by Addison Fox
“Very diplomatic, aren’t you?” She narrowed her eyes. “But I don’t want to go out as Meghan Frost the pop star. No one knows about this new haircut and color. I figure if I dress down, maybe wear a baseball cap and sunglasses, no one will even recognize me.”
Was she kidding? Not sure how to react, he finally nodded. “We can try.” Then, as she began to smile, he held up his hand. “On one condition. If you’re recognized, you let me get you back up to your room. We can’t risk you getting hurt or mobbed by some overzealous fans.”
“Agreed,” she said happily, now towel-drying her hair. The short, spiky cut complemented her heart-shaped face and impossibly long neck. “When?”
He realized she’d asked him a question, though he had no idea what it was. Resigned, he asked her to repeat it. Once she had, he considered how to answer.
In actuality, he had very little scheduled today. “Do you like to shop?” he asked, figuring he’d be safe with that since he’d never met a woman who didn’t.
“Sometimes.” She delivered her response with a notable lack of enthusiasm. “I haven’t in a long time. I actually pay someone to do that for me.”
“For Christmas gifts?” Astounded, he shook his head. “Or have you already done your holiday shopping for your family?”
Just like that, her expression went blank. “I haven’t. But my family isn’t really big on celebrating.”
“I get it.” He’d met people like that. “Do you even exchange gifts?”
She lifted her chin, her shoulders tense as if she expected him to criticize her. “No.”
Though he felt like he was peppering her with questions, he desperately didn’t want her to go. Not yet.
“Are they flying out here to spend Christmas with you or are you traveling to them?”
“Neither.” Her shrug appeared carefully casual. “They have other plans for the holiday.”
She didn’t sound upset. Most people he knew would be depressed at the very least or angry. He’d known a few for whom the family dynamics made group get-togethers impossible, and without exception, this had made them furious. He himself couldn’t even imagine such a thing. He loved his family and would be devastated if he couldn’t see them.
Not Meghan Frost. She truly seemed unbothered.
“Okay,” he commented, forcing himself to focus on the topic at hand. “Here’s the thing. I have to get started on my Christmas shopping today. You’re welcome to join me, at least until someone recognizes you. Or, if shopping truly isn’t your thing, we can meet up later, and grab a bite to eat and go listen to music or something.”
Fully expecting her to answer she’d take the second choice, he waited.
“I think I’d like to go shopping with you.” Her shy smile made his chest tighten. “That way, I can accomplish two things. Learn my way around the shops in your hotel and see what normal people buy each other for Christmas.”
She didn’t seem to realize the pathos in her statement.
Chapter 3
“Sounds like a plan.” Gabe had to swallow hard and force the words out past the lump in his throat. “How about I meet you up at your suite around ten?”
She nodded. “That’s perfect. See you then.”
He watched her leave, mentally chastising himself for how much he looked forward to seeing her again. Now they had a date that wasn’t a date. This close to the solstice, he had to be careful and keep his distance. Still, tell that to the thrum of excitement running like an electrical current through his body. Again, he felt the flickering heat of banked embers, as if he might burst into flames at any second.
Ruthlessly, he got this under control. As the time for Rejuvenation drew closer, he frequently experienced such impulses, though never with so much intensity. Since Rafe had just had a major problem, accidently Rejuvenating before the solstice, he knew he needed to be extra careful.
Pushing the thought away, he hit Resume on the treadmill and started to run, refusing to turn and watch as Meghan left.
When he got back to his room, looking forward to a quick shower and then breakfast, he nearly groaned out loud to see Rafe waiting for him.
“What are you doing up so early?” Gabe teased. “Don’t tell me you want to start working out with me.”
Rafe didn’t even crack a smile. “This is serious. I’ve gotten word that several Hunters are here.”
“Already?” Gabe raised a brow. “They don’t usually show up a full week before the solstice. I wonder what’s up.”
“Me, too.” Rafe began to pace, his lithe movements resembling an elegant panther in his tailored suit. “This can’t be good.”
“Definitely not, but we’ve dealt with them before. As long as we’re careful, you know we’ll be fine.”
Rafe nodded. “Maybe we should go out to Mom and Dad’s for you to Rejuvenate. Less chance of one of them spotting you.”
“Maybe.” Gabe frowned. “This time the urge has been unusually strong. I’ve been fighting the impulse to burst into flames at the most inappropriate times.”
“Me, too.” Rafe’s glum voice matched his dark expression. “I hate it. Especially since I’ve already lost control. That was awful. Now my solstice is messed up since I Rejuvenated early.”
“I don’t know. It got you together with Evangeline,” Gabe teased. “I’ve never seen you so happy.”
As usual, just the mere mention of his brother’s girlfriend lifted Rafe’s mood. “True.” He flashed a grin. “Are you ready to go to breakfast?”
Even though they could have the hotel chef bring them whatever they wanted, the brothers made a practice of eating in the restaurant or buffet several times a month. Quality control, they called it.
Gabe shook his head. “No. Give me a few minutes to take a quick shower and dress. Do you want me to meet you there?”
“No, I’ll wait.” Rafe walked over to the balcony and drew back the drapes. “The sunrise is spectacular. I’ll be out here waiting for you.”
A short while later, having showered and shaved before donning another of his own custom suits, Gabe fetched his brother.
Rafe’s black mood had completely vanished and he hummed under his breath as they walked to the elevator.
“What’s on the agenda for you today?” he asked.
Refusing to feel awkward, Gabe outlined his plans.
“About time you got started on your Christmas shopping.” Rafe shook his head. “Though I’m not sure of the wisdom in bringing a pop diva along.”
“So far she seems pretty normal.” Gabe shrugged. “No big deal. She claims no one will recognize her with her new haircut and color. Plus, I think she mentioned some sort of mild disguise. It’ll be fine.”
“Will it?” Rafe pressed the elevator button. Instantly, the doors slid open. One of the perks of having a private elevator reserved just for the suites meant they never had to wait in line to go anywhere.
“You’re always overly optimistic,” Rafe continued once the doors slid closed.
“And you’re always overly worried,” Gabe countered. “We’ll be fine. We always are. The Hunters come, they hunt, and they rarely ever find us. They can be dangerous, but only once they find their quarry, you know that.”
“I do. I also hate that they seem to hunt in groups.” With a quiet ping, the doors slid open. Rafe always stressed. He hated being hunted, claiming he felt like all he did was look over his shoulder. His fears increased the closer they got to the solstice or equinox, depending on the season.
As for himself, Gabe figured, why worry? He felt confident in their ability to handle whatever threats came their way. Of course, he’d always been the more adventurous of the two.
Once on the lobby level, the constant tinkling and music of slot machines and just the faintest hint of cigarette smoke made
Gabe smile. “Last time I checked, the numbers were looking really good for last night.”
“That’s what I heard.” Rafe picked up the pace. “I’m starving,” he commented. “Maybe they’ll have the numbers ready if we stop by after we eat.”
Though that would be pushing it, Gabe figured it wouldn’t hurt to check. Though they weren’t demanding employers, it didn’t hurt to keep everyone on their toes. A sort of benign quality control.
The instant the hostess saw them, she led them to a prime table near the waterfall. “Here you go, gentlemen,” she said, handing them both a menu. “Enjoy your breakfast.”
Gabe met Rafe’s gaze and gave a slight nod. He glanced around the room, pleased that so many tables were occupied already. This didn’t always happen, as so much of the action went on late into the night and early into the morning. A lot of people slept in. This was one of the reasons Gabe had insisted breakfast be served 24/7.
By the alcove overlooking the casino, he spotted a woman eating alone. She had a paperback book propped up in front of her, reading as she sipped coffee and waited for her food. Her high cheekbones, delicate features and full mouth caused him to give her a second look.
A heartbeat later, he realized it was Meghan Frost. With her baseball cap, lack of makeup and her oversize sweatshirt, no one gave her any unusual glances, at least not any more than they would any beautiful woman.
“Why do you keep staring at that woman?” Rafe asked, ever perceptive.
“It’s her.” Gabe lowered his voice, though he still didn’t want to take the chance of uttering her name. “You know who. My shopping companion for later today.”
“Seriously?” Luckily, Rafe picked up on who Gabe meant immediately. “Wow. She was right. If you hadn’t pointed her out, I never would have guessed. Good disguise.”
Just then the waitress arrived to take their orders. Clearly overwhelmed at the prospect of waiting on the two owners, she stammered as she asked them what they’d like to drink.
“It’s okay.” Reading her name on her tag, Gabe smiled to put her at ease. “Beth, you can relax. Are you new?”
“Yes, sir.” She attempted a nervous smile and failed. “It’s my second day.”
“You’ll be fine,” Gabe reassured her. “I’d like a coffee and a large orange juice.”
“The same for me, except make my juice tomato,” Rafe put in, also flashing her a smile. To both men’s amusement, she blushed before nodding and rushing off to get their drinks.
“I hope she hurries with the coffee.” Stifling a yawn, Rafe drummed his fingers on the tablecloth. Gabe nodded absently, aware he could also use a nice jolt of caffeine.
“Do you want to invite her over?” Rafe asked, making Gabe realize he’d gone back to watching Meghan, who so far appeared completely unaware of his scrutiny.
“No,” Gabe answered quickly, maybe too quickly, judging by his brother’s raised brows. “I’ll be spending all day with her. She probably needs a little peace and quiet.”
“Like we all do,” Rafe murmured. “After the New Year celebration, Evangeline and I plan to go off somewhere alone together.”
Surprised, Gabe nodded. “Good for you.”
Beth arrived with their drinks and both men ordered. Nothing fancy, just one of the ordinary breakfasts right off the menu. “Oh, and do me a favor, Beth,” Rafe asked. “Don’t tell the cook who it’s for. We want to sample the same thing our customers are served.”
Color still high, she nodded before bustling off to the kitchen.
“Think she will?” Rafe asked, watching her go.
Gabe dragged his gaze off Meghan long enough to shrug. “Who knows? Fifty-fifty chance. Depends if she likes the cook or not.”
Meghan twirled one short strand of hair around her finger as she read. Adorable and, even in her disguise, sexy as hell.
Rafe cleared his throat. “Look, bro, if you keep staring at her like that, she’s going to notice. Hell, other people are going to notice. Just go and invite her to join us.”
Gabe wanted to. Really wanted to. But he also knew women who looked like her were used to men fawning all over them. He definitely didn’t want to join the ranks.
So instead, he focused on his coffee and made a determined effort to keep his gaze focused on anything beside her.
* * *
Finally Meghan had begun to relax. She’d been a little—okay, a lot—worried, but once she’d ventured out in her halfhearted disguise and no one mobbed her, she could feel the tension leave her body.
Fame and attention were givens, considering what she did for a living. But every now and then she yearned to be a regular person living a normal life. Like right now, she could have coffee and read the latest romance novel she’d picked up before leaving home. The cheerful sound of multiple slot machines made a pleasant background noise. No one paid the slightest bit of attention to her. Mornings didn’t get much better than this, at least lately. Maybe this Vegas residency had been a good idea.
Anything to shake up the endless touring and pretending to be someone she wasn’t. Even her dates had all been arranged with an eye on publicity.
Even the prospect of shopping sounded appealing. Just like in the old days, before paparazzi with their endless cameras and questions. She could help the handsome casino owner get his Christmas shopping done. She felt a pang at the thought. She hadn’t bought Christmas presents for anyone in a long, long time. Her family simply didn’t celebrate anymore.
Which was the absolute last thing she wanted to focus on, especially surrounded by Christmas decorations and holiday music. At least today, she could have a normal afternoon, as long as her disguise held up. No one but the Stavros brothers even knew she’d arrived in Vegas so early.
Trying to focus on her book, she found herself thinking about Gabe Stavros instead. She’d never seen a man fill out a suit jacket so well. With his longish dark hair and caramel-colored eyes, she wondered how he dressed when he wasn’t working. Or...how he’d look without any clothes on at all. All hard muscle, she’d bet. For the first time in a long time, she found herself fantasizing about exactly that.
A shiver skittered up her spine, just like it always did when someone was watching her. Equal parts dread and curiosity had her slowly lifting her head to see why, even as she prayed she hadn’t been recognized. Of course, 90 percent of people would be unsure, and if she laughingly denied being herself, they’d leave her alone. Or so her manager claimed. Personally, Meghan hadn’t had a chance to actually try this theory out. If she had a choice, she’d opt for not being recognized at all to begin with.
All around her in the crowded restaurant, diners ate or drank their coffee and read the paper. Families in large groups and small, some talking and passing around a platter of perfectly toasted bread, others chowing down on their food and checking their phones. No one appeared to be paying attention, staring at her, or whispering and pointing while trying not to stare. So far, so good.
And then she swiveled her head to the left and met Gabe Stavros’s gorgeous whiskey eyes. Inside, a flame sparked to life, suffusing her with heat. Despite this, she managed to keep her cool. Inclining her head in a tiny nod of recognition, she pretended to go back to reading her book.
Luckily for her, the waitress arrived with her breakfast. This morning, Meghan had splurged and ordered eggs Benedict with salmon along with a side of fruit.
And it looked every bit as wonderful as she’d pictured. She rarely allowed herself to indulge like this, but since today was the start of her vacation, why not?
While she ate, she could tell every time Gabe glanced her way. She felt the intensity of his gaze as strongly as if he’d touched her.
Interesting. Finishing, she blotted the corners of her mouth with her napkin and looked his way. His gaze darkened as their eyes met again.
; Her breath caught. Him. For the first time in too many years to count, she wanted to skim her hands down a broad and no doubt muscular chest, over the washboard abs of his stomach, hesitating only when she reached the top of his leather belt.
Thoroughly aroused, she realized if he could make her entire body tingle with just a look, his touch would send her up in flames.
The next few weeks suddenly seemed to hold a lot more promise. This could definitely get interesting.
Once she’d charged her breakfast to her room, she went over to Gabe’s table. His companion looked enough like him that she figured he had to be his brother.
“Good morning.” Her confident smile was part of her onstage persona, though they had no way of knowing that. In fact, judging from the slightly dazed look on the other Stavros brother’s face, it had the desired effect.
Gabe smoothly performed the introductions. She shook Rafe’s hand, admiring the firm grip while noting his touch didn’t affect her the same way Gabe’s did.
“I’m going to go upstairs and change,” she told Gabe. “I’ll be ready shortly.”
Though he nodded, he let his gaze rake boldly over her. Again, she felt the trail of his eyes like heat skittering across her skin. “Define ‘shortly,’” he drawled, smiling faintly. “Do you mean a few minutes or a few hours?”
Just like that, her charmed bubble burst. He didn’t know her and like so many others, assumed she was some sort of diva like many other female performers.
Keeping her smile firmly in place, she straightened her shoulders. “I’ll be ready on time. I don’t believe in keeping people waiting.” Turning, she sailed out the door, smiling all the way to the elevator. Only once she’d gotten inside did she relax.
Deep breaths. Those two men were her new bosses and if their experience was anything like hers, words didn’t matter half as much as actions. Unlike other superstars, she would never even consider making an audience wait, nor did she expect other people to constantly adjust their schedules to accommodate hers.
They’d see. She’d gotten ahead by dint of hard work and a sprinkling of talent. She had no reason to change what, until now, had always been a winning formula.
