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Giovanna lunged forward, grabbing Britney’s red sweater in a tight grip.
“Gia,” Ian muttered, his voice low and tense.
She took a step back, shoving Britney’s top into her as she did.
“Ian,” Britney said, flashing her palms in a gesture of surrender, “he was absolutely terrifying, and I told him whatever he wanted to get him to go away and came straight here to tell you the minute I knew no one was watching.”
“You’re not exactly known for being nice,” I interjected. “I want the truth.”
“I’m not lying!” she shrieked before bringing her volume down. “The truth is, my drama was with Ian, not with Jade, and I know she hated me, but she was still always nice to me.”
“Why should I believe you?” Ian growled.
“I didn’t come here to ask for forgiveness,” Britney declared boldly. “I fucked you over in our relationship or whatever it was, and I own that now. And you don’t have to believe me, but I’m happily married these days anyway.” She lifted her left hand to show off a sizable diamond ring and wedding band. “I’m pregnant and I just want to do the right thing for once.” Her hand moved instinctively to rub circles on the small baby bump hidden under her slightly oversized sweater.
Ian’s fingers traced thoughtfully along his chin before he finally spoke. “You should take your man and get the fuck out of Boston. This isn’t something you want to involve yourself in, but I appreciate you telling me.”
“So,” she sighed, her eyes darting nervously between Ian and me, “you’re not mad at me?”
“I’m indifferent,” he declared, “but I know I’m not taking any chances.”
She turned to me, a hint of apology in her expression. “I’m sorry I can’t do more.”
I wasn’t exactly thrilled about her presence either, despite her attempt to warn us about potential danger. Like Ian, I wasn’t one to take unnecessary risks. As much as I fought back a snarky reply, I couldn’t help it. “You did plenty behind Ian’s back. You need to leave.” My words were a little harsh, but they reflected the truth of how I felt about her intrusion into our lives. She had brought nothing but trouble and chaos with her when they were together, and all I wanted was for her to leave as soon as possible.
“Ice Man,” Ian’s voice cut through the tension, “see to it that she gets home safely.”
“You want me to personally escort her?” He raised an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Ian affirmed with a nod, “I think that’s best given the circumstances.”
With a nod at Britney, he dismissed her from the room. Ice Man held open the door for her before grimacing at Ian and closing it behind them. I twisted to Giovanna, my confusion evident on my face.
“What was that?”
Biting her lip nervously, she met my gaze before glancing at Ian.
“I told her she needed to prove herself to me,” Ian replied calmly, “and she needed to fight for me if I gave her the signal.”
A sense of relief washed over me as his words sank in. He was willing to give her a chance.
“I think she’s lying,” Giovanna interjected, breaking the momentary silence.
Before I could even open my mouth to reply, Ian’s eyes flicked down to his watch, a look of agitation crossing his face. “We need to get back out there.”
JADE
On stage tonight, my movements had lost their usual fluidity and joy, replaced by a constant watchfulness for any sign of danger. I couldn’t fully let go and immerse myself in the music like I normally did when I’d danced before.
As soon as we returned home and got Maddie tucked into her bed, Luke drew me a hot bubble bath. The sweet scent of lavender wafted through the bathroom while 1940s jazz music drifted in from the bedroom. Both instantly calming my nerves. I sank into the warm water, letting it soothe my aching muscles and worries of Dante’s whereabouts.
As Luke emerged from the steamy shower, droplets of water clung to his tanned skin like glistening jewels. He reached for an oversize white towel and wrapped it snugly around his waist; the fabric highlighting his defined muscles. Making his way to the mirror, he picked up a toothbrush and brushed his teeth. As he leaned forward, his back muscles rippled and flexed, a beautiful display of strength and athleticism that I could never tire of watching. The drops of water shining on his skin only added to his irresistible allure, making it hard for me to tear my gaze away.
His reflection in the mirror showed a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Stepping over to the soaker tub, he bent over, holding its curved edge. “Coming to bed soon?”
I nodded. “Yeah.”
“What’s on your mind about tonight?”
