, there he is.” She pointed to the dangerously handsome stranger. He looked as if he should be in leather with a crotch-rocket between his legs—the quintessential bad boy.
“Oh, he’s different, isn’t he?” Marie voiced her admiration. “I wonder what brought him out? I heard he’s been discreet for centuries.”
“Jacque said I was the reason he was here. He came for me.”
“Why? Do you think he knows you’re after him?”
Angel sucked her teeth and shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t think so. He claims he needs a new conquest. I guess I’m it.”
Marie shook her head. “Men and their games.”
Antione’s gaze met Angel’s. She diverted her eyes, embarrassed to be caught staring. “Let’s go in.” She took Marie’s arm and opened the doors.
At the bar, Angel squeezed between Antione and a cute blond. She flagged the bartender, brushing her breasts against Antione’s arm. He gave her a sideways grin, which crinkled the scar along his jaw. Angel cringed, remembering the damage that once adorned her own face.
“Hello, lovely.” His syrupy-sweet voice was like candy.
“Hi, I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” She extended her hand to him.
Antione covered her small hand with both of his and speaking in the same singsong voice announced, “You’re as heavenly as your name.”
She gave him her pageant smile, bright and wide. “It’s not fair you know my name, but I don’t know yours.”
“I’m sorry, my sweet. I’m Antione.” He dropped his head until his eyes met her cleavage.
“Nice to meet you, Antione.” She gave a slight curtsey and pressed closer into him when the blond behind her rested his hand on her ass. Everyone at this party was a bit touchy-feely.
Reaching around Angel, Antione tapped Blondie on his shoulder. “I think the lady would like you to take your hand off her.”
“Let her tell me herself.” The blond jerked Angel to him by the strings on the back of her corset.
Antione’s fist flew by the right side of her face and connected to Mr. Grab-ass’s chin. Blondie shook off the punch and lunged at Antione. Angel spun to get out the way. Before she could remove herself from the scuffle, Blondie’s shoulder clipped her and threw her on the floor. Her head slammed into the marble floor. Before she could move, several guys were by her side assisting her up. Accepting Laurent’s and Etienne’s hand, she smoothed her skirt as she got on her feet, trying to hide the gun in her boot.
The room spun. Angel tightened her grip on Laurent to steady herself. As she regained her focus, she looked up in time to watch Antione ram a silver spike into Blondie’s heart. Mr. Grab-ass dissipated in a puff of black smoke before he could hit the ground. Dusting off his jacket, Antione ran a hand through his hair and
searched the crowd to find his prize. He would be dazzling, if he weren’t a homicidal maniac.
Antione slid close to Angel, placing his hand at the small of her back. “I’m sorry about the disturbance, Etienne.”
“Not a problem. I would’ve done the same if I were with Angel.”
Antione tilted her chin to search her face. “Are you okay, my sweet?”
“I’m fine. My head hurts a bit. I’m tough. I’ll survive.” She smiled at him. “I think I’ll have Laurent bring me home. But I owe you one. Can we do dinner tomorrow or I guess it’s actually tonight?”
“Dinner sounds lovely. May I pick you up at nine when the sun is completely down?”
“Perfect. Again, thank you.” She reached over and kissed Antione’s cheek. “Laurent, have you seen Marie?”
“She left about an hour ago. The car took her home,” Laurent replied.
“Oh. Okay. Can we leave then? My head is killing me.”
“Of course.”
Etienne escorted them to the door.
Angel reached over and kissed him on each cheek. “Thanks for inviting me. You have a lovely home.”
“I apologize for the rudeness of my guests. It seems you bring out the animal in men. I can understand the attraction and the need to be territorial. Please don’t let tonight stop you from coming back.” Etienne’s sincerity rang true.
“I’ll be back anytime you’ll have me. Just call.”
***
Angel jumped into the limo. Jacque grabbed her, securing Angel to his side. Laurent slid in after her, shutting the door, blocking out the nosey onlookers. Angel moved to the seat on the other side of the car, her brown eyes glimmering with rage. As Jacque broke away from her glare, he thought, I’m in deep shit.
Some things aren’t as simple as they seem when you first think of them. He should’ve thought through his plan a little better. Even though Bell knew the situation, he still had to listen to her shit after kissing Angel on the dance floor. Women! They’re more trouble than they’re worth sometimes. The situation with Bell was easy. He didn’t care if she was pissed. But he had to figure out a way to make it right with Angel.
