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“Sim.” Austin smiled.
Qasim didn’t spare the man a glance. “You done eating with your father?” he asked her.
“Well, I needed—” She stopped when he took her elbow, easing her out of Austin’s grasp. Vectra cast a surprised look over her shoulder to Austin and found that he seemed more amused than confused or angry.
He waved. “We’ll talk later, Vec. I need to get goin’, anyway. Catch up with you later, Sim.”
Vectra didn’t check to see if Qasim had acknowledged Austin with a look or nod. He was taking her back into the dining room.
“What are you doing?” she whispered, practically able to feel the heat radiating off him in angry waves.
“Who are you going to Robb’s party with, Vectra?”
The question caused her to stumble a bit. “Are you serious? Qasim, we need to talk.”
“We have.”
Vectra didn’t realize they’d already returned to the table until Qasim helped her back into her seat.
“Join us, Qasim,” Oscar Bauer offered.
Qasim’s hand lingered on the back of Vectra’s chair. “Maybe another time, sir.” He didn’t glance her way before he turned and left the dining room.
Chapter 4
Vectra accepted her brother’s hand when he helped her down from his Jeep that evening. By that time, she’d almost forgotten how utterly bewildered she’d been early that morning.
“Good?” Oliver gave both her hands a shake when she stood before him on the sidewalk outside Dazzles. The restaurant-nightclub was owned by the party’s guest of honor, Robb DeWitt.
“I promise I’m good.” She eased a hand through the crook of his arm and squeezed. “Just please don’t abandon me the second we walk up in here. I need to get my balance on these heels first.”
Oliver’s laughter turned heads almost as much as Vectra’s dress. She was determined to enjoy herself. The little wiggle of anticipation haunting her spine was exciting, albeit annoying.
Vectra’s gown was fashioned from a shimmering, elegant material—a cross between silk and satin. She hadn’t known which, only that she loved it. Silver and turquoise ties secured the halter bodice that dipped scandalously low to the small of her bare back. The cool turquoise color was offset by the silver and turquoise folds of the skirt that flared elegantly about her ankles. Strappy silver heels peeked out to show off a fresh French pedicure.
She’d selected her dress with Qasim in mind even though her chances of seeing him were slim to none.
What the heck, she thought, smiling up and around at the energetic atmosphere.
She’d always enjoyed playing the odds whether or not they were in her favor.
Brother and sister spent the first ten to fifteen minutes greeting other guests they knew but parted ways soon after. Vectra had spotted someone she knew, and Oliver had no shortage of female acquaintances ready to pull him away with them.
Vectra laughed while hugging Derionte Weeks, the head chef for Dazzles.
“What are you doing out here when there are people to be fed?” she teased.
“I’m no fool, Vec. This is a self-service party.” He grinned, looking quite pleased with himself. “The buffet is up on the VIP level.”
“Smart man.” Vectra arched a brow.
Derionte shrugged. “We’re actually testing out some dishes to see which’ll make the cut for Qasim’s charity thing coming up.”
“That’s right.” Vectra had almost forgotten the Dazzles cook staff had a standing job to work the highly anticipated event. “All that business is gonna earn you guys more than a few enemies.”
Derionte rolled his eyes. “Look who’s talkin’. The standing wine order comes from none other than Carro’s.”
“Hey, I can’t help it if your boss has a weakness for the best,” Vectra reasoned.
The music tempo changed and the two laughing friends immediately began to dance in place, syncing their moves to the upbeat nineties single.
Vectra and Derionte weren’t out of place. Most of the people in the room had broken out into dance whether they were on the dance floor or not. The single had always been one of Vectra’s favorites. She tossed her arms above her head, winding her hips as the grooves had their way with her body. She lost herself in the tune and didn’t begrudge the pair of hands that had come up to steady her waist.
Smiling and happy to greet another dance partner, Vectra turned. She barely avoided stumbling when she saw that it was Qasim who had come up behind her. The song faded into another upbeat but more mellow single. It was another favorite, but suddenly Vectra wasn’t in the mood for dancing. Her heart was beating way too fast to allow such activity.
