by Sienna Snow
“When do you get up after a long night?”
“It depends on the day and if I have an antiquities project. Tonight, I won’t go to bed until at least seven in the morning so I’ll sleep until noon.”
“Then meet me at Emma’s for coffee.”
“You’re serious about this friendship thing, aren’t you?”
“Why are you surprised? I mean what I say.”
She sighed. “Fine. We’ll give this friendship thing a try.”
Isa
I yawned as I walked the street leading to Emma’s. I wasn’t sure why I was doing this. Maybe it had to do with wanting to rebel against my family, the Webers, the world.
I knew nothing would come of anything with Baz. Hell, I didn’t even know his last name. Well, I guessed he didn’t know mine either.
How would he react when he learned it? Would he know I was the daughter of the man who ran most of the streets of Berlin? Would it matter?
I wasn’t planning on hiding it. There was no point. Papa was too much of a public fixture. Luckily, Papa did everything to keep me out of the spotlight. And if anyone managed to link us, I’d act as if it were no big deal. I guessed it also helped that I’d spent years living in the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
My phone beeped with an incoming text. It was from my best friend, Lilly.
Lilly Lennox was the daughter of one of my father’s associates, though we hadn’t known it at the time we’d met in graduate school. We ended up working on a research project together and became fast friends. Now three years later, we ran an antiquities company together.
Lilly was not only my partner but the only person who understood the world I lived in. She knew all my secrets, from the clubs to my relationships with groups our fathers would lose their shit over if they ever found out. I never gave her details on said groups, but she was a smart girl and probably had some inkling. Besides, it was better to keep her out of the nitty-gritty details. All she needed to know was that anonymous clients hired us to appraise art pieces and verify authenticity.
We both got to play sleuths without actually leaving our office. Plus, Lilly was a free spirit and viewed the world through rose-tinted glasses. She wanted to believe the best in people. She kept me from getting lost in my businesses. The last thing I’d ever do was put her in any form of danger.
Her father knew his daughter didn’t fit the typical princess role. Lilly with her whimsical clothes and wild hair would fit more into a hippy colony than the streets of Berlin.
Lilly: I finished the appraisal. The fee is in our account. Ana sent notice that she isn’t going to be our auction house contact anymore.
I wasn’t happy about the change. Hopefully, whoever replaced her was easy to work with.
Ana was the one who’d pushed me into working for her “company,” in a consultant capacity. The company, also known as Solon, was more than an average business. It was one that required security clearance and an intense background check. The fact I had ties to the “unsavory” elements of society had been a positive instead of a negative to Ana’s boss, Bri, who had hired me for my first project.
Being a mobster’s daughter had its benefits, especially when working as an informant/appraiser for various secret agencies from Interpol and the CIA to underground ones like Solon. They had no qualms associating with me, and it was understood, for my assistance, they would keep any and all operations managing my father’s business dealings far away from me.
I crossed the street and typed out my response.
Ana leaving was something I’d expected after talking to her and reading a report giving a general case analysis of Ana’s last assignment.
She’d been part of a multi-agency case that had taken a turn no one expected. The sex traffickers they were targeting had kidnapped her and put her up for sale. If it wasn’t for her now-husband, Adrian, a CIA agent, and his Interpol partner, she would have been sold to God only knew who.
She’d had to play the role of sex slave for Adrian and his partner. Whatever she’d experienced had changed her plans for her career in Solon. Now she was back in Las Vegas, helping run her family’s businesses.
Isa: She just got married and has a baby on the way. I think she has other priorities on her mind than working with us.
Lilly: Does this mean you’re going to follow in her footsteps? After all, you’re getting married in a few months.
Isa: Hell, no. My work isn’t going to suffer because of decisions made by my family.
Lilly: Good luck with that. I’m sure your new husband is going to be fine with you running nightclubs, appraising artwork for clients with no names, and consulting for “the company” while being his arm candy.
I scowled at the phone.
Isa: I’m no one’s eye candy.
Lilly: Hate to tell you this, but that’s exactly what you’ll become.
Isa: I’ll figure something out. I refuse to let anyone control my life.
Lilly: Want to meet me for coffee?
Isa: I can’t. I have plans.
Lilly: With who?
I could totally lie to her but Lilly was my ride or die and would keep a secret.
Isa: A VIP I met at Verberne Schutzer.
Lilly: No fucking way. Who is he? Give me his name, I’ll have everything you need to know about him within the hour.
Lilly was not only an art expert but a secret hacker who could find anything about anyone.
Isa: It’s better you know as little as possible.
Lilly: I don’t like it.
Isa: It’s just friendship.
Lilly: Right, friendship with a hot guy that you met at one of your clubs. Isa, you’re playing with fire.
Isa: Stop worrying. It’s completely innocent. Besides, I never said he was hot.
Lilly: I hope you know what you’re doing. I’ve never known a man and woman to only be friends.
Isa: Got to go. I’m at the shop.
Lilly: This conversation isn’t over.
I had no doubt she was going to hound me for information until I relented.
I tucked my phone back into my handbag and pulled open the door.
My eyes immediately landed on Baz. He sat in the corner reading a paper.
Fuck, he was beyond gorgeous.
I wasn’t sure it was possible for a man to have this level of appeal. He wore a fitted green sweater and a pair of dark denim jeans. The tattoos around his wrist peeked out from the long sleeves, giving him a sophisticated yet dangerous edge.
His manner was eerily similar to the way Papa and his men carried themselves. He even sat in a position that kept anyone from coming up behind him.
As if sensing my study of him, he lifted his dark eyes to mine. My knees went weak, and I felt a flutter deep in my stomach.
No, Isa. This is friendship. Put any other thoughts away.
“Isa. You look beautiful.” Baz stood as I approached and gestured to the chair across from him.
He glanced behind me. “No security?”
“Oh, they’re here. The only reason you’d know they were around is if they wanted you to know.” I took my seat and waited for Baz to take his.
“Good to know.”
A waitress came up to us, and I ordered a coffee and a pastry.
“What’s your last name?”
Baz lifted a brow. “Does it matter?”
“Friends usually know these things.”
“Klein.”
I offered him my hand. “I’m Eloisa Benz.”
A slight smile touched his lips as he slid his palm against mine, engulfing my hand in his large one. “Baz Klein.”
The next hour was easier than I expected. We ate, laughed, and got to know each other. Our conversation never stopped and flowed from one random topic to the next. There was no touching on the subject of my upcoming marriage or the fact we shared a crazy attraction. It was almost like the conversations I had with Lilly.
I learned he was in shipping and a real-estate invest
or specializing in international projects, that he traveled a lot, and he’d had a tumultuous relationship with his father following his mother’s death.
I told him about growing up an only child to overprotective parents and grandparents. And the story of how I ended up in the nightclub business because of a suggestion from Penny and Hagen.
By the time our date ended, we had another coffee date set for the coming week, and I had a comfortable feeling that a friendship between Baz and me was something very doable.
Chapter Seven
One Week Until the Wedding
Isa
“So, are you going to tell me more about this guy you’re seeing other than his name?” Lilly glanced at the calendar. “Isn’t today your regular coffee date?”
I looked up from a painting I was examining and glared at her.
“I’ve already told you. He’s just a friend. We have great conversations. There isn’t more to tell.”
“I need more details. None of my searches has come up with anyone named Baz Klein.”
“You investigated him.” I couldn’t disguise my annoyance with Lilly. “I didn’t give you permission to do that.”
What I had with Baz was like nothing I’d ever had with any man before. We were real friends. He listened, gave advice, and took mine in return. We never crossed any lines. Although the underlying attraction seemed to be growing more intense.
“You’ve been so vague. I had to find out more about him. Especially with who you are and who you’re about to marry. The last thing you need is someone taking advantage of you.”
“I’m not stupid. I never go anywhere without protection.”
“That’s not what I mean, and you know it. I’m worried about your heart.”
“For my heart to be involved, it would mean we were meeting to do more than food and conversation.”
Now if only it didn’t feel as if I was lying. I’d grown attached to Baz, and admitting it to anyone would hurt more than when I told him we couldn’t meet anymore.
Something I’d have to do sooner rather than later.
I was on a deadline, and it was a matter of days until my life changed forever.
“You know I’m not going to judge you if you decide to move it to a different level and have a fling before you’re shackled to Weber.”
“I adore you for saying that, but I’m not going to start an affair with a man I can only be with for a week. I just want us to keep it in the friend zone.”
“And I have a bridge to sell you.”
“You’re such an ass.”
Lilly blew me a kiss and went back to studying the sculpture she’d spent the morning examining.
“Yes, but I’m not keeping things from my best friend.”
Setting down the magnifying glass I was using to inspect the painting, I said, “Fine. Ask me what you want to know.”
“How about what does he do?”
“He works in shipping.”
“That could mean anything.”
I rolled my eyes. “Does it really matter? It’s not like I’m marrying him. I probably know more about Baz than the man I’m actually marrying.”
She shrugged her shoulders as if agreeing with my statement and then continued her questions. “How old is he?”
“Twenty-nine.”
“On a scale of decent to scorching, where does he fall?”
I paused, thinking about his dark eyes and the sexy tattoos that covered his arms that I’d gotten glimpses of during our last coffee meetup. We’d been debating the perceived value versus the actual value of an art piece that had made worldwide news for the exorbitant price a collector paid.
Baz had insisted the buyer had gotten a bargain and I’d insisted he’d paid too much, when Baz had rolled up his sleeves and set his elbows on the table to make his point. I’d lost all train of thought outside of how sexy Baz was. How he was way too built to be a man who worked in a corporate-type job. It had taken me a full minute to bring my head back into the conversation.
“I take your silence and the pinkish tint of your cheeks as on-fire scorching.”
“Whatever.”
“Does he know about your marriage?”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Why would I lie about that? It’s not like I can pretend it’s not happening.”
“Point taken.”
“Does he know who you’re marrying?”
“No. We haven’t touched on the subject since that day at Dimitri’s.”
We may not have spoken about it, but it lay like a heavy weight between us.
Lilly tapped her lip, lost in thought.
“What else?” I asked, knowing if she got all her questions out that she’d leave me alone and let me finish my work so I could get home with enough time to take a nap.
I had to make plans for the management of the clubs, and I knew it would take me all night to get everything organized with the staff.
“Is he tall?”
“Yes.”
“Is he built?”
“Yes.”
“Is he smart?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to sleep with him?”
Before I could censor myself, I said, “Yes.” I covered my face with my hands. “Forget I said that. It doesn’t matter anyway.”
“Yes, it does.” The adamancy in her voice surprised me. “You’re in an arranged marriage to save your family. You’re allowed to have some fun.”
“I’m not a cheater.”
“It’s not cheating, and you know it. You haven’t even met the man. Hell, you’ll meet him at the same time I will. Live a little, Isa. You push the line in all aspects of life but the personal.”
“And if I get caught?”
Lilly glared at me. “You know as well as I do that the only way anyone will catch you doing anything is if you let them. You’re a sneaky-ass bitch.”
“I’m sure that was meant as a compliment.”
“I’m serious. Go on a real date with the man, have an affair, make memories you can take into the farce of a marriage your family is forcing on you.”
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
“Of course, it is.”
“I can’t.”
“Of course, you can.”
“No, Lilly. I won’t hurt him like that or hurt myself. It’s going to be hard enough as it is.”
“So, it is more than just friendship?” Lilly gave me a smug smile.
I sighed. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Yes, it does.”
She really was like a dog with a bone. Before I thought twice about it, I grabbed my phone and sent Baz a text.
Isa: I can’t see you today. Actually, it’s better we don’t see each other again. I’m getting married in a week and it’s only prolonging the inevitable.
Immediately a response came, but I set the phone on the counter, not wanting to look at it.
Lilly grabbed my phone and read the message. “Why would you do this? He wants to see you. You have a week more with him.”
“I’m not with him, dammit.” I snatched my phone back from her, when it began to ring.
The call was from Baz. I ignored it, set the ringer to silent, and shoved my cell in the back pocket of my jeans. “Let it go. I can’t discuss this anymore. It’s like we’re going around in circles. Why don’t you worry about your love life and that guy you’re seeing?”
Lilly frowned at that. For the last few weeks, Lilly had been seeing this guy she’d met at a party. They had this relationship that blew hot and heavy half the time and cold and distant the rest.
“Don’t try to deflect on me.”
“Lilly, please.” I hadn’t expected my voice to quiver.
All of a sudden the weight of everything that was happening in my life hit me. I had no idea what the future would hold for my friendships, my family, my businesses. Everything in my carefully controlled life was in turmoil.
I closed my eyes a
nd pinched the bridge of my nose.
Lilly’s arms came around me. “I’m so sorry, Isa. I didn’t realize he meant so much to you. I won’t bring it up again. I promise.”
Dropping my head to her shoulder, I let a tear fall.
“Can we do something tonight? I don’t think I have it in me to plan for the clubs. I just need something that will take my mind off everything in my life.”
“Are you sure you want to venture into my type of fun?”
“Your version of wild is going bar hopping and getting in bed by one in the morning. I think I can handle it.”
Lilly shook her head. “I feel like you don’t know me at all.”
“Okay, I challenge you to a night on the town where you don’t head home the second the clock strikes midnight.”
“Challenge accepted.”
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Lilly asked as we waited for the crowd to quiet.
“When you said you were going to show me a good time, I never expected you to take me to a kink club.”
“Disappointed?”
“No, not in the least.”
In fact, I was fascinated. This was a world I’d never dared to explore. A world I knew existed but never wanted to risk seeing for fear of knowing I couldn’t be part of it. It was probably why I’d gotten so upset with Baz that day at the bar.
“I’m so glad. Stay here—my favorite couple are about to go on. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Where are you going?”
“To find Kane. This is one of the businesses he manages. He wants to meet you.”
“I’ll be here when you get back.”
At that moment a couple stepped down into a sunken stage with a St. Andrew’s cross set in the corner. The crowd went silent and all attention went to the people onstage. The Dom and his submissive were beyond gorgeous. The petite female wore a light pink robe and had her long golden-blond hair tied in a ponytail atop her head. The man was tall, over six feet, and built like a wrestler. His clothes were simple: jeans and a button-down shirt, rolled at the sleeves.
When they were in the center, they stared into each other’s eyes, as if the world started and ended with their partner. There was love there and trust, complete trust.
