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The two of them shake hands longer than necessary, tension rising between them and their firm grips on each other.
“It’s a charity event.” Savini stares at Axel. “And I’m a rather charitable man.”
“Aw, that’s sweet.” Violet continues to overlook the weirdness of the situation. “What are you bidding on tonight?”
Savini side-eyes me. “I haven’t decided yet. I hear there are law services offered by a local firm. I could use some legal advice.”
The package my employer roped me into giving away. Two hours of my time because people would be willing to bid on it with the firm’s name attached to it, but the actual partners wouldn’t have to do shit for work. Another one of the many pitfalls of being a first-year associate. I expected some start-up or hedge fund brat to bid on it, not the fucking enemy.
“Oh my God, Banks is your girl.” Violet takes a sip of her long island iced tea. “She’s the smartest, really. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s being head-hunted as we speak.”
Axel releases Savini and throws his arm over my shoulder, pulling me toward him. “How’s your drink, babe?”
I tip the thing back, downing the contents in one fell swoop. I slide the olive off the stick and into my mouth. “Great. Thanks.”
Between Savini and I lying about knowing each other, Savini and Axel lying about knowing each other, and me lying to Axel about our entire relationship, I grow unsure of how the fuck to move forward. I thought I had a handle on all of this but it’s like everything was tossed aside when I ran into Savini in that bar.
Now, I don’t know which way is up or how to continue on this dangerous path I’m on.
Savini takes the empty cup from me. “How about we get you another drink?” He latches onto my arm and tugs me away. Axel grips me tighter but ends up releasing me, no doubt not wanting to cause such a public scene.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell my best friend and fake boyfriend. I free myself from Savini but go along with him. “Why did you act like we didn’t know each other?”
He raises his brow and glances over at me. “Why did you?”
I sigh and lean against the bar, waiting for one of the overly busy bartenders to come over to us. The second Savini approaches, so does a young man. “Two of your finest ryes.”
He turns toward me, his stature towering over me. He’s probably the same height as Axel, but there’s something different about his masculine energy. It’s more mature, something that naturally comes with the massive age difference between us. Axel is sexy and handsome, whereas Savini has this sort of sophisticated vibe that can only be attributed to many additional years of experience. His stare is dangerous but alluring, making being near him that much more exhilarating.
“What do you see in him?” Savini doesn’t look away, not even when the bartender returns with our drinks.
“Thank you,” I tell the guy for the both of us.
“I asked you a question,” Savini says through gritted teeth.
“Why do you care?” I bring my glass to my lips and sip the golden liquid.
“You’re playing a risky game, fawn. You don’t know what kind of people you’re messing with. Sooner or later, you’re going to get hurt.”
“Is that supposed to scare me?” I step closer, tilting my head up at him. “I’m not afraid of you.”
His breath caresses my cheek, his gaze lingering on my lips for a second too long. “You should be terrified.”
A chill runs up my spine, speckling my flesh with goosebumps. Heat builds between my legs, betraying my every emotion. I shouldn’t feel this way. I fucking hate him. And yet, the thought of him bending me over this bar is enough to make my face flush red.
Axel and Violet rescue me from my rampant mind.
“Let’s dance.” Axel’s warm hand latches onto mine. I quickly down the rest of my drink and leave the glass on the counter and Savini behind. Maybe Axel’s tight body pressed along mine paired with the alcohol coursing through me will rid me of my sinful visions.
But the second I'm glued to the tatted criminal, our bodies swaying together with ease, I can't help but think about Savini pushing up on me from behind.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Axel’s voice distracts me temporarily. “He’s bad news, Banks.”
The melody turns slow, and I sigh and move to the unhurried rhythm with him. “So are you.” I grin at him, both of us knowing very well that he’s no angel either.
Axel shakes his head. “No. I’m well aware I don’t deserve you, but him, Banks, he’ll eat you up and spit you out. You don’t belong in his world.” He tucks a strand of my copper hair behind my ear and runs his thumb along my cheek. “Listen, I know we said we weren’t exclusive, and I don’t expect that to change but for me, it’s you. It’s always been you. I can’t control who you see or what you do, but I’m warning you. Not for any reason other than I care about you. Okay?”
